Riding a motorcycle could put you at risk of suffering serious, debilitating and even deadly injuries in a motor vehicle accident. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, 3,148 motorcyclists were injured and 217 were killed in accidents in 2022 alone. Some of the accident risks threatening motorcyclists in Pennsylvania are dangerous road hazards.
Road Debris
A motorcycle weighs much less than a standard passenger vehicle. It also rides on two wheels instead of four. For these reasons, motorcycles are less stable than standard cars and can more easily lose traction when they encounter objects in the road.
It can be difficult for a motorcyclist to maintain control if the motorcycle strikes debris in the road, such as storm debris, fallen tree limbs, loose gravel, sand, litter or fallen cargo. As a motorcyclist, personal injury lawyers in Pittsburgh suggest constantly scanning the road ahead of you to search for debris or objects that could put you at risk of crashing.
Dangerous Road Surfaces
Even if a roadway does not contain debris, it could have engineering problems or surface defects that put motorcyclists at risk. Examples include:
- Uneven pavement
- Uneven shoulders
- Potholes
- Cracks or fissures
- Edge breaks (irregular wear and tear)
- Deteriorated pavement
- Loose gravel
- Road joints
- Bridge joints
- Railroad tracks
Dangerous road surfaces are particularly hazardous for motorcyclists, as they can cause loss of control, loss of traction, vibration, wheel damage, skidding, tripping and accidents.
Slippery Roads
Slippery road surfaces can result in a dangerous loss of traction on a motorcycle. One or both tires may lose traction – meaning fail to grip the road surface – which can lead to an accident. Slippery roads can be the outcome of oil spills, rain, ice, grass clippings, metal surfaces or painted surfaces.
If your motorcycle begins to slip, skid or hydroplane on a slippery road surface, reduce your speed by letting go of the accelerator, but do not slam on your brakes. Apply both brakes together gradually to avoid locking up your wheels.
Keep your motorcycle as upright as possible; avoid leaning or turning. Maintain a relaxed grip on the handlebars and be prepared to counter-steer gently in the direction you wish to go if your motorcycle starts to skid.
Road Construction
Riding through a roadside construction zone can prove dangerous for a motorcyclist. Construction sites often contain hazards such as loose gravel, dirt, uneven surfaces, narrowed lanes, missing road markings, rough pavement, traffic pattern changes, dust, reduced visibility, traffic congestion, and construction workers and equipment close to the road.
Animals
Striking an animal on a motorcycle could crash the bike or eject the rider, resulting in serious injuries. If the motorcyclist jerks the handlebars to avoid hitting the animal, this could also cause an accident, such as laying down the motorcycle. Motorcyclists are more likely to encounter wildlife or animals crossing the road in rural areas of Pennsylvania.
Intersections
Not all dangerous road hazards for motorcyclists are defects. Some locations are dangerous due to the inherent design of the road. Intersections are especially dangerous for motorcyclists due to the possibility of a driver failing to see a motorcyclist. The driver may not yield the right-of-way in this situation, which could lead to an intersection accident. Motorists making left-hand turns are especially dangerous for motorcyclists.
Injured Due to a Dangerous Road Hazard? You Have Rights
If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a dangerous road hazard, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Even if it was a single-vehicle motorcycle accident, you may have grounds to file a claim against the city or state government for failing to maintain a safe roadway. Discuss your case with a Pittsburgh motorcycle accident attorney for free at Dallas W. Hartman, P.C. for more information.