Group motorcycle crashes have catastrophic effects on riders. The collisions can take out the entire pack and pick up some cars.
However, the collisions will not have the same effects on vehicles as they do on riders. Motorcyclists always remain the most exposed in accidents. If groups take out their members, the members can easily experience the following:
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Skin scrapes
- Bruises
- Internal bleeding
- Fatalities
Therefore, before heading out on group rides, riders should gear up, starting with wearing helmets. Then, each member should wear appropriate attire, shoes, and gloves.
Regardless of the reason for motorcycle collisions, riders can obtain legal representation. Read more here.
What Are Group Motorcycle Crashes?
Group motorcycle crashes occur when one rider in the pack loses control of their motorcycle and causes a domino effect. The rider rams into another member, causing additional accidents.
Professionals have divided motorcycling accidents into four types:
- Lowside
- Highside
- Topside
- Collision
Each has its perils and starting points. For example, low side collisions impact the rider’s lower extremities, namely their feet, heels, and legs. Topside incidents affect the rider’s head.
The following information outlines how to prevent group motorcycle crashes.
Ride in a Single Line Formation
Easy access to open roads is among the top perks of riding motorcycles. The feeling of achieving freedom is another.
Once riders hit open roads and little to no traffic, it’s tempting to spread out among the lanes and ride side-by-side in a pack formation.
However, safety professionals encourage motorcyclists to ride in a single-line formation.
Riders who hit debris can easily take out riders around them in a jack-knife-like motion; they can easily take out three to four riders in one fell swoop. Single-line formations prevent it.
Provide a Two-Second Cushion
Motorcycle riders should provide a two-second cushion between themselves and the vehicle or rider in front. If one rider trips on debris, the cushion prevents them from taking out other riders and cars.
In addition, the cushion may prevent riders from becoming involved in accidents.
Ride at the Same Speed as the Pack
Motorcyclists who participate in group rides should mind each other’s speeds. One rider should not get too far ahead of the pack or slow down too far behind.
Moreover, it doesn’t make sense for group riders to tailgate each other. Most group ride organizers set rules for each participant, especially for longer rides.
Therefore, before heading out, understand the pace that everyone will enjoy.
Stay Focused on the Road
Motorcyclists must stay focused on the road. The two-second cushion and riding at the same speed allow participants to see upcoming road obstacles, such as debris.
Most group rides take roads that have little to no congestion. However, other things might appear, such as wildlife suddenly running across the street.
Enjoying the scenery and remaining aware of potential dangers up ahead is possible.
Obey Traffic Laws
Motorcyclists can easily bypass traffic and reach speeds above the legal limit. Although it’s tempting to brush traffic laws aside, obey them anyway.
Some roads seem wide open and without surveillance. However, the highway patrol can easily hide out of sight to keep highways and roadways safe.
Traffic laws that motorcyclists must obey include:
- Coming to a complete stop at stop signs
- Traffic speed limits
- Yielding to pedestrians
- Slowing down in construction zones
- Avoiding riding while intoxicated
Therefore, obey traffic laws to keep each other safe and free of traffic tickets and violations.
Practice Defensive Driving
Like vehicle drivers, motorcyclists also benefit from practicing defensive driving.
Defensive driving means riders keep a car length between them and the one in front for every 10 miles of speed. The practice also encourages riders to skip aggressive driving.
In addition to focusing forward, utilize the mirrors to check what’s happening behind the motorcycle.
Riders must remain aware of their surroundings, forward and back.
Avoid Sharing Lanes with Vehicles
Lastly, group motorcycle riders should avoid sharing lanes with vehicles side-by-side.
Sharing lanes in this manner can easily frustrate drivers. Plus, it puts motorcyclists in dangerous situations.
For example, riders might land in the driver’s blind spot. It also puts riders in positions to have vehicle doors accidentally opened on them.
Moreover, vehicle accidents can quickly sweep up the rider and their group ride participants.
Conclusion
Many individuals have love affairs with the open roads, so they turn to motorcycle riding to enjoy them. In addition, they year for the sense of freedom that it provides. Enjoy riding in groups, and remember to practice defensive driving tactics and obey traffic laws.
