Among motorcyclists in Connecticut, there are many rumors about things that can be done by riders to lower your chances of getting seriously injured in an accident. One of the most widely-spread rumors is that you should “lay down” your bike if you’re about to be involved in an accident. But does that really help?
Motorcycle Central defines laying down your motorcycle as the act of lowering your bike onto its side while you’re on it in order to avoid a direct impact with an object. Usually, in cautionary tales and stories, the object in question is another car that has suddenly pulled out in front of you. In many of these stories, the rider’s quick thinking is stated to be the main reason they make it out unharmed.
In reality, laying your bike down is a dangerous and even nonsensical act that won’t actually protect you. In fact, it could increase your odds of getting hurt more severely than you would have if your bike had remained upright. After all, your motorcycle is designed to operate on two wheels. If you lay it down, you lose all traction that your tires provide and risk sliding directly into a dangerous situation. You’re forfeiting control over your brakes and ability to swerve, and are essentially at the mercy of gravity. You’ll also likely end up getting some nasty road burns.
Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents can and will still happen regardless of whether or not you lay down your bike. If you have been the victim of another driver’s negligence, you may want to contact an attorney to look into the possibility of financial compensation.