There are a lot of advantages to riding a motorcycle, such as fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs, as well as the fun and thrill of being on a bike with the wind in your hair that boosts your mood and happiness. But there are some very real dangers that come with it, too. That’s why it is important that motorcyclists be aware of the increased risk that they undertake when they decide to get on a motorcycle. Read on to find out when, where, and why motorcycle accidents happen.
Driving a Motorcycle Puts You More at Risk than Driving a Car
Driving or riding a motorcycle means that you are at a significantly higher risk of suffering a severe injury or death if you are in a wreck. According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Motorcycle accidents are 28 times more likely to result in fatalities based on vehicle miles traveled, and riders are four times more likely to get injured as compared to occupants in a passenger car. In 2020, Texas had the third most motorcycle fatalities of any state in the United States with 483. In 2021, there were 480 motorcycle crashes in Fort Worth alone, of which 53 resulted in a death.
When and Where do Motorcycle Accidents Happen the Most?
Most motorcycle accidents with fatalities in 2020 occurred in urban areas (61%). Additionally, only 34% of motorcycle accidents with fatalities occurred at intersections. So, you are much more likely to be in a fatal motorcycle accident in an urban area while simply traveling down the road or highway, rather than in rural areas or at intersections. At 97%, the most likely weather condition for a motorcycle accident in 2020 was when it was a clear or sunny day. Only 3% of motorcycle accidents with fatalities happened under rainy or other weather conditions. Roughly half the motorcyclists in 2020 were killed on the weekend, even though that made only 60 hours of the 168-hour week.
Why do Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, many of the causes of motorcycle crashes may be attributed to lack of experience or a failure to appreciate the inherent operating characteristics and limitations of the motorcycle. The unique nature of the motorcycle requires that the driver take special precautions and place more emphasis on defensive driving. About one-third of all multi-vehicle motorcycle wrecks occur because of another driver turning into the path of the motorcycle. Approximately 43% of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve alcohol. Driving a motorcycle is more difficult than driving a car under normal circumstances, so driving while impaired is only asking for a disaster to happen. Finally, an estimated one-third of motorcycle operators killed in crashes were not licensed or are improperly licensed to operate a motorcycle. This means many of the people dying while driving a motorcycle never received the proper education and training needed to operate the vehicle safely.
Westbrook Law Can Help with a Motorcycle Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured because of a motorcycle accident, please feel free to reach out to Westbrook Law and schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. You can get the process started by filling out our online intake form below. We are here to answer your questions and help you understand what your options are after the wreck.
