What Distractions Lead to Motorcycle Accidents?
While a lot of talk is delegated to emphasizing the different types of distractions that lead to passenger vehicle accidents, it is time we focus on those that lead to motorcycle crashes. Below we are discussing some of the most common distractions that contribute to motorcycle accidents occurring and things that every biker should refrain from doing to help prevent themselves from engaging in a collision.
- Passengers- Although passengers in cars or trucks are sometimes considered to be a distraction, those traveling on the back of a motorcycle also serve as a distraction as well. If they are engaging in behavior that diverts the rider’s attention away from the street and their driving, this can contribute to an accident occurring.
- Cellphones- Just as distracting as a cell phone can be to the driver of a car, it is equally distracting to an operator of a motorcycle. As convenient and helpful as cellphones are, the few seconds used to check a message or read an email could be the seconds that cause a biker to swerve out of their lane and into another motorist.
- Scenery- One of the reasons why many individuals elect to ride a motorcycle is because it allows them to be more in tune with mother nature. Because a biker isn’t restricted to blind spots, they have the freedom to look all around and take in everything happening around them. But, you don’t want to get too caught up in the scenery as this could lead to you rear-ending another vehicle or veering out of your lane.
Cell phones have become a major distraction for both motorists and motorcyclists.
- Music– While it is understandable that you want to enjoy some tunes while riding, avoid adjusting your music when your bike is in operation.
- Thoughts– One form of distraction we often fail to take into account comes in the form of a cognitive distraction. When your mind is wandering or you are worried or upset, this mental distraction takes away from you putting forth all of your attention onto the roadway.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “each day in the United States, approximately nine people are killed and more than 1,000 injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver.” In 2015, 3,477 individuals were killed in distracted driving accidents and 391,000 people sustained injuries as a result of accidents caused by distractions. It is important that all motorists do their part while out driving to ensure they don’t compromise the life of another.
If you were recently injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a distracted driver in Boston, consider contacting USAttorneys.com to be connected with a local Boston motorcycle crash attorney. Majority of the victims of these accidents suffer from long-term and life-threatening injuries, many of which they should be compensated for. A motorcycle accident lawyer can assess the details of your accident and determine how much your injuries might be worth. Rather than having to come out of pocket for the medical expenses and other accident-related costs, let an attorney hold all liable parties responsible for providing you with the funds to cover this.
