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Riding a motorcycle offers freedom, exhilaration, and a unique connection to the road—but it also comes with risks. While some crashes are caused by external factors, many are preventable with proper knowledge and skills. Let’s dive into the most common ways riders crash their motorcycles and how to avoid becoming a statistic.
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Dropping Your Motorcycle at Slow Speeds
Dropping a motorcycle at low speeds is a rite of passage for many riders, but it’s often avoidable. Slow-speed maneuvers challenge your balance and coordination, especially if you’re not confident in your clutch, throttle, and brake control.
Why It Happens
- Losing balance while maneuvering in a parking lot or at an intersection.
- Looking down instead of keeping your head and eyes up.
- Poor control of the clutch, throttle, or rear brake.
How to Prevent It
- Keep Your Head and Eyes Up: Look where you want to go, not at the ground.
- Master Rear Brake Control: Use your rear brake to steady the bike during slow maneuvers.
- Practice Throttle and Clutch Control: Find an empty parking lot and practice starting, stopping, and slow-speed turns.
With regular practice, these skills become second nature, and you’ll minimize the risk of a tip-over.
Crashing When a Car Makes a Left Turn in Front of You
The infamous left-turn crash happens when a driver turns across your path because they didn’t see you—or misjudged your speed. It’s a leading cause of motorcycle accidents.
Common Scenarios
- Hitting the car head-on.
- Poor braking leading to an inability to stop in time.
- The dreaded “Had to lay her down” excuse—usually a result of panic braking.
How to Prevent It
- Be Visible: Use your headlight, wear bright or reflective gear, and position yourself to be seen.
- Anticipate Hazards: If a car is waiting to turn, slow down and cover your brakes.
- Practice Emergency Braking: Know how to stop your bike quickly without locking up the wheels.
By riding proactively and staying visible, you’ll reduce the chances of becoming a left-turn statistic.
Rear-End Collisions
Getting rear-ended or hitting the car in front of you is another common crash type. In heavy traffic, these incidents can be deadly.
How to Prevent It
- Leave Space: Maintain a safe following distance so you have time to react to sudden stops.
- Plan an Escape Route: Always have a way out in case the car behind you doesn’t stop in time.
- Stay Alert: Keep scanning your mirrors and the road ahead.
A little buffer space can mean the difference between a near miss and a collision.
Single-Vehicle Crashes at Speed
Single-vehicle crashes are less talked about, perhaps because there’s no one else to blame. These crashes often occur at higher speeds and can be deadly, especially if you’re riding alone without immediate help nearby.
Common Causes
- Loss of Control in Curves: Excessive speed, poor lane positioning, target fixation, improper braking, or limited vision in the curve can lead to disaster.
- Braking Errors: Over-braking with the front brake, locking up the rear brake, or braking mid-curve can all result in a crash.
- Failure to Detect Road Hazards: Riders who don’t look far enough ahead or position themselves poorly are more likely to hit hazards.
- Speeding and Aggressive Riding: Riding beyond your skill level or pushing limits on the street leads to trouble.
How to Prevent Single-Vehicle Crashes
Master Curves
- Slow down before entering a curve.
- Use proper lane positioning to maximize your vision and space.
- Keep your focus on the exit of the curve, not the obstacles.
Refine Braking Skills
- Practice using both brakes to stop quickly and effectively.
- Avoid locking the rear brake, especially during a lean.
- Gradually brake while upright whenever possible.
Improve Hazard Detection
- Look far ahead and scan for potential dangers.
- Choose a lane position that offers the best visibility.
Control Your Speed
- Ride within your skill level and adjust for road conditions.
- Remember: The street is not a racetrack. Public roads have hazards like intersections, distracted drivers, and unexpected obstacles.
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Braking Tips
Entry Speed
Head & Eyes
Slow – Look – Press – Roll
Trail Braking
Following Distance
Police Skills
Riding Under the Influence
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KLIM Jacket – https://www.MCrider.com/KLIM
Shoei Motorcycle Helmets – https://www.MCrider.com/Shoei
Windshirt/Jacket Liner – https://www.MCrider.com/Liner
Lee Park Sumo Gloves – https://www.MCrider.com/LeeParks
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