What Are the Odds of Getting in a Motorcycle Accident?
Whether you are a new biker or have been riding for years, you probably have wondered how much the odds of being involved in a motorcycle accident are. It’s important to understand the odds so you can be prepared to deal with the situation. The more prepared you are, the higher your chances of surviving a crash.
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Motorcycles are small and often vulnerable to road hazards. They also have less protection than cars. These factors can increase the chances of fatal injury in a crash. Luckily, a helmet is estimated to reduce fatal injuries by up to 41 percent. This doesn’t mean a helmet will prevent every fatal injury, but it is a good idea to wear one.
Approximately 64,000 motorcycle accidents happened in the United States in 2008. Of these, 2,811 fatal crashes involved a motorcycle and another vehicle. The remaining accidents were single-vehicle crashes. In the majority of these cases, the motorcycle’s driver was at fault.
The majority of these accidents occur at intersections. During intersection crashes, one-third of all motorcycle accidents are caused by a driver turning left or right in front of the biker. The other third of accidents happen when a driver is overtaking another vehicle. The driver may not see the biker due to its narrow profile or glare on the windshield. In the most common type of accident, the biker is hit in the front. In a few cases, the biker is hit in the rear.
Other common causes of motorcycle accidents include distracted driving, inexperienced riding, and poor weather conditions. Distracted driving can make it difficult for a biker to react quickly. In addition, smartphones are used more often and can become a distraction. It’s also important to remember that motorcycles are much smaller than cars and cars are bigger than motorcycles, making them easier to miss.
Head-on collisions are very common and can be deadly. The biker is usually injured more severely in these crashes. Another common type of accident is a T-bone. When a car or light truck makes a left turn in front of the biker, the motorcycle may hit the side of the car. Another common accident occurs when a car crosses the biker’s path, either in front or behind.
Another common cause of fatal accidents is lane splitting. Drivers will often pull out in front of the biker without seeing them. The biker has two seconds to react. It’s important to move out of the traffic lane quickly to avoid an accident. It’s also important to call 911 when you are panicked. This will allow emergency services to respond quickly and provide life support.
Another common cause of fatal motorcycle accidents is speeding. Motorcyclists must remember to follow the speed limit and respect the vehicle’s right of way. While it may seem like a motorcycle is unstable, it is one of the safest modes of transportation. Most drivers have passed a test on motorbike road knowledge.