What Percentage of Motorcycle Accidents Are Caused by Alcohol?
It is not clear what percentage of motorcycle accidents are caused by alcohol. While alcohol-related traffic accidents have decreased by more than a third in the past three decades, we shouldn’t be too complacent. Motorcycle accidents are still more likely to be caused by speeding, alcohol-impaired driving, or hitting a fixed object.
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Impaired motorcyclists more likely to be speeding
A recent study shows that impaired motorcyclists are much more likely to be involved in motorcycle accidents than other types of motorists. Almost one-third of fatal motorcycle accidents involved an alcohol-impaired driver. The BAC for those drivers was 0.08 percent or higher, which puts them at a significantly higher risk of an accident than other vehicle types. In addition, alcohol-impaired motorcyclists are more likely to be speeding, which was the underlying cause of most motorcycle accidents.
Another common factor in motorcycle crashes is distracted driving. Distracted drivers often fail to see motorcycles approaching, and their attention is diverted by other distractions. These distractions often include listening to music, talking to passengers, or daydreaming.
Impaired motorcyclists more likely to be hit by intoxicated drivers
Intoxicated drivers are more likely to hit motorcyclists in crashes than car drivers. Alcohol-impaired motorcyclists are involved in nearly twice as many single-vehicle accidents than sober car drivers. In addition, drunk drivers are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes. However, while drunk drivers are more dangerous, other factors can also increase the risk of motorcyclists being struck by impaired drivers.
One reason why motorcycle riders are more likely to be hit by intoxicated motorists is that they are more likely to be speeding. Studies show that over one-third of motorcycle fatalities involve drivers who were over the speed limit. That number is even higher than the percentage of intoxicated passenger car and light truck drivers involved in fatal crashes. Also, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists with BACs greater than 0.08% are far more likely to be hit by intoxicated automobile drivers.
Impaired motorcyclists more likely to be struck by a fixed object
Fixed object collisions between motorcyclists and other vehicles are one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. These collisions are often the result of reckless driving, including speeding, distraction, and drunk driving. Additionally, road conditions, such as rain or slick pavement, can make the roads hazardous for motorcyclists. Additionally, drivers may fail to check for parked vehicles, traffic cones, or other road hazards, which may result in a collision.
Studies have shown that motorcycles are more likely to be struck by a fixed object than other vehicles. Approximately one-fourth of reported motorcycle injury crashes involved a fixed object. Large trucks, on the other hand, are least likely to be involved in collisions with motorcyclists. Motorcycle crashes are most likely to occur at intersections. Younger motorcyclists are at a higher risk for fatal crashes than drivers of other vehicles.