Understanding Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

 Posted on April 12, 2019 in Blog Post

Now that the weather is getting warmer and more people are partaking in outdoor activities, motorcycle riders everywhere are rejoicing and getting their bikes out to take them for a spin. For many people, riding a motorcycle is thrilling and not just a hobby, but a way of life. Unfortunately, riding a motorcycle can also be dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are around 28 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident than passenger car occupants. In 2016, there were over 5,000 motorcyclists killed in motor vehicle accidents. Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents can help you make sure you keep yourself as safe as possible while on your bike.

Not Knowing Your Bike Well Enough

Before you set out on the open road, you should make sure that you are comfortable handling your bike. Riding a motorcycle safely takes a lot of skill, patience, and practice. The NHTSA states that about a third of motorcyclists killed in crashes are either improperly license to ride a motorcycle or not licensed at all. Before you take your bike out onto the road, try practicing in a parking lot or a road that is not very busy.

Being Under the Influence While Riding

Another major factor in a lot of motorcycle crashes is alcohol. According to the NHTSA, 25 percent of motorcyclists who were involved in fatal crashes in 2016 were alcohol-impaired, which is more than drivers of any other vehicle type. Driving anything while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is never OK.

Speeding

This is a factor that is a big contributor to all motor vehicle crashes in general. Many motorcyclists enjoy the feeling of zipping down a highway, but speeding can greatly increase your chances of getting into a motor vehicle accident and decrease your ability to safely control your bike or stop for obstacles.

Other Drivers Did Not See You

One of the main themes of NHTSA’s many safety campaigns is to encourage other drivers to “share the road.” Many drivers do not understand how motorcyclists operate or how they drive, which is why so many motorcycle accidents are caused simply because the other driver did not see them or anticipate a move the motorcyclist made. The Share the Road campaign is designed to help drivers be more aware of the motorcycles on the road around them.

Have You Been in a Motorcycle Accident? Call a Glenview, IL Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Getting into a motorcycle accident can be devastating. Motorcyclists are more exposed than any other driver on the road, which is why motorcycle accidents can be so dangerous. At the Quinn Law Group, LLC, we understand how tragic motorcycle accidents can be. Our compassionate Park Ridge, IL motorcycle accident attorneys will work with you to ensure we get to the bottom of your case in order to get you the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 847-232-7180.

Sources:

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812492

https://one.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/motorcycle/safebike/anatomy.html

https://gas2.org/2015/11/23/5-most-common-causes-of-motorcycle-accidents/

https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycle-safety