Many people ride motorcycles as a recreational activity. But motorcycle riding carries increased accident risks compared to other forms of transportation.
Although motorcycle accidents are common, many strategies can keep you safe. Achieving safety depends on understanding what causes most accidents. In this article, we’ll cover important information about motorcycle safety.
Table of Contents
- What are the common causes of various motorcycle accidents?
- Speeding
- Motorcycle safety precautions statistics
What are the common causes of various motorcycle accidents?
There are many causes of motorcycle accidents. Some of the common ones are:
- Speeding
- Riding under the influence of alcohol
- Taking sudden turns and lane changes
- Driving recklessly
- Splitting lanes
Speeding
Motorcycle riders speed for different reasons, but none of the risks are worth it. According to a 2016 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, “33 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents were caused by speeding.”
This was higher than the percentage of car drivers, light truck drivers, and heavy truck drivers by 19 percent, 15 percent, and 7 percent, respectively.
The risks of speeding include:
- Loss of control of the motorcycle
- Inability to brake in time if needed
- Increased risk of crashing, resulting in serious injuries
- Economic costs due to a speed-related accident
Riding under the influence of alcohol
Consuming alcohol reduces brain function and impairs thinking and muscle coordination. Despite this, some motorcyclists ride while drunk. This is dangerous, as operating a motorcycle requires full concentration.
NHTSA statistics show that out of 5,268 motorcyclists who died in traffic crashes, 1,436 were drunk. Motorcyclists also make up 27 percent of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes.
Sudden turns and lane changes
Motorcycles share the road with many other vehicles and are certainly not the largest. Due to their size, they may not be visible to cars nearby. Many motorcycle accidents involve car drivers making judgment errors when turning. Cars suddenly switching lanes without checking blind spots also cause many motorcycle accidents.
Reckless driving
Over 35 percent of motorcycle accidents recorded in 2017 were caused by reckless driving. Aggressive driving, street racing, disregarding traffic laws, and distracted driving are types of reckless driving.
Lane splitting
Lane splitting is illegal in most states. It involves riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. Lane splitting is dangerous because a motorcyclist goes against the speed limit in the process.
Accidents can also occur due to the limited space available while maneuvering around cars. In states where lane splitting is illegal, motorists don’t expect motorcycles to ride next to them. The implications can be serious.
Motorcycle safety precautions statistics
“Statistics show how taking safety precautions can reduce the chances of injury in a motorcycle accident,” says John Yannone of Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers. “When riding a motorcycle, it’s best to err on the side of caution and protect yourself with proven safety precautions.”
Here are some of these statistics:
- A motorcycle helmet reduces the risk of severe head injuries by 69 percent.
- States with universal helmet laws record fewer head injuries from motorcycle accidents.
- Wearing armored motorcycle boots reduces the risk of foot and ankle injuries by 90 percent.
- Riding motorcycles with anti-lock brakes is 31 percent less likely to be fatally injured in crashes compared to motorcycles without this technology.
