What’s better than riding your beloved motorcycle through the wide-open roads of North Carolina? Our state is packed with many fantastic riding routes, including Copperhead Loop, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Dragon’s Trail. Bikers from across the country flock to these areas to enjoy North Carolina’s mountain ranges and cascading waterfalls.

With so many bikers out there, accidents are bound to happen. Motorcyclists face unique risks on the road. Learn about common types of motorcycle accidents and how to avoid them. What is the most common motorcycle accident in Charlotte?

Common Motorcycle Crash Types

Motorcycles sure are a blast, but they can also be incredibly dangerous. We’ll explore a few typical motorcycle accident scenarios next.

Left Turn Accidents

This is by far the most common motorcycle accident in Charlotte. Left turn crashes, as the name implies, happen when another vehicle tries to make a left turn in front of your bike. Left turn accidents often happen when a biker tries to pass a car or ride through an intersection.

Left turns are among the most common causes of motorcycle crashes because drivers don’t notice bikers in their blind spots. They easily spot large vehicles, but motorcycles just don’t register.

To avoid a left turn crash, look out for drivers sitting in intersections. If you spot a driver who’s stopped and looking back and forth, they’re probably about to attempt a turn.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions aren’t as common as left turn crashes because it’s tough for drivers to miss a motorcycle directly in front of them. Many rear-end accidents are the result of driver inattention and negligence. These crashes can be fatal if a driver hits a biker at high speeds.

For example, if a driver glances down at their phone or their baby in the back seat for even a second, they can cause a crash because they aren’t watching the road. Tailgating is yet another cause of rear-end crashes.

Head-On Collisions

Of all the common causes of motorcycle accidents, head-on collisions are the most likely to be fatal for bikers. Unlike cars with airbags, impact-resistant hoods, and windshields, motorcycles offer no protection from an impact.

It’s possible to avoid many head-on collisions by riding in the proper lane. If you see a car coming straight for you, swerve out of the way immediately.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting involves riding between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving cars. The practice isn’t expressly prohibited in North Carolina, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.

Motorcyclists who engage in lane splitting are at risk of drivers sideswiping them. That’s because many drivers don’t look carefully before changing lanes, especially if they’re impatient, so they’re unlikely to notice a biker creeping up alongside them.

While lane splitting can shave time off your commute in rush-hour traffic, it’s just not worth the risk.

Drunk Driving Accidents

If you ask someone, “What is the most common motorcycle accident in Charlotte?” they might answer, “Drunk driving accidents.” While this isn’t exactly true, such crashes aren’t uncommon. In 2019, there were 323 drunk driving crashes in North Carolina (out of 10,142 motorcycle accidents in the U.S.).

If you spot someone driving erratically, avoid them; they may be intoxicated. And never hop on your bike if you’ve had too much to drink.

Corner Turning Accidents

It’s hard to resist the need for speed when riding your favorite bike. One moment, you’re cruising along at a steady clip. Suddenly, an unexpected turn comes up, and you take it too fast. Your bike skids and tips over, and you suffer a nasty spill.

Corner turning accidents are common on gravel roads and after rainy weather. Rain mixes with oils on the road, making the pavement very slick. When this happens, your bike doesn’t have the traction to turn safely.

Door Accidents

In bustling cities like Charlotte, you’ll often find lines of cars parked up and down the streets. Although uncommon, drivers can fling open their doors without looking and knock over a passing motorcyclist.

To avoid being knocked off your bike by a car door, drive slowly down streets lined with cars. Try to ride at least a few feet away from parked cars, too.

Learn More About Primary Motorcycle Collision Incidents

What is the most common motorcycle accident in Charlotte? Left turn crashes are number one on the list, but lane splitting accidents, rear-end collisions, and corner turning accidents are also common.

If you’ve suffered a brain injury from a motorcycle accident, reach out to Yale Haymond Law PLLC at (704) 800-HELP.