An accident is damaging to everyone, but especially to motorcyclists because they lack the protection car drivers have. Motorcycle accidents are common, and according to the Traffic Safety Commission, around 75 motorcyclists die every year in crashes in Washington. However, you can reduce your chances of getting into a collision by knowing what to avoid while on the road.
Poor knowledge
There is a good reason why riders must get a license endorsement to legally ride a bike in Washington. The more inexperienced the rider is, the more it is likely for them to cause or get into a severe accident. Riding a motorcycle is not something to take lightly, and only by receiving proper training will you be able to do so safely.
Speeding
51% of motorcycle crashes in Washington from 2013 to 2018 were caused by speeding. As tempting as it may be, never go faster than the speed limit. When the weather is bad, try going below the limit to avoid an accident.
Drugs and alcohol
Riding while intoxicated with drugs or alcohol is a criminal offense in the state, but it is also hazardous for the motorcyclists and the motorists they share the road with. Alcohol and drugs can impair your coordination, judgment and reaction time, which exponentially increases the chance of you getting into an accident. Because of this, you must always ride when sober.
Your right as a motorcyclist
You must know that a negligent motorcyclist or driver can hit you even if you ride your bike responsibly. If this happens, you would have the right to ask the person at fault for the accident for compensation. You don’t deserve to pay for another’s mistakes, and you have the power of the law to prevent that.