To Schedule an Appointment, Call Us Toll Free at 1.877.873.8208 or Email Us for a Prompt Response.
When the weather warms up, motorcycles start hitting the road in full force. Whether you’re riding one or driving alongside them, we all share the responsibility of keeping riders safe. Even careful motorcyclists face serious risk; when bikes make up only 3% of vehicles on the road, they account for about 10% of all traffic fatalities. More than 80% of motorcycle crashes lead to serious injury or death, often through no fault of the rider.
By understanding the most common causes of motorcycle accidents, both riders and drivers can take steps to prevent them. A little extra awareness, defensive driving, and proper training go a long way toward avoiding tragedy.
Intersections are one the most dangerous places for motorcyclists. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 35-45% of motorcycle crashes occur when a driver turning left crosses into a rider’s path. This often happens because the driver misjudges the motorcycle’s speed or fails to notice it altogether.
Lane splitting is riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic, which is illegal in every state except California. It’s dangerous because drivers aren’t expecting a motorcycle to pass them in tight spaces, increasing the risk of collisions.
Many accidents occur when drivers change lanes without realizing a motorcycle is in their blind spot. This can cause direct collisions or force the motorcyclist to swerve or lay down their bike to avoid impact.
Two-lane roads can be risky for motorcyclists because of close proximity to oncoming crashes involving excessive speed. On freeways, high speeds and lane changes increase the risk if other motorists aren’t paying attention.
Speeding is a major factor in motorcycle accidents. In 2020, 34% of deadly motorcycle crashes involved excessive speed. The faster the motorbike, the less reaction time a rider has to avoid hazards.
Nearly 43% of fatal motorcycle crashes involve alcohol. Impairment drastically affects judgment, coordination, and reaction time, skills that are crucial for safe motorcycle operation.
Almost one-third of riders killed in crashes are unlicensed or improperly licensed. While licensing doesn’t guarantee safety, it ensures a rider has met basic skill requirements.
Riding a motorcycle will always come with greater risk than driving a car, but being smart and proactive can make a big difference. Gearing up with proper protective equipment, taking professional safety courses, staying visible in traffic, and always riding with a defensive mindset is critical.
If an accident does happen, the steps you take afterward are just as important as how you ride. Having a skilled Personal Injury attorney on your side can help safeguard your rights and ensure you pursue the compensation you deserve. At Jan Dils, we’ve spent decades standing up for injured riders and securing the justice they need to move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation.
To Schedule an Appointment, Call Us Toll Free at 1.877.873.8208 or Email Us for a Prompt Response.
Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law
