What Percent of Motorcycle Accidents Are Caused by the Motorcyclist?
Several factors contribute to motorcycle accidents, including road conditions and weather. A motorcycle is a high-risk vehicle, as it is smaller and less stable than other vehicles with four wheels. Motorcyclists need to exercise more caution to avoid accidents. It is also important to know your rights as a motorcyclist and what resources are available to you in the event of an accident.
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Motorcyclists are involved in 14 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States. The majority of these crashes involve a collision with another vehicle, with a small percentage occurring on private property. Other drivers frequently violate the right-of-way, making it more likely for motorcycles to be involved in accidents. Speeding is a common cause of single-vehicle crashes, reducing the visibility of the motorcyclist and increasing the risk of fatalities. Those who are speeding are more likely to make mistakes in other aspects of driving, such as failing to brake and ignoring traffic signs.
Motorcycle riders are at increased risk for injury during crashes because they are vulnerable to weather conditions, such as fog and rain. Road hazards, such as puddles and ditches, are also common causes of motorcycle accidents. In addition, motorcycles are often overtaken by other vehicles when passing. Drivers may run red lights, tailgate, or fail to yield the right-of-way when turning. Drivers who are speeding or who are under-cornering can also lead to fatal accidents.
The age of the driver involved in a motorcycle accident is an important factor. Drivers 50 and older account for 36 percent of all fatalities. Younger drivers are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents while speeding. Drivers under the age of 20 are the least likely to be involved in motorcycle accidents, but their risk of fatal crashes increases dramatically if they are speeding. In 2020, 22 percent of motorcyclists were speeding.
Most motorcycle accidents are caused by the negligence of another driver. Drivers fail to see the motorcycle and may not obey traffic signs or signals. Motorcyclists may be rear-ended if they follow too closely. Drivers may also fail to recognize motorcycles and fail to give them the right-of-way.
Motorcyclists are often the victims of fatal accidents due to their lack of protection. Motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than other road users. During fatal crashes, motorcyclists tend to suffer more severe injuries. The severity of injuries is also correlated with the speed of the motorcycle.
Motorcyclists can avoid fatal injuries by wearing high-visibility clothing. In addition, wearing a motorcycle helmet is also an easy way to stay safe. Although the use of a helmet is voluntary, a study found that motorcyclists were wearing helmets at the time of an accident only about 40 percent of the time. The helmet is the best protection against head injuries, but a helmet may also help improve visibility. Wearing headlamps in daylight is another way to increase visibility.
Drivers aged 65 and older are overrepresented in the motorcycle accident population. Their reaction time is also impaired, increasing the likelihood of fatalities. Drivers under the age of 20 have the lowest percentage of accident-involved motorcycle riders wearing helmets.