Motorcycles offer their drivers a sense of freedom and adventure, however, motorcycles are not safer than passenger vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle accidents have a higher rate of injury and fatality compared to passenger vehicles.
The size of a motorcycle, and it’s lack of safety features like seatbelts and windshields; increase the possibility of fatal or serious injuries during an accident.
The NHTSA reported that the most fatal motorcycle accidents occurred between 3-6 pm on weekdays, followed by 6-9 pm. For accidents resulting in injuries, they most commonly occurred on weekdays between 3-6 pm. Overall, Saturdays result in the highest number of accidents per day per week for motorcycles.
What are the Common Accident Causes for Motorcycles?
Lack of Space
Generally speaking, passenger vehicles often fail to give motorcycle drivers the space required to safely operate their motorcycles. Conversely, motorcycle drivers may get too close to other vehicles on the road. This proximity increases the risk of motorcycle accidents.
Driver Error
The driver may fail to check their blind spot or fail to signal when changing lanes which often results in an accident. Additionally, occupants of another vehicle have opened their doors unaware of an oncoming motorcyclist causing an accident.
Speeding
The leading cause of all auto accidents is speeding. Speeding reduces the amount of time a driver has to respond to changes in driving conditions. These changes can include abrupt stops, road hazards, and reacting to other driver’s actions. The higher the speed the less time drivers have to react to oncoming dangers. Additionally, speed increases the force of the impact, therefore, increasing the severity of the injury.
35% of motorcycle fatalities were the result of speeding. Comparatively, only 23% of passenger car drivers and 19% of commercial truck drivers had fatal accidents.
Inexperienced Drivers
Inexperienced drivers tend to make mistakes that ultimately compromise their safety and the safety of others. For example, motorcycles get into auto accidents on left turns due to misunderstanding the right of way or underestimating the distance they have to make a left turn.
Furthermore, inexperienced motorcycle drivers often get into car accidents as it takes more skill to drive a motorcycle than to drive a passenger vehicle.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Crumbling pavement, potholes, and debris can cause the driver to lose control of their motorcycle. As motorcycles traditionally have 2 wheels, they are less stable than the typical 4-wheeled vehicle.
What is the Biggest Risk for Motorcycle Drivers?
Motorcycles provide the least amount of protection, offering no safety features nor protection, against severe injuries and death in an accident. Typically, the safety of the driver depends solely on the driver’s clothing choices and whether or not they chose to wear a helmet.
Safety Features Could Save Your Life
37% of all fatal injuries resulting from an accident could have been prevented by wearing a helmet; 41% of passenger-related fatal injuries can be prevented in the same manner.
In Utah, motorcycle accidents account for 14.2% of fatal crashes; 5.9% of crashes resulting in injury; and 2.1% of total accidents. Though the percentage of total motorcycle accidents is relatively low, the severity of the crash is significantly higher compared to passenger vehicle crashes.
Were you or someone you know involved in a recent auto accident? Call Auto Accident Care Network now at 801-683-1948 to connect with a live care advocate. Our team at AACN can connect you to trusted attorneys and doctors to schedule a free legal consultation, a free thirty-minute massage, and a no-cost medical exam!
