Staying on your bike rather than intentionally laying it down during a potential accident or emergency situation can have several benefits:
Increased Control: By staying on your bike, you retain control over its direction and speed. This allows you to potentially navigate around obstacles, make necessary adjustments, and take evasive action to avoid a collision.
Stability: Motorcycles are designed to maintain stability while in motion. When you lay the bike down intentionally, it can lead to loss of control and a higher likelihood of sliding or tumbling, which can result in injuries.
Protective Gear Effectiveness: When you stay on your bike, you have a better chance of utilizing your protective gear effectively. Helmets, jackets, gloves, and other safety equipment are designed to provide protection while riding, not while sliding or tumbling on the ground.
Reduced Impact: In many cases, laying the bike down can lead to a high-speed slide or impact with other objects. By staying on your bike, you may reduce the overall impact force and potentially minimize the severity of injuries.
Visibility: When you remain on your bike, you are more visible to other motorists and can take advantage of using your horn, brakes, and signals to alert them to your presence and intentions.
If a rider lays the bike down intentionally or due to losing control, the consequences can be more severe:
Higher Risk of Injury: Laying the bike down can expose the rider to impacts with the ground, obstacles, or other vehicles. This increases the likelihood of injuries such as abrasions, fractures, and more severe trauma.
Sliding Hazards: Sliding on the road can expose the rider to risks such as road rash, which is a painful abrasion caused by friction between the rider's body and the road surface.
Bike Damage: Laying the bike down intentionally can result in significant damage to the motorcycle, including the frame, fairings, and other components. Repair costs can be substantial.
It's important to note that every accident or emergency situation is unique, and the best course of action may vary depending on the circumstances. However, in general, maintaining control of the motorcycle and attempting to maneuver and brake safely is preferable to intentionally laying the bike down. Regular training, practicing emergency maneuvers, and wearing proper safety gear can help improve your chances of staying safe in such situations.