ALT-2 Common causes of Motorcycle Accidents
I have had motorcycles for most of the 20 years that I have been driving. I have had many close calls. The day before Thanksgiving 2009 something happened that really gave me reason to give thanks.
I ride year around. That means nice sunny weather, rain, snow, and the cold. The only exception is when there is actually ice on the road.
To put the title into use, there are many situations that cause motorcycle accidents. The most common without any doubt is the fact that other drivers on the road don't pay attention. I cannot count the times that a person has made eye contact with me only to pull out in front of me.
Another reason (also the fault of other drivers) is the fact that a motorcycle that weighs a few hundred pounds will stop a lot faster than a car that tops the scales around 2000 pounds. If the car is following too close and the bike has to stop suddenly, there is no way that the car will stop in time.
There are so many other factors that they can't be listed. Many times it is the fault of the rider. They think that they can ride better than their abilities allow. This will lead to over confidence and making dumb mistakes. All the troubles that will plague normal drivers are ten fold on a bike. Ice, snow and rain can be deadly when riding a two wheeled vehicle.
On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, I was returning from the family dinner (most of my family works in the medical field so we work on holidays). While riding the motorcycle I am restoring, a yearling deer materialized in front of me. It happened so fast that I couldn't even hit the brakes.
Hitting the deer made me lay the motorcycle on it's side. I slid down the highway for approximately 25-30 feet. Much to the amusement of my friends, when I ride I look like one of the Village People. Leather coat, leather chaps, gloves and of course a helmet (even though the state of Illinois doesn't legally require it).
After my unexpected slide down the pavement, the only damage was some to the bike, and unfortunately a deer with a broken back. I felt worse for the deer than my bike. Luckily, an off duty police officer came along and finished off the deer. It's was truly a mercy killing. The baby was suffering and crying. It made me really sad.
Back to the thankfulness. Since I wear leather from head to toe, all I suffered was a sore shoulder and elbow. My jacket has several holes torn into it from the pavement. A small cut on my head from the goggles. All being said, if I had not used common sense and used the protective clothing, there is a very, very real chance that I would not have made it to see Thanksgiving day this year.
So many things can cause accidents. Some can be avoided, others like deer cannot. The only thing that you can do is be prepared and be ready for anything. Even with that, things can happen. Wear protective gear and especially your helmet. Without it, one mistake, not even your own, can very easily cause you to check out before your time.
