What Are Common Road Hazards That Cause Motorcycle Accidents?

Although the freedom of riding a motorcycle on the open road remains unmatched, there is a significant risk of serious physical harm associated with potential traffic accidents involving motorcycles. When it comes to cars, they can offer a bit of safety when involved in these types of accidents. Motorcycles offer little to no protection to their riders as they have no guards around them. Meaning that minor road hazard accidents could prove fatal if the riders fail to exercise caution while driving. As much as they are fun to ride, motorcycles come with significant risks. In this article, we will look at some of the most common road hazards that cause motorcycle accidents and tips on how to avoid them.

Potholes

Potholes are one of the most dangerous road hazards motorcycles face every day on the road. Wear and tear resulting from adverse weather conditions and heavy traffic can create potholes that could damage the tires and suspension systems of motorcycles. These potholes can cause motorcycle riders to crash into other vehicles. Riders need to look at their surroundings carefully and avoid any potholes that could result in devastating traffic accidents. Always make sure to go the speed limit and be aware of how the road looks.

Fluid Spills

Fluid spills on the road can reduce the traction between the road and the tires of a motorcycle, resulting in loss of control and traffic accidents. Oil spills from cars and oil tanks can cause vehicles to crash due to the lack of friction between adjacent surfaces. Similarly, wet and slippery roads due to rain and snowfall might make it difficult for drivers to control their vehicles. It poses a greater threat to motorcycles that have two wheels, making a smaller contact area with the road and resulting in motorcycles sliding off the road. You want to make sure to slow down if you think there are spills on the road.

Sand and Gravel

Sand and gravel on the road can pose a challenge for any driver on the road, but to a motorcycle rider who can easily lose control of their bike due to a lack of traction. It’s important to keep all of your balance on the bike. Sand and gravel could disrupt that if you are going at the right speed. All motorcycle riders should keep an eye out for any sand and gravel on the side of the road that could make it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their bikes. It is important to slow down and carefully look at the road for any gravel.

Animals

Animals can be one of the most dangerous and unexpected threats to the safety of a motorcycle driver. Since they can pop in their way without warning, causing them to swerve and hit a bystander or a moving vehicle. Depending on the size of the animal and the circumstances surrounding the motorcycle crash, an animal-related motorcycle accident can have varying consequences, ranging from minor bruises and injury to incapacitation and death. Motorcycle riders need to avoid any animals on the road and remain cautious while driving to spot any rogue animals that might appear suddenly. If you are by a heavily wooded area, make sure you are paying attention to your surroundings. 

Debris

Debris on the road such as trash, concrete blocks, tree branches, or other unexpected items can pose a significant threat to a motorcycle rider. Debris can damage a motorcycle’s tires and result in unfortunate traffic accidents. While riding a motorcycle, a driver should remain watchful of any debris on the road and try to avoid it or slow down to maintain better control of their vehicles. If you run into debris at the right speed, it will cause you to crash. So, make sure to pay attention to the road and if you see any type of debris, slow down and try to move around it.

Conclusion

Potholes, fluid spills, oil spills, debris, animals, sand, and gravel are some of the most common road hazards that might result in dangerous motorcycle accidents. These can appear on the road at random times. So even if you aren’t suspecting any type of accident, always be prepared. Anything is possible. If you or your loved one got injured in a traffic accident involving such road hazards, you can consult an expert lawyer to discuss your legal options.