Motorcycle Accident Causes And Statistics

Riding a motorcycle can be a lot of fun, but it can also be dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 4,976 people killed in motorcycle accidents in 2016. This is an increase of 5.1% from 2015. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of motorcycle accidents and the statistics associated with them. We will also provide tips for staying safe while riding your motorcycle.

The causes of motorcycle accidents

The causes of motorcycle mishaps can vary, but there are some common factors such as:

1. Speeding:

Speeding is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. In 2016, 33% of all motorcycle riders who were killed in accidents were speeding at the time of the crash. In addition, speeding is a factor in about half of all motorcycle accidents. This is because speeding makes it more difficult to control the motorcycle, and it also increases the chance of being involved in a collision. For example, if you are speeding and hit a pothole, you are more likely to lose control of your motorcycle. Also, if you are speeding and someone cuts you off, you may not be able to stop in time to avoid an accident. You need to give yourself time to react to situations, and speeding makes it more difficult to do that. Conversely, if you find yourself injured because another driver was speeding, you can get in touch with a Cincinnati motorcycle accident law firm (or a similar one elsewhere) to understand your legal rights in this situation.

2. Wet Roads:

Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is wet roads. Wet roads can make it more difficult to control your motorcycle, and they also increase the chance of hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when your tires lose contact with the road, and it can cause you to lose control of your motorcycle. If you are riding on wet roads, be sure to slow down and give yourself extra time to stop. Also, be sure to avoid puddles, as they can hide hazards such as potholes. Additionally, be aware of vehicles ahead of you, as they may kick up water that can make it difficult to see. This can also cause you to lose control of your motorcycle. Every experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Lakeland will say that this type of accident can be very dangerous and result in several dangerous injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, and amputations. So it is important to be aware of the risks before you get on your motorcycle and to hire an attorney to defend your legal rights once involved in a crash.

3. Drunk Driving:

Drunk driving is a major problem on our roads, and it is also a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. In 2016, 29% of all motorcycle riders who were killed in accidents had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. That is the legal limit in most states. Drunk drivers have a hard time staying in their lane, and they may not see a motorcycle that is in their path. If you are going to be riding your motorcycle, be sure to stay sober. Also, be on the lookout for drunk drivers, and avoid riding near them.

4. Distracted Driving:

Distracted driving is another major problem on our roads, and it can also lead to motorcycle accidents. Distracted drivers are not paying attention to the road, and they may not see a motorcycle that is in their path. If you are going to be riding your motorcycle, be sure to stay alert and watch for distracted drivers. Also, avoid riding near them. Moreover, if you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation. So, it is important to contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.

5. Poor Road Conditions:

Poor road conditions are another common cause of motorcycle accidents. Potholes, cracks, and debris can cause a motorcycle to lose control. Also, wet roads can make it more difficult to control a motorcycle. If you are going to be riding your motorcycle, be sure to avoid potholes and other hazards. Also, be sure to stay alert for wet roads.

6. Careless driving:

Careless driving is another leading cause of motorcycle accidents. It includes things like tailgating, making sudden lane changes, and cutting off other drivers. These types of maneuvers can be very dangerous, and they may not leave enough time for a motorcycle rider to react. If you are going to be riding your motorcycle, be sure to stay alert and watch for careless drivers. Also, avoid riding near them. This also includes being aware of your surroundings and other vehicles on the road as well as obeying all traffic laws.

The statistics

As we mentioned earlier, the NHTSA’s report showed that in 2016, there were nearly 5000 motorcycle riders killed in accidents. That is a five percent increase from the year before. In addition, there were over 88000 motorcycle riders injured in accidents in 2016. That is a three percent increase from the year before. These numbers show that motorcycle accidents are becoming more common, and they are also becoming more deadly. If you are going to be riding a motorcycle, it is important to be aware of the risks. Another thing to be aware of is that motorcycle riders are more likely to be killed or injured in an accident than any other type of vehicle. In 2016, motorcycle riders were 26 times more likely to be killed in an accident than passenger car occupants. They were also five times more likely to be injured. This is why it is so important to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. Wearing a helmet can help to protect you in the event of an accident.

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including drunk driving, distracted driving, and poor road conditions. In addition, careless driving is another leading cause of motorcycle accidents. If you are going to be riding your motorcycle, it is important to stay alert and watch for these types of drivers. Hopefully, by being aware of the risks, you can help to avoid an accident. Also once involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. Thank you for reading!