Carrolton people are seeing more motorcycles and trikes on the road than ever before. Of course, these vehicles make many drivers nervous. Many drivers know that they have some degree of bike blindness, but there are elements of these vehicles that throw off drivers as well. Many of the small and sporty motorcycles are extraordinarily loud and startle standard vehicle drivers. Additionally, there are times where someone riding a trike might take a chance, and lane split when they should stay in one lane because of the larger size of the vehicle.
But between motorcycles and trikes, which is safer? Which is safer for the rider, and which is safer for the drivers on the road? It’s a big question, and many authorities have asked the same thing. Here our Carrolton motorcycle accident lawyers are going to take an in-depth look at some of the most common questions regarding motorcycle and trike safety with consideration to both the operator of the two or three-wheeled vehicle and standard drivers.
Are Trikes Street Legal?
Yes, Georgia does allow three-wheeled vehicles on the road, and trikes are becoming more popular. They offer the same gas relief of motorcycles with a little more vehicle to manage. Unfortunately, making a trike street legal doesn’t mean that everyone who drives them knows how to do that well. Trucks are allowed on Georgia Street, and freeways and they come in a few different forms.
A motorcycle with a sidecar can be considered a three-wheeled vehicle or a trike. It’s also possible for a trait to have two wheels in front and one in the back or one in front and two in back. In all situations, autocycles must have operators who wear helmets.
Why are Trikes So Dangerous?
Inherently three-wheeled vehicles are more stable than a two-wheeler, but they are more susceptible to tip-overs as one of the wheels could lift off the pavement. Three-wheeled vehicles also steer differently, and that’s they don’t lean and turn more similarly to a standard vehicle or even a boat than a motorcycle. But, they still require the operator to lean and weigh into turns.
Three-wheeled vehicles are perceived as more dangerous than motorcycles because many new operators tend to drive them as though they were a motorcycle. Again, trikes have greater weight and a higher risk of tipping over. Turning, hills, and lane position are the three critical elements present in trike dangers.
Oversteering could cause the vehicle to tip. Going up a hill can cause the front wheel(s) to become lighter and which would result in loss of control. Additionally, well motorcycles that can land split or ride the centerline, trikes cannot. Most trikes are closer to the width of a standard vehicle than they are to a motorcycle. Riders must have experience in handling these vehicles to ensure that they don’t become unstable and tip. It’s critical that they know how to swerve and adjust their weight for the roadway.
How to Protect Yourself in the Event of a Motorcycle Accident
If you’re a motorcyclist or operator of a three-wheeled vehicle, then you already know that prevention is the best method of protection. Wearing the right equipment and making sure that you’re visible to other drivers can dramatically reduce the likelihood of a collision.
For standard Vehicle drivers, the only way to protect yourself from a crash with a motorcyclist or a trike rider is to survey your mirrors frequently. Of course, you don’t want to spend so much time looking at your mirrors that you’re distracted from the road. You can also keep the volume low if you have the radio on so that you can hear approaching vehicles, and always ensure that you have enough stopping distance in case a motorcyclist was to weave in front of you.
Use a Carrolton Car Accident Attorney to Resolve Crashes
After a crash with a motorcycle or a three-wheeled vehicle, you might have some genuine concern over what will happen with your claim. Is the crash your fault because you’re the standard vehicle driver? Is there anything you could have done? The answer, in most cases, is no. Motorcyclists are at a higher risk for injury and fatalities regardless of whether they’re using a two or three-wheeled vehicle. However, the driver of the standard vehicle is not automatically at fault.
Many accidents happening between standard vehicles and two or three-wheeled vehicles are rear-ended collisions that involve the motorcycle or trike in the rear. It is possible to move forward and seek resolution through your acclaim with an auto accident attorney. Call John B. Jackson in Carrolton.
