Controlling a motorcycle is much harder than controlling a passenger vehicle. Motorcycles also lack the protection of vehicles, which makes even minor accidents a lot riskier. That’s why motorcyclists must be fully aware of all potential road hazards and take the proper steps to avoid them. In addition to wearing protective gear, operating your motorcycle safely and responsibly greatly reduces your risk of an accident.
Gravel
Cornering is an essential skill all riders must learn to truly master their motorcycles. However, even the most seasoned motorcyclist has difficulty cornering on a road covered in gravel. Even a small amount of gravel on the road causes a motorcycle to lose traction. If traveling at a high rate of speed, loss of traction can lead to an accident.
Animals
When driving on deserted stretches of road far away from residential areas, you might encounter a wild animal. Wild animals like deer and coyotes are likely to dart into the road suddenly, which is a major problem when driving at night. You may also unexpectedly encounter animals in urban areas, such as off-leash dogs or cats.
Slippery Surfaces
Motorcycles are much lighter than other types of vehicles, meaning they’re more likely to slide over slick surfaces. Rain, mud, oil, and other substances are notorious for causing skidding. When driving in heavy traffic, skidding is extremely dangerous for motorcyclists, who may be unable to prevent a collision with another vehicle.
Debris
Virtually any type of debris or defect in the road can prove dangerous when riding a motorcycle. Cracks, potholes, roadkill, plant debris, automotive parts, litter, and numerous other items can cause problems while you’re driving.
Uneven Surfaces
Expansion joints connect different sections of road together while allowing some flexibility. These joints make the road slightly uneven, which can cause loss control. They’re also more likely to become slippery during rainstorms.
What to Do If You’re Injured Because of a Road Hazard
There are many times when road hazards are unavoidable. If negligence contributed to the presence of road hazards, Hinkle Law Offices, LLC is here to help. Our motorcycle accident attorneys will go over your case to determine the best legal strategy. From there, we’ll help you pursue damages for medical bills and lost wages, as well as possible damages for emotional distress.