Best Ways to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents in Wilmington, NC

It’s no secret that motorcyclists in Wilmington, North Carolina, often have to practice more defensive driving than the average driver.

However, motorcyclists can still take certain precautions to protect themselves on the road.

How to Avoid a Motorcycle Accident

Although you can’t entirely prevent a motorcycle crash, there are things you can do–like following the applicable state motorcycle laws and avoiding certain negligent behaviors–to maximize your safety on the road.

According to North Carolina law, you must…

• Get (and maintain) the proper license to drive a motorcycle

• Pass a written knowledge test and road test or complete a basic motorcycle safety course

• Wear an appropriate motorcycle helmet

• Double-check that your motorcycle has all the proper equipment (headlights, brake light, turning signals, high-quality tires, etc.)

• Avoid lane-sharing

• Limit your load to the amount of passengers/weight your particular bike allows

Besides following the law, here are some tips that will make for a safer motorcycle ride…

• Drive slower. 

The faster you travel, the less time you have to react if you see a dangerous condition ahead of you (debris, other vehicles, pedestrians, or other potential hazards).

• Take extra caution at intersections. 

Intersections are dangerous spots for motorcycle and motor vehicle drivers alike. In fact, 41% of fatalities from U.S. motorcycle-vehicle crashes in 2019 occurred while another vehicle driver was turning left and the motorcyclist was traveling straight or passing/overtaking another vehicle (NHSTA).

Intersections are also frequent locations for rear-end accidents, which are much more serious for motorcyclists than motor vehicle drivers.

• Avoid driving between traffic & parked cars.

Not only does driving in this area put you at a greater risk of an accident with a motor vehicle, but it increases your chances of being “doored” or hitting a pedestrian.

• Keep up-to-date on motorcycle maintenance.

The last thing you need is for your motorcycle to fail on you in the middle of busy Wilmington, NC traffic. Be sure to keep regular tabs on your engine, tires, brakes, headlights, and turn signals.

• Avoid lane-sharing.

Squeezing your motorcycle in next to other vehicles in a lane is not only illegal, but it’s dangerous. Motor vehicle drivers don’t expect to have to share their lane with a motorcycle, so who knows how they may react when you surprise them? It’s simply NOT a risk worth taking.

• Be as prepared as possible.

You will almost certainly encounter dangerous road hazards at some point–potholes, train tracks, wet pavement, blown-out tires, debris, you name it! 

If you’ve only recently purchased your motorcycle, consider taking a motorcycle riding course that will prepare you to face these challenges on the road.

Avoid These Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

You can prevent many motorcycle crashes by avoiding certain negligent driving behaviors or keeping an eye out for certain driving conditions. The most common causes of motorcycle fatalities include…

• Left-hand turns

• Speeding

• Bad lane changes

• Lack of experience

• Drugs & alcohol

• Distracted driving

• Lane-splitting

• Abrupt stops

• Open parked car doors (“dooring”)

• And poor road & weather.

Learn more about these common causes here.

Robert Armstrong | Specialized North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s essential for you to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of medical bills, building a claim, and presenting your case.

Get in touch with Robert Armstrong’s office today!