Over the past decade, the number of motorcycle accidents on the roads of the United States has shot up. According to the National Safety Council, motorcycles constituted just 3% of all the registered vehicles in the United States in 2020. Despite that, they were accountable for 14% of all traffic fatalities. This number was the largest among the recorded number of motorcyclists killed in all the years since the inception of FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) in 1975.
A report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests that a motorcyclist is 29 times more likely to be killed in a crash as compared to riders of other vehicles. The increased susceptibility of motorcyclists to injuries is because of the lack of protection in motorcycles in the form of steel compartments, airbags, and seatbelts as present in other vehicles and reduced stability owing to the presence of just two wheels. Accidents can result due to the carelessness of the motorists as well as from the fault of other riders on the road.
Here are six common causes of motorcycle accidents in the United States.
6 Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
1. Unkempt Roads
Accidents can occur due to poor road conditions. Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement increase the incidence of motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles are less likely to balance themselves on uneven roads as compared to other vehicles because they are less supported. If you sustain accident injuries due to poor road conditions, then you should work with an attorney to get a reasonable settlement. They will provide you with an array of legal services that will help you recover.
2. Drunk Driving
It is never a surprise to find this at the top of the list of common causes of accidents. Riding a motorcycle requires one to make judgments in the blink of an eye. Without proper coordination between cognitive and physical abilities, a collision is inevitable. Alcohol robs one’s judgment and critical thinking even before them. Feeling drunk, making them incapable of riding safely. In 2020, about 27% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal accidents in the US were impaired by alcohol. This number was higher than the occupants of any other kind of vehicle.
3. Being in the Driver’s Blindspot While Taking Left Turns
This is yet another common cause of motorcycle accidents in the US. Cars waiting to turn left expect only cars to precede them. In such cases, they start heading towards the left as soon as the previous car makes the turn but find a motorcycle following it.
Failing to notice the turn signal given by the motorcycle makes the situation turn sour and leads to an unfortunate crash. Drivers can sometimes miss the signal despite checking the mirrors before turning. Be it rural highways or bustling roads of the cities, accidents due to this is a commonplace thing.
4. Speeding
According to the reports published by NHTSA, 34% of motorists who succumbed to accident injuries were speeding. Needless to say, reckless driving above the speed limit is one of the major causes of accidents, not just in the US but in any other part of the world. Higher the speed, the greater the severity of the accident.
5. Straddling Between Lanes
Lane splitting is blamed for a lot of accidents in the United States. In fact, it has been prohibited in most areas except California. Motorcycles, because they are small and flexible, allow motorcyclists to change lanes to avoid being caught in snarl-ups swiftly. However, this often misfires as they go unnoticed by drivers of other vehicles who are moving into the same lane and end up colliding with the motorcycles.
6. Poor Weather
Rain, snow, and ice can lead to slick surfaces and make riding hazardous. Storms and rain can also impair visibility and increase the occurrence of motorcycle accidents. Unpredictable downpours and similar weather changes can put the rider at risk. In such cases, proper precaution and defensive driving become very important.
Conclusion
Keeping the rising cases of accidents in mind, it is imperative that one remains extremely cautious on the roads while riding a motorcycle. However, sometimes accidents result from the fault of other drivers, who might hit and flee in the worst cases. In those circumstances, it is best to call 911 to get the required information. Working with motorcycle accident lawyers also goes a long way in helping one investigate the accident, find the hit-and-run driver, claim the insurance, and manage the medical expenses.
