The average motorcycle weighs about 400 pounds – significantly lighter than the typical 3,000- to 4,000-pound motor vehicle. The lighter weight and smaller size of a motorcycle make it more vulnerable to dangerous road conditions. While a standard passenger vehicle may be able to go over a pothole easily, for example, the same pothole could cause a catastrophic motorcycle accident. Certain road conditions pose greater hazards to motorcyclists in Arizona than others.
Road Conditions That Could Cause an Accident
A motorcyclist should take caution in deciding when and if to ride in bad weather or on poorly maintained roads in Arizona. Even the most experienced and seasoned motorcyclist may not be able to safely control a motorcycle or execute stops and turns when there are dangerous road conditions. Many different hazards could suddenly appear in a motorcyclist’s path and potentially cause a serious accident.
- Wet or slippery roads
- Dry and dusty roads
- Ice or snow
- Rough or cracked roads
- Potholes and gaps
- Loose gravel or fallen rocks
- Uneven shoulders
- Edge breaks
- Missing guardrails
- Missing reflectors
- Debris in the road
- Grass clippings
- Animals
- Obscured road signs
It is up to a motorcyclist to avoid some dangerous conditions, such as by checking the weather for possible storms before heading out. Other hazards, however, are the responsibility and care of the owner of the road. On a public road or highway, for instance, the city or state is responsible for reasonably maintaining safe roads. Defects such as debris or potholes that cause motorcycle accidents could be the liability of the government if it negligently failed to fix them.
If the person or agency in charge of road maintenance was negligent in finding and repairing defects or responding to motorist complaints in a timely manner, he or she could be liable for the injured motorcyclist’s injuries. This might be the case if another party reasonably would have repaired the defect before the motorcycle accident. Liability means the party will owe the victim financial compensation for his or her losses. Determining liability and obtaining compensation for a motorcycle crash in Arizona may take assistance from a personal injury attorney in Peoria, Az.
Motorcycle Accidents in Arizona
Motorcyclists are not safe from dangers and risks in Arizona. Negligent drivers, dangerous roads and bad weather can all pose serious hazards to the safety of motorcyclists. In 2019 alone, 2,676 motorcycle crashes caused 2,235 injuries and 170 deaths in Arizona, according to the state’s Department of Transportation. This was the highest number of motorcyclist deaths in the state for the last five years. Statistically, the most common motorcycle accidents in Arizona were collisions with motor vehicles, overturning, collisions with pedestrians and bicycles, collisions with animals and collisions with fixed objects. Most accidents (2,603) happened on dry roads rather than wet roads in Arizona.
Safety Tips to Prevent an Accident
Motorcyclists in Arizona should always check the weather for the possibility of rain, fog, strong winds or other environmental hazards that could make riding too dangerous. When riding, a motorcyclist should stay vigilant and keep a proper lookout. Looking at the road ahead could allow a motorcyclist to spot a potential hazard in time to slow down and safely drive around it. Keeping a lookout and paying attention can reduce the risk of an unexpected hazard, the motorcyclist jerking the wheel and a resultant collision.
Maintaining a safe and reasonable speed for conditions can help a motorcyclist carefully apply the brakes and stop before colliding with another vehicle, fixed object or roadway hazard. Motorcyclists should never speed or operate the vehicle while intoxicated. Reckless riding can increase the risk of an accident. Avoiding the slickest areas of the road – such as the center of the lane, where motor oil can build up – can help a motorcyclist avoid sliding out and overturning the vehicle. It is also important to avoid the sides of the road where dirt, pebbles, snow and other low-traction conditions are more likely to be present. It is always better to prevent a motorcycle accident than deal with the aftermath of one. If you believe a negligent party caused your accident, contact a Glendale motorcycle accident lawyer for help recovering compensation.