Motorcycle crashes are known to have devastating consequences, with more than 80% of all accidents involving motorcycles resulting in serious injury or death. Motorcycles represent 3% of all vehicles on the road and account for 10% of all traffic fatalities.
Looking at the question of how many motorcycle crashes happen can help individuals practice safety measures and look out for signs of potential danger.
Motorcycle accidents can occur due to various factors such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not following traffic rules, and neglecting to wear appropriate safety equipment.
Important to note is that more often negligence on the part of the car or truck driver is to blame for a motorcycle crash, which makes having a personal injury lawyer crucial for such an event.
What Are the Main Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Left Turns
Left turns are one of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes and make up 42% of all accidents that feature a motorcycle and another vehicle such as a car. Though this type of accident can happen between two vehicles, there is more damage inflicted when it occurs between a vehicle and a motorcycle.
Head-On Collision
Head-on collisions happen when a car and a motorcycle meet and collide face to face. This can often happen when a car is trying to pass another vehicle by entering the oncoming traffic lane and doesn’t see the motorcycle coming.
In this case, the motorcycle may have nowhere to go to avoid hitting one of the two cars, which, unfortunately, can easily result in the death of one or both drivers, especially the motorcyclist.
Turning Corners
Turning corners can be highly dangerous while on a motorcycle as it can lead the rider into unexpected terrain. This can include water, sand, or other objects that could cause the motorcycle to slip and the rider to lose control.
Clean and dry corners can also be dangerous if a motorcyclist turns the corner at a high speed, which could lead to the individual losing control, resulting in an accident that could also involve other drivers.
Intoxication
Intoxication is the main cause of many motorcycle accidents that involve other cars, as well as motorcyclists.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting takes place when a motorcycle rides between two lanes of stopped or slowly-moving traffic and can happen at a light or in traffic congestion.
Lane splitting can be extremely hazardous as cars that are stuck in traffic may not anticipate or notice a motorcycle approaching.
As a result, the motor vehicle driver may try to switch lanes, or even just reposition the vehicle to get closer to the line. This can suddenly block the path of a fast-traveling motorcycle, making it one of the most common motorcycle accidents.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the main causes of motorcycle accidents and motor vehicle accidents in general. Motorcyclists must be within legal speeds, especially if the weather conditions are poor with low visibility, or if there is debris in the road. Increased speed, especially within these conditions can easily cause a motorcycle accident.
Switching Lanes
When a driver is changing lanes and doesn’t see a motorcycle in the lane they want to move into, this can cause a motorcycle crash. It’s important for car drivers to be aware of motorcycles as they can easily disappear into blind spots.
If a car driver fails to check their rearview mirrors and turn their head, they might miss a motorcycle and cause an accident. These types of accidents happen quickly and provide very little warning to the motorcyclist.
Lack of Experience and Licensing
A high number of motorcycle accidents are caused by inexperienced riders who lack the proper training. Inexperienced motorcyclists are more likely to accelerate too aggressively, take a corner too sharply, or brake improperly.
According to the NHTSA, it is estimated that nearly one in three motorcycle drivers who are killed in a fatal crash are either not licensed or are improperly licensed.
Where Do Accidents Happen the Most?
When looking at where motorcycle accidents occur the most, intersections are the most likely place for motorcycle accidents. This can involve a vehicle violating the motorcycle’s right-of-way, and often violating other traffic controls as well.
Between 35-45% of all motorcycle accidents occur because a driver coming from the opposite direction crosses into the motorcyclist’s path during a left-hand turn in an unsuccessful attempt to beat oncoming traffic. In this situation, a motorcyclist will most times be struck head-on by an oncoming car that turned in front of them while trying to make a left turn.
Prevalent Weather Conditions in Motorcycle Accidents
Rain
Heavy rain can easily obstruct visibility and create slippery spots on the road, which makes it more challenging for drivers and motorcyclists to maintain control. The majority of weather-related accidents occur on wet pavement and during rainfall. When looking at figures, 70% of weather-related accidents happen on wet pavement and 46% during rainfall.
Wind
Wind can be a potentially dangerous weather condition for motorcycle accidents as motorcyclists will find it harder to maintain their balance on a motorcycle if strong winds are present.
What Time Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur?
According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 52 percent of motorcycle accidents resulting in death occur on weekend nights, with the highest occurring between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.
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For Professional Legal Advice for Motorcycle Accident Victims – The Jones Firm
Even after looking at how many motorcycle crashes happen, one is not always able to avoid such devastating accidents. For those who have been injured in a motorcycle accident, the first step is to make sure that you are aware of your legal rights.
Call us today at The Jones Firm or online for a free initial consultation. From here, our professional team of personal injury attorneys will be able to identify whether or not you may qualify for a personal injury claim that can help you get the compensation that you so rightfully deserve.
