Avoiding a motorcycle accident may not be as straightforward as it sounds. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, 5,014 of all traffic fatalities were motorcyclists, and nearly 84,000 were injured.
A large percentage of those killed in wrecks did not have a valid motorcycle license. About forty-two percent of motorcyclists in single-vehicle motorcycle wrecks were alcohol-related. With Las Vegas’s 24-hour culture, it becomes increasingly likely that people in cars — and people on motorcycles — have consumed alcohol. For more information on these dangers, check out our guide on the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in Nevada.
Therefore, it stands to reason that a motorcycle wreck can be much more severe than a car wreck. It also stands to reason that the best way to survive or at least not get seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in Las Vegas is to avoid having one. Following are valuable suggestions for doing just that.
Leading Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are more likely to suffer a catastrophic injury in a wreck. Avoiding such impacts can be critical to a cyclist’s health and survival.
A major contributing factor to vehicle wrecks is negligence. One or both drivers can become distracted, and before they know it, they are heading for a collision. As a motorcyclist, the only thing you can do is watch out for situations that could turn into a crash. As a motorcyclist, you can keep from acting negligently while on the road. But there is little you can do about other people on the road not to be negligent.
Some common causes of a motorcycle accident in Las Vegas include:
- Left turning vehicles
- Speeding
- Alcohol
- Changing lanes
- And more
Cars making left-hand turns pose the most significant risk to motorcyclists. Intersections are especially hazardous for motorcyclists due to a phenomenon called saccadic masking or inattentive blindness, where drivers may not register the motorcycle even if they look directly at it. Cyclists can help other drivers see them better by moving within their lane to trigger a visual response. For additional insights, explore how to avoid a motorcycle accident in Las Vegas.
Defensive Riding
Driving defensively , or riding defensively in the case of a motorcycle is a critical skill for safe motoring. Defensive motoring is a learned behavior, and it can help you avoid accidents caused by negligent drivers.
To obtain a motorcycle license in Nevada, you must either take an approved course or pass a written and road skills test offered by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Learn more about Nevada motorcycle laws and what drivers need to know to stay informed.
The basics of defensive driving include:
- Look ahead and maintain safe distances: Motorcycles cannot stop as quickly as four-wheeled vehicles. Riders must keep speeds and distances in mind when riding in traffic.
- Always have an escape plan: Besides looking ahead, look around. Anticipate what other drivers around you might do that could jeopardize you, and plan your reaction.
- Assume every other driver on the road is an idiot or drunk: You cannot tell what other drivers are thinking or going to do. The only person you can trust is you.
- And others
Even after taking all the necessary precautions, you can still be involved in a motorcycle accident. If you are injured in a wreck, it’s important to contact a Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorney to protect your rights and ensure you receive proper compensation.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Dealing with a motorcycle wreck can be a harrowing experience. Compound that with injuries, and you have an absolute nightmare heading your way. Some common injuries include:
- Fractures
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Neck and Back Injuries
- And many more
TBIs can result in physical and cognitive deficits, such as intellectual impairment, communication issues, behavioral changes, and emotional distress. Other head and brain injuries can include concussions, skull fractures, and facial bone damage. Injuries from a motorcycle accident can take a long time to heal, and in some cases, require long-term care. In such instances, consulting a motorcycle accident attorney in Las Vegas is a wise decision.
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