What Are The Major Cause Of Motorcycle Accidents?
While motorcyclists are often viewed as safe and brave drivers, they also represent one of the highest risks of personal injury and death on the roads. This is due to the smaller visual profile of a motorcycle compared to a passenger vehicle, which makes them more difficult to see in the event of a collision. In fact, according to a recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a motorcycle rider is 27 times more likely to die in a crash than a driver or passenger of a car.
(Looking for a”Montag truck train accident attorney“? Contact us Today!)
Alcohol-Related Crash Causes
The most common cause of fatal motorcycle accidents is alcohol impairment. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that alcohol accounts for 50% of all motorcycle crashes and that 28 percent of motorcyclists killed in 2017 were drunk.
This is a sad statistic considering how easy it is to drink and drive today, especially if you live in a city. Regardless of your age, it’s important to be aware of the risks and avoid any alcohol-related activities while riding a motorcycle.
Head-on Collisions
Head-on collisions are a very serious and deadly type of motorcycle accident. This is because the force of a head-on crash can be so devastating that it can throw or crush a rider, causing severe injuries.
Lane Splitting
A surprisingly common motorcycle accident is caused by the practice of lane splitting. This occurs when a motorcycle straddles the edge of a parked car lane and begins to move across it. This can result in an accident when a car swings its door open and hits the motorcycle.
Speeding is another common cause of motorcycle crashes. The NHTSA states that in 2016, 33% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding. This is significantly higher than the percentage of car drivers, 19%, light truck drivers at 15%, and significant truck drivers at 7%.
Inattention is a huge risk factor for motorcycle crashes as well. This is because a rider’s attention can be easily diverted to their smartphone, music or any other distraction. This can be particularly dangerous when a rider is new to riding and unfamiliar with their bike.
Sudden Stops
Rear-end crashes are another common type of motorcycle accident that can be extremely harmful to a motorcyclist. These types of crashes can lead to serious injuries such as whiplash, which can result in permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Road Conditions
Motorcycles are smaller and less stable than cars and trucks, making them more susceptible to unsafe road conditions. Whether it’s the weather, slippery surfaces, or other factors, dangerous road conditions can be the cause of an accident that could end a rider’s life.
Having a helmet is the number-one preventative measure you can take to reduce the likelihood of being injured in a motorcycle accident. Studies show that helmet use reduces the chance of severe head injury by 69%.
Inattention, speeding, and intoxication are all serious causes of motorcycle crashes that need to be addressed. If you are involved in an accident that was not your fault, contact a New York City motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your case and receive the justice you deserve.