Common road hazards for motorcyclists
The roads are a far more dangerous place for motorcyclists than for those in cars. A road condition that might have little effect on a car could be a serious hazard for a motorcyclist. As a motorcyclist, here are some potential dangers you should be on the lookout for while on the road:
Rough road: Roads can be rough and bumpy because of construction work or lack of repair. Unexpectedly hitting a bump in the road can throw you from your bike.
Slick surfaces: Motorcycles are less stable than cars, making slippery surfaces a far greater danger. While ice and oil are obvious dangers, you should also be on the lookout for less obvious but still potentially hazardous types of debris such as leaves. Even painted surfaces, such as crosswalks, can cause the road to be slippery.
Objects in the road: Watch out for foreign objects in the road, such as parts that have come off of a car or cargo that has fallen from a truck.
Gravel on the road: Gravel on pavement is particularly dangerous when cornering. Gravel can keep your bike from riding smoothly, and it can also fly up and strike you in the face, legs or arms.
Railroad tracks: The wheels of a motorcycle can get stuck in railway tracks. Also, the metal or wood from which the tracks are made can be slippery when wet, so use extra caution when crossing railroad tracks in inclement weather.
Edge breaks: Edge breaks are when two lanes of traffic are different heights. While edge breaks are typically not a problem for cars, they can be a serious danger to a motorcyclist, particularly one traveling at a high rate of speed on a freeway.
Expansion joints and open bridge joints: These connecting pieces create uneven surfaces that can be difficult for a motorcyclist to navigate.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should see the immediate advice of a Texas personal injury attorney.
