21-09-2012, 05:23 PM
The Five Most Common Motorcycle Accidents
motorcycle_accidents.ppt (Size: 208 KB / Downloads: 396)
Ride Safe
Riding a motorbike safely requires both skill and judgement. These are the reasons that many of us ride bikes.
The successful use of these abilities makes us feel good and we are keen to be the best.
Recent studies have identified the 5 most common types of motorcycle accident
Bends on country roads
Collisions at junctions
Collisions whilst overtaking
Loss of control
Poor road surface conditions
These are practical tips about how to avoid them
Bends on country roads
Most of us do our training on town not country roads.
Country roads are different so we need to apply our skills, knowledge and ability in a different way.
Some bends on country roads are smooth and even, opening up once you are into them. Others tighten up dramatically. If you have gone into a bend at too high a speed you will find yourself with a major problem. If the road gives you clues on how it bends then use them.
the line of trees
the path of telegraph poles
hedges at the side of the road copying the path of the road.
Take care and remember to have something in reserve in case things are not as they appear. If in any doubt, lose more speed before the bend so you have greater room for manoeuvring.
Collisions at Junctions
These can be down to a driver failing to give way or stop and fall into the category of “sorry mate, I didn’t see you”.
Many of them happen at T-junctions but they can happen at other junctions.
Some road users are desperate to take any opportunity to join the flow of traffic. They may not spot your bike in the traffic even though you think you are easy to see. There is research showing that drivers have difficulty judging the speed of a bike and underestimate the bike’s time of arrival.
Always remember that if there is a collision between a car and your bike, you and the bike will come off worst whoever is at fault. Consider how you would deal with the vehicle unexpectedly pulling out in front of you.
Collisions while overtaking
Overtaking not only requires the skill to judge speed and distance, but a good knowledge of your bike’s acceleration.
With a bike you are not used to riding, take time to learn how it reacts to acceleration and braking in different gears, before doing any overtaking.