PHOENIX MOTORCYCLE LAWYER AND RIDER WHO KNOWS WHY MOTORCYCLES ARE DIFFERENT FROM CARS
Motorcycle accidents are not like car accidents. There is nothing like a low impact, non-serious injury motorcycle accident. Whenever a rider is hit or gets into an accident, it is almost by definition a serious accident. Unless someone is a motorcycle rider, they probably have never realized that simple fact.
In contrast to motorcycle accidents, over the past few years, car accidents are becoming much less harmful and dangerous. That is because of numerous safety innovations, such as air bags, crumple zones, and reinforced frames. Without question, recent safety innovations have diminished the risk of serious injury in a car accident. Motorcycles, of course, do not have any of the same beneficial safety features. While some newer bikes have airbags and some innovative safety features like rearview looking cameras, the safety features of the modern motorcycle is about the same as decades ago. That means if you get into a motorcycle crash or accident, you are very likely to get hurt seriously. Here are a few statistics: in the state of Arizona there are about 2000 motorcycle accidents every year. In 2006 there were 2,279 national fatal motorcycle accidents for riders over the age of 40. And there were 2,529 national fatal motorcycle accidents for riders under the age of 40. The average age of a motorcycle rider is 40 years old.
Further, motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than cars. That is because another feature of motorcycles is that have a short wheelbase, high center of gravity, and very powerful front bakes. In fact, 70% of the braking power comes from the front wheel. The risk of the motorcycle rider locking up his front right is so great that motorcycle safety instructors instruct students that if they apply the front brake and the front brake locks to actually release and reapply as needed. In contrast to the front brake, motorcycle safety instructors instruct their students that if their rear wheel locks to leave it alone until stop. Once the front wheel is locked the bike will plow straight ahead with no directional stability, and no ability to steer. The loss of directional stability is related to the loss of gyroscopic effect from the previously spinning wheel. If left in that condition more than a fraction of a second the motorcycle will not stay directly over the tire and will probably go down.
Even though there are some experts who advocate locking rear brakes as it can result in a slightly shorter stopping distance, it also deprives the rider of control. Once the rear brake locks, that greatly reduces the number of evasive options. And once the rear wheel is locked, it may become a dangerously irrevocable condition. Every rider must remember that most motorcycles can out-brake most cars and trucks. As such, maximum braking can be an invitation to a rear end impact as bad or worse than the hazard in front. The rider should brake judiciously while waiting for an opening to occur, but remember that if you lock both at the same time you are totally out of control.
Contact a Phoenix, Arizona, Motorcycle Lawyer Today
If you are seeking legal representation or would like more information about our services, contact the law offices of Vladimir Gagic today to set up your free consultation. You can reach us at 602-955-1985, toll free at 855-843-6274 (855-THE MARINE)
