Riding a motorcycle is no easy feat. A biker must focus on the road ahead, steer, shift gears and carry precious cargo to the intended destination. Tragically, if any of these essential components of bike riding are compromised, accidents could be imminent.

Please, if you’re a biker in San Diego, it’s critical that your focus is entirely on the road. If you ever feel uncomfortable with your skill at riding a motorcycle, consider taking a motorcycle defensive riding course.

The advice follows on the heels of a recent Chula Vista motorcycle accident that claimed the life of two individuals. According to reports, the motorcycle drifted off the road for unknown reasons. It was carrying two individuals and, tragically, the passenger died at the scene of the accident. The driver was treated for major injuries and is currently being treated at UCSD Medical Center.

The motorcycle accident occurred southbound on I-5 near the E Street off-ramp. There were no other vehicles or individuals involved in the collision, although traffic was backed up near the area of the accident due to officials conducting investigation.

As far as the cause of the accident, investigators believe that speed may have been a factor in the accident. It is currently unknown whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the collision.

“So far it looks like they might have taken the off-ramp at a high speed, and ran off the road. But that’s all preliminary information at this time,” a police official said.

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS IN SAN DIEGO: CAN THEY BE AVOIDED?

The truth is that motorcycle accidents are some of the worst types of accidents due to logistics: no seatbelts, exposed body parts, and the increased risk of losing control over the vehicle. With that being said, not every motorcycle accident can be avoided. However, you can minimize your risk by practicing the following safety measures:

KEEP RIDING SKILLS CURRENT

Many bikers are weekend or vacation cruisers rather than daily drivers. If you’re one of the many motorcyclists that ride sparingly, consider brushing up on your skills with a defensive motorcycle course.

RIDE THE ROADS YOU KNOW

In many cases, riders have gotten into car accidents after traveling along unfamiliar roadways. Consider riding your motorcycle along roadways you’ve traveled before. Also, consider taking routes other than the freeway to avoid extremely fast-moving traffic.

SCAN, SCAN, SCAN AHEAD

Never take your eyes off the road ahead and continuously scan the roadways. It’s important to maintain a defensive and focused riding strategy to avoid accidents. Potholes, abrupt traffic, emergency situations and even ominous weather are no match against a motorcycle that can lose control all too quickly in less-than-ideal conditions.

WHEN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS OCCUR

In some cases, even the most defensive motorcyclist can get into an accident. If that’s the case and you suspect it was the fault of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation including payment for lost wages, disabilities or disfigurements, pain and suffering and medical bills. Give us a call right now for FREE legal advice for your case: 1-858-551-2090.