Orange County Road Hazard Motorcycle Crashes, Part 2: Preventing Road Hazard Accidents

The article, "Orange County Road Hazard Motorcycle Crashes, Part 1: Liability When Road Hazards Cause an Accident", contains information about how road hazard motorcycle accidents occur and who is liable when they do occur. The focus of this article is on the prevention of Orange County road hazard motorcycle wrecks.

The best way to avoid road hazard crashes and most types of Orange county motorcycle accidents is to ride defensively:

• 
  Get training how to safely handle your motorcycle
  
• Use caution
• Anticipate hazards

The Orange County motorcycle accident attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie offer these tips:

1.Understand what constitutes a road hazard for a motorcycle. Just because you have experience driving a car, does not mean you know what constitutes a danger to a motorcyclist. Small objects, wet leaves, and large painted areas do not pose a danger to drivers of cars and trucks, but they can be fatal to a motorcyclist. Other road hazards include:

• Road debris
• Uneven pavement
• Edge breaks
• Expansion joints
• Open bridge joints
• Gravel on pavement
• Animals
• Ridges in the pavement
• Potholes
• Wet pavement
• Rain, ice or snow
• Standing water
• Construction sites
• Railway tracks and crossings

2.Avoid heavy traffic. When traffic is light, it is easier to see road hazards and there is more time to react and maneuver.

3.Don't tailgate. A two second following distance will give you time to react to road hazards and other dangers.

4.Keep your eyes on the road. Constantly survey the road and surrounding areas for possible hazards.

5.Plan for known hazards. For example, if there is construction happening on your regular route to work, plan for another route or allow extra time so you can use extra caution.

6.Allow extra time during bad weather.

7.Avoid speeding. Obey the speed limit and slow down when you see or anticipate a hazard.

Slow down when necessary. Your speed should match your sight distance. Also slow down when you see, or even anticipate, a hazard.

Motorcycle accident claims involving road hazards can be complicated. If you have been injured in a California road hazard motorcycle crash, an Orange County motorcycle accident attorney may be necessary in order to determine liability and get a fair settlement. For information about choosing an attorney, request a free copy of the book, Avoid Lawyer Advertising Hype! A Lawyer's Method for Finding a Lawyer. To discuss your claim with an Orange County motorcycle accident attorney, contact Allen, Flatt, Ballidis or Leslie at 866-981-5596.