Riding a motorcycle comes with an inherent set of risks, and understanding how to navigate these dangers is crucial for every rider. Among the various pieces of advice shared within the motorcycle community, one controversial topic stands out: the idea of laying down your bike to avoid a crash.
This concept has been a subject of debate among riders for years. However, the truth is clear: this “safety” tip can do more harm than good.
Laying Down Your Motorcycle Is Not Safe
The idea of laying down your bike during a car crash harks back to older times when motorcycle technology was not as advanced as today. Older bikes had less effective brakes and were harder to maneuver, which often made laying them down seem like a viable option to avoid a collision.
However, today’s motorcycles are much more advanced. They have superior braking systems, enhanced maneuverability, and high-performance tires, which make laying down your bike an outdated and unsafe choice. This action causes the bike’s plastic and metal parts to scrape against the ground, potentially leading to uncontrolled sliding. As a result, severe injuries such as brain trauma, spinal fractures, road rash, or broken limbs may occur.
What Should You Do Instead of Laying Down Your Bike?
Instead of laying your bike down before an accident, you can take safer steps to reduce the severity of the impact. Here are a few alternatives:
Brake Quickly: Fast and controlled braking is crucial to avoiding an accident. To avoid a collision, squeeze both brakes quickly and firmly. This will help you stop as fast as possible, which could help prevent a potential collision. However, make sure not to brake and swerve; perform one action at a time.
Swerve to Avoid Collisions: Your first instinct before a collision may be to swerve out of harm’s way. However, you could inadvertently swerve into traffic and collide with another vehicle instead. Before swerving, make sure that you are not moving into the path of another car.
Keep Your Bike Upright: To slow your vehicle down, it is best to remain upright instead of lying down. Modern motorcycles have better traction, which can help provide friction and slow you down. Shift your body’s weight away from the handlebars to help move the center of gravity and avoid falling off the bike.
You can also take the following steps to reduce the risk of accidents anytime that you get on your bike:
Regularly maintain your motorcycle to ensure it is in optimal condition.
Contact a Georgia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Despite our best efforts, motorcycle accidents can still occur. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to remain calm, seek medical attention, and contact a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights.
An Augusta motorcycle accident attorney will know which option is right for your situation and can assist you on your path to recovery. Schedule a legal consultation immediately to learn more about Georgia’s motorcycle accident laws and take your first steps toward recovery.
