How Many Motorcycle Collisions Happen Every Day?
When you ride a motorcycle, you’re exposed to the world around you. You are not protected as you would be in a car, and this can increase your chances of getting hurt or killed during an accident. Fortunately, the number of motorcycle accidents has been steadily decreasing in the United States over the years.
How Many Motorcycle Collisions Happen Every Day?
Motorcycles are an increasingly popular mode of transportation in the United States. In fact, 3% of registered vehicles in the country are motorbikes. This small percentage of vehicles is not enough to offset the risk of motorcycle accidents, which claim the lives of thousands of riders and injure millions of others each year.
Despite the lower number of motorcycles on the roads, it is still important to be aware of these dangers and protect yourself as much as possible. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re planning on riding your motorcycle or already have one on the road:
Low Visibility
The main reason for accidents between cars and motorcycles is that drivers don’t see a bike or a motorcycle before making a turn or changing lanes. Drivers also tend to be more impulsive and make careless decisions such as speeding or driving while intoxicated.
Lane Splitting
Another cause of motorcycle accidents is when a car changes lanes or makes a left-hand turn without seeing the bike first. This is a very common mistake, especially on highways and freeways.
Alcohol-Involved Crash
DUI is the most frequent cause of fatal motorcycle accidents. This is because alcohol impairs the rider’s ability to react quickly to traffic situations, putting them at greater risk of a crash.
Using the Hands Over The Wheel To Check Your Cell Phone
Distracted driving has become more common in recent years, and this is a major cause of motorcycle crashes. In fact, in 2020, more than 25% of fatal motorcycle crashes involved riders who were distracted by a smartphone or other electronic device while driving.
Increasing Vehicle Safety:
While cars have become safer in recent years, motorcycles are still very dangerous to ride on. Compared to cars, motorcycles are less stable and have no seat belts or airbags which can help reduce the severity of injuries during an accident.
Considering this, it’s no wonder that more than half of motorcycle accident deaths in the United States occur on city streets. Urban areas are more densely populated, and motorcyclists have to share the road with other vehicles.
Intersections
Almost 60% of all fatal motorcycle accidents happen at intersections. These areas have more traffic and directional changes, and they are also more dangerous to ride on due to uneven road surfaces and gravel on pavements.
Fortunately, the National Safety Council has determined that fatalities from motorcycle accidents are significantly lower at intersections than at non-intersections. However, these statistics show that there is still a need for increased safety in all urban areas. Moreover, the National Safety Council has found that most motorcycle accidents in 2020 occurred between June and September, which is when riders are more likely to be on the road.