Excerpt from: Motorcycle Lawyer
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| September 02, 2008 | | Panic reaction is normal | Some of the main differences between a motorcycle and a car in an accident situation are the amount of skill required by the motorcyclist, and the greater sense of panic that accompanies the motorcyclists greater risk of harm.
In the typical situation, the rider is cut off at the last minute by a car coming through an intersection or out of a driveway.
The driver of a car facing a similar situation can merely slam on the brake as hard as possible, and (assuming he has ABS), the car can be steered as soon as the driver has the wits to attempt it.
A motorcyclist must balance front and rear brakes, should try to stop before swerving (because a motorcycle won't do both at once), and has a lot more at risk in deciding where to head.
The big issue is that panic sets in, inhibiting both good decisi0on making, and good riding skills. At the moment both are needed most, they are least available.
Practice can make up for some of this, but not all. There is no real way to practice being in a panic situation. Further, these accidents typically occur when the rider is relaxed, and not expecting it.
The recurrent theme of "laying it down" in traffic collisions can, in large part, be attributed to the effect of panic on the rider.
All of our riding tips come into play, but let's be honest, panic is simply a factor that makes it difficult for riders in accident situations.
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