There’s no doubt that motorcycles have a lot of benefits. The cost of buying a used bike is usually far lower than buying a car or a truck. The cost of keeping fuel in it is certainly lower. Motorcycles are convenient, fun and enjoyable. There’s also the fun of joining in with motorcycle culture, meeting new people and embracing the lifestyle.
But what is the risk of that lifestyle or those lower costs? It lies in the accident statistics. It’s not that you’re more likely to crash, but just that getting into an accident is more likely to be serious. For instance, the statistics show that the odds of dying when involved in a motorcycle crash are 27 times as high as dying in a car accident.
Now, there are things you can do to reduce that risk. Being a defensive driver is perhaps the most important step to take. Even simple things like slowing down and increasing following distances can make a huge difference, as can wearing bright colors or reflective jackets. You need to anticipate mistakes and drive as safely as you can. By knowing the danger that you face in an accident, your best bet is to avoid getting into that accident in the first place.
Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to avoid a crash. If another driver makes a critical mistake, like turning in front of you or running a red light, you can get hit even when you take all the safety precautions that you can. If that happens and you end up with high medical bills, be sure you know what legal options you have to seek compensation.
