Riding a motorcycle is the favorite activity for most people. For others, it’s their means of transportation. Unfortunately, regardless of what the motorcycle is to you, it can also land you in severe pain and sometimes disability.
Motorcycle accidents are almost unavoidable, especially as they are sometimes caused by other parties besides the driver.
If your accident was caused by the negligence of another driver, you should consult a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer immediately. You’re entitled to compensation, and your lawyer will help you get it.
Nonetheless, in the article, we’re focused on listing out the top six reasons why motorcycle accidents happen.
Table of Contents
Reckless Riding
Both old and young riders are guilty of reckless riding at one point or another. While some only do it for occasional thrills, others have embraced it as a habit.
Reckless riding often involves disregarding traffic rules, taking unnecessary risks, and engaging in aggressive or irresponsible riding practices. This behavior can lead to severe consequences for the rider and others on the road.
Accidents are the primary repercussions of reckless driving. Others end up in lawsuits and have immense psychological impact, which can lead to long-term trauma.
Hazardous Weather
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 22% of fatal motorcycle crashes in the last five years occurred as a result of terrible weather conditions.
Rain, snow, fog, and strong winds make it difficult for riders to control their motorcycles. They would not be able to see the road clearly, and the traction of their motorcycle would be off.
When the roads are slippery, tires are more likely to skid, and the fog in the air increases the chances of collisions with oncoming vehicles.
Riding/Driving Under the Influence
Motorcycle riders are not exempt from the “don’t drink and drive” rule. Those who think they are exempt stand a higher chance of becoming victims of accidents.
A publication by Forbes showed that out of the 880 motorcycle accident deaths in 2020, 27% were alcohol-related.
Statistics also show that drunk driving increases during the late hours of the day. This makes the nighttime a dangerous period for motorcyclists, as they are likely to come into contact with an impaired driver during their transit. Without careful navigation, they may not be able to escape these drivers and their terrible road navigation.
Invisibility for Motorists
Due to the size of motorcycles, they are at risk of getting run over by large vehicles, especially trucks driven by drivers who do not pay attention to blind spots.
Aside from that, motorcycles lack the protective frame of a car, making them less visually distinct.
Most fatal vehicle-motorcycle accidents occur because large vehicles violate the motorcycle’s right-of-way, often due to a lack of awareness.
It goes without saying that the motorcycle rider would be the primary victim of such an accident.
Bad Brakes
So many riders have lost their lives due to defective or worn-out brakes. When the brakes are no longer functional, the riders will have no control over their stopping distances.
This means they do not have the power to stop a collision, stop at intersections, or even dive out of harm’s way. In the report given by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation in 2020, it was stated that faulty brakes accounted for 7% of motorcycle accidents.
With proper inspection and regular maintenance, motorcycle riders can eliminate the possibility of accidents occurring as a result of bad brakes.
Inexperienced Riders
When newbie riders get on the road, they sometimes overestimate their abilities and indulge in risky behavior. To them, they possess the riding skills and training, as well as the techniques to fly through the road like the pros do. They may not realize how wrong they are until they are in the middle of complex traffic dynamics.
The consequences of accidents caused by inexperienced riders can be severe. Sometimes, it may include injuries and fatalities not only to the riders themselves but also to other road users.
To avoid this completely, newbie riders should desist from venturing on the road without proper training. They should only be allowed after passing multiple assessments that test their ability to navigate the complexities of the road.
Wrapping Up
Statistics don’t lie. Motorcycle riders have a record of either causing accidents or becoming victims of these accidents. Regardless of the cause, they are more likely to encounter more injury and damage compared to the other vehicles.
A motorcycle rider’s best bet for safety while on the road is incorporating safe riding practices and investing in solid safety gear.
