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Motorcycles can be a fun and exciting way to get around, but they can also be extremely dangerous. In 2013 alone, 4,668 people died in motorcycle accidents. Bikers were also 26 times more likely than car drivers and passengers to die in a crash and five times more likely to be injured. Here are three of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents and how to avoid them.

A car cuts you off in a left turn

Statistics show that this is the most common reason motorcycles crash. If a car in front of you or adjacent to you fails to see you or judges your speed inaccurately, they may make the fatal decision to turn left at an intersection.

Avoid it: As a motorcyclist, you need to develop a heightened awareness of the world around you. Look for the warning signs of a distracted driver and be mindful of drivers? blind spots. If you?re not sure if a driver sees you or not, one trick is to look at their wheels for signs of movement. At the same time, be aware of the vehicles on all other sides of you because stopping short could end in disaster as well.

You go around a corner too fast

Maybe you weren?t paying attention or maybe you underestimated your speed or overestimated the angle; either way, you don?t realize your mistake until it?s too late.

Avoid it: Slow down. Only go as fast as you can process and react to visual clues. Always be aware that something unexpected is just over the horizon or out of your field of view. If you find yourself turning too quickly around a tight corner, the best thing to do is just ride through it. Don?t make any sudden moves like hitting the brakes.

You?re hit by another motorcyclist

Bikers like to ride in packs. However, with a big group comes big responsibility. If you?re out riding with a group of friends and one of them stops suddenly or isn?t paying attention, the situation becomes dangerous for everyone on the road.

Avoid it: Before you hit the open road, make sure everyone in your crew is familiar with proper group riding etiquette. Know how to stay in a staggered formation to increase visibility and decrease the likelihood of a five-bike pileup.

Automobile and motorcycle accidents are unfortunately all too common. Personal injury lawyer, motorcycle or car accident lawyers are there to help if you ever find yourself in a bad situation.