This popular belief that laying down your motorcycle can save you from a potentially disastrous accident is nothing more than a myth. While many motorcyclists have been told that this maneuver can prevent injuries, it is important to debunk this misconception. In reality, laying down your bike can actually increase the risk of severe harm unless you are exceptionally lucky.
The Dangers of Laying Down Your Motorcycle
Why is laying down your motorcycle such a perilous act? The simple answer lies in the loss of control. When your bike is upright, you have the ability to steer, brake, and maneuver effectively. However, once it hits the ground, the loss of control is inevitable. The bike will scrape against the asphalt, causing damage to metal and plastic parts that were never meant to make contact with the road surface.
Opting to lay down your motorcycle in an attempt to avoid a collision means leaving your fate up to chance. The probability of colliding with another object or vehicle with great force remains the same, whether you stay on the bike or lay it down. There is no guarantee that your injuries will be less severe or even comparable to what they would have been if you hadn’t laid the bike down.
Safer Alternatives to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents
Instead of resorting to the risky maneuver of laying down your motorcycle, it’s best to keep it upright when you anticipate an imminent crash. By maintaining control and balance, you increase your chances of avoiding a collision altogether.
Here are three tips to help you slow down your motorcycle when a crash seems unavoidable:
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Utilize both brakes simultaneously to bring your bike to a complete stop in the shortest distance possible. However, be prepared for a difference in control when applying both brakes together.
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Shift your weight away from the handlebars as you apply the brakes. This adjustment alters the bike’s center of gravity and momentum, making it easier for the brakes to function effectively.
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Securely grip or straddle the bike’s fuel tank with your legs. This technique will help you maintain stability and stay upright as you decelerate rapidly, potentially at a rate faster than usual.
Remember, swerving can also be an effective tactic to avoid a collision. However, it’s crucial to be knowledgeable about your surroundings and possess the skill to counter-steer or realign yourself after the initial swerve. Without proper control and technique, you risk throwing yourself off balance or colliding with another vehicle.
Timing is Key: One Final Safety Tip
While laying down your motorcycle may seem like a quick solution, so is applying the brakes. If you believe there’s enough time to lay down your bike, then there’s certainly ample time to brake and significantly reduce your collision speed, or even prevent the crash altogether. Since laying down your motorcycle always takes longer than braking and swerving, it should never be your primary course of action to avoid an accident.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Virginia that was not your fault, rely on the expertise of Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law, PLLC. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only charge attorney fees if we secure a positive settlement or verdict. Contact us now to learn more about your options.