Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Many people ride motorcycles as a recreational activity. But, according to statistics, motorcycle riding is not the safest form of transportation. It has increased risks of accidents.

Although motorcycle accidents are common, there are still many ways to keep yourself safe. Achieving safety greatly depends on understanding the causes of most motorcycle accidents. In this article, we will cover some important information about motorcycle safety.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents

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 associated with speeding 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 the function of the brain and impairs thinking and muscle coordination. Despite this, some motorcyclists have the habit of riding while drunk. This is dangerous, as driving a motorcycle or any other vehicle requires concentration.

NHTSA statistics show that out of 5,268 motorcyclists who died in traffic crashes, 1,436 were drunk. There is also proof that motorcyclists make up 27 percent of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes.

Sudden turns and lane changes

Motorcycles share the road with several other vehicles; they are certainly not the biggest. Due to their size, they may not be visible to cars that are near them. Many motorcycle accidents involve car drivers making judgment errors when making turns. Cars suddenly switching lanes without checking their blind spots also results in 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 some types of reckless driving.

Lane splitting

Lane splitting is regarded as 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 would not expect motorcycles to ride next to them. The implications of this can be ugly.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents

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 air on the side of caution and protect yourself with tried and true 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. This is in comparison to motorcycles without this technology.

Conclusion

Motorcycle accidents can be deadly, but they are also preventable. Understanding motorcycle accident causes is essential to keeping yourself safe while using the road.

Updated: August 28, 2024 by Michael Kahn

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