Like every spring, motorcyclists return to the streets. Unfortunately, good weather usually brings with it an increase in traffic accidents. With the start of the motorcycle season, it is important to be more vigilant, remember the rules of the road and remember that we are not alone on the road.
Virginijus Aučyna, president of the association “Lietuvos motoklististų klubas” (LMK), says that big cities are the most dangerous for motorcyclists. You should be especially careful at T-shaped and other intersections, because it is precisely at these that dangerous traffic accidents often occur.
“It is common for a motorcyclist to drive on the main road and a car enters the T-junction from the side road. The driver looks around, but doesn’t see the motorcycle, blocks his way and the motorcycle hits the car”, V. Aučyna gives an example.
He adds that motorcyclists should be extra vigilant. It is good to see the road at least 50 meters ahead. Quickly assess the situation and react accordingly to obstacles and other potential hazards, such as sand or gravel on the sides of roads and streets.
“Now, the sand and gravel that was left after the winter has already been washed away in many places, the streets are being cleaned, so it is not so dangerous. In addition, this year the temperature of the air and surface has risen quickly, the grip is good. But in early spring it is really dangerous to drive. Potholes are also very dangerous for motorcyclists. If a car punctures a tire in them, the motorcycle may simply roll over. It is important not to lose your mind during the first kilometers. Later, the skills wake up,” says the president of the “Lithuanian Motorcycle Club”.
Avoids motorcycle traffic
Data from insurance companies also shows that there are months that stand out for accidents. For example, insurance company BTA’s statistics for the past almost two decades (2005-2023) show that July and August have the highest average number of rider-related claims, with more than 170 each.
The largest fixed payment exceeded EUR 276 thousand. Such an amount was paid out after a tragic incident when a car missed a motorcycle traveling on the main road and collided with it. During the incident, the motorcyclist was killed, the motorcycle and the perpetrator’s vehicle were burnt.
“Motorcycles and the entire group of two-wheeled motor vehicles are stereotypically considered to be among the most risky, and their drivers are seen as criminals. These stereotypes are wrong. Interruptions can be found in all categories of drivers. The fact is that unfortunate or even tragic traffic accidents could be avoided if everyone were more vigilant, tried not only to be seen, but also to notice others and, of course, follow the traffic rules,” says Andrius Žiukelis, head of the BTA Expertise Department.
Sudden maneuvers should be avoided
According to him, if we had a motorcycle season all year round, the situation on the roads would perhaps be better. Now car drivers simply get used to motorcycle traffic on the streets and roads during the winter.
“After winter, some drivers even flinch when they hear the sound of a motorcycle or see it in the rearview mirror. As a result, motorcyclists, especially at the beginning of the season, should maneuver very carefully, show turns in advance, even before the maneuver, and not squeeze between cars,” says A. Žikuelis.
V. Aučyna has similar opinions. In his view, the main risk to riders is their own lack of vigilance.
“But we would like car drivers to look at their mirrors more often before making maneuvers,” adds the president of the motorcycle club.
He advises giving your motorcycles a good check after the winter, especially the lights, brakes and tires. The latter should not save.
“If you start thinking about whether the tires will be suitable for one more season, it’s better to change them right away,” says V. Aučyna.
About BTA:
AAS BTA Baltic Insurance Company (BTA) belongs to the Central and Eastern European insurance market leader Vienna Insurance Group AG (VIG) of Austria and is the largest VIG company in the Baltic region. VIG, which has been operating for almost 200 years and manages more than 50 companies in 25 countries, is the leader in the Baltic countries, where the group companies in 2022. occupies a quarter of the non-life insurance market. in 2022 BTA has chosen about 400,000 people as its insurance partner in Lithuania. of private and business customers, with whom about 1.1 million were signed. insurance contracts, compensated over 80 mln. EUR damages.
The report was published by: Andrius Baranauskas, Winning Reputation
Tags: careful motorcyclists streets
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