If you ride a motorcycle, you know it’s fun. Nevertheless, you’ve probably “wiped out” at least once. Chances are you’re also familiar with loved ones cringing every time you talk about your motorcycle escapades.
That’s because motorcycles are extremely dangerous. Per mile driven, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely than occupants of a passenger vehicle to die in a crash. In 2018 alone, almost 5,000 motorcyclists died in fatal accidents – 4,985 to be exact.
While motorcycle deaths are decreasing, motorcyclists are still overrepresented in traffic fatalities.
To be safe while riding a motorcycle, you need to understand what makes these vehicles so unsafe.
Differences in Design
Motorcycles have 2 wheels instead of 4, which generally means they are less stable than passenger vehicles. They also weigh a lot less and are, therefore, more susceptible to environmental factors, road conditions, and loss of traction. While drivers of all types require a certain amount of skill, riding a motorcycle requires balance, dexterity, and additional focus. A gravel patch may not mean much to a regular car, but it could spell disaster for a speeding biker.
Speaking of speeding, motorcyclists achieve the same speeds as passenger vehicles, but they do so out in the open. Without the enclosed protection of a car or truck, riders are more likely to suffer serious or fatal injuries in a collision. Think of it like this: if someone throws a brick at you while you’re in a metal box, the shelter will keep you safe. If someone throws a brick at you while you’re standing directly in front of them, you’re much more likely to get hurt.
Small and swift, motorcycles are also harder to see on the road. Without meaning to, many drivers knock motorcyclists off their bikes or cause tragic motorcycle accidents.
Rider Inexperience
Safely operating a motorcycle isn’t easy but riding a motorcycle without the proper training is as simple as riding a bicycle. Many inexperienced motorcyclists hit the road before considering the risks associated with riding and without the necessary street-knowledge. Riding in the rain, for example, is incredibly hazardous, but motorcycle novices may not think twice about doing so.
In 2017, in fact, 29% of motorcycle fatalities involved motorcyclists without a valid license.
Worse still, some motorcyclists hop on a bike after drinking or ride at dangerous speeds. Many fatal motorcycle accidents are associated with drugs and alcohol, as well.
Driver Error
All too often, drivers fail to “share the road” and forget to check their blind spots for motorcyclists. When this occurs, motorcyclists can be severely injured or killed.
Similarly, drivers making left turns frequently complete their maneuver without accounting for motorcyclists or speed up or slow down suddenly, resulting in intersection accidents, head-on collisions, and rear-end crashes.
Another phenomenon is called dooring and happens when a driver opens their door, intercepting bicyclists and motorcyclists who are unable to stop.
If Someone Else Caused Your Motorcycle Accident, Call Us Today
With the instability and lack of protection associated with their vehicles, as well as their vulnerability to weather and road conditions, motorcyclists have enough to worry about.
They simply cannot watch for every careless or negligent driver on the roadway, nor anticipate every unsafe driving behavior.
If you or someone you love was injured or killed in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t their fault, contact Paulsen Law Group today.
Our attorney has over 15 years of experience handling personal injury cases and providing our clients with the resources they need to recover.
Call us at (727) 270-8260 or request a free consultation online and get the legal help you need today!