Top 4 Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are almost always much more severe than a car accident and knowing the top causes of motorcycle accidents can be helpful in preventing them. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a governmental organization that is dedicated to preventing injuries and saving lives by reducing vehicle-related crashes, including motorcycle accidents. The NHTSA provides information and statistics that are helpful to understanding and preventing motorcycle accidents. Of significance and according to the NHTSA, while only 20 percent of car crashes result in injury or death over 80 percent of all motorcycle accidents result in serious injury or the death of the motorcyclist. Accordingly, knowing the top causes can prove to be vital to avoid becoming a statistic. 

Review The 4 Causes of Most Motorcycle Accidents

1.     Inexperience

This is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. A motorcyclist should spend as many hours as possible in training and familiarizing themselves with how their bike operates.  Cars and motorcycles require different skills and knowledge. The NHTSA recommends practice, practice, practice. For instance, practice handling your motorcycle in a variety of conditions, such as inclement weather or encountering hazards such as slick roads, potholes, and road debris. Practicing will help hone your skills and help you to naturally react to adverse conditions when you need it the most. 

2.     Alcohol

While it is never safe to consume alcohol and operate a vehicle it is even more dangerous when operating a motorcycle. Split-second reactions are crucial and can mean the difference between life and death. In 2019, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimated that approximately 42% of all single-vehicle motorcycle fatalities involved alcohol. If you’ve consumed alcohol, it is always more safe to call a ride-share service to get you where you need to go. 

  1. Unsafe lane changes
    While this is a major factor for many car and truck accidents this can be especially devastating for motorcyclists. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see for full-sized vehicles. Ride with the flow of traffic and leave plenty of room between your bike and other vehicles. Pay attention to where your bike is in relation to the vehicle next to you. Staying out of a vehicles blind spot is a safe defensive driving technique. Ride defensively!
  2. Speeding
    The NHTSA considers a crash to be speeding-related if the driver was charged with a speeding-related offense by the investigating officer or the investigating officer found speeding to be a factor. Astonishingly, thirty-two percent (32%) of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding, compared to eighteen percent (18%) for passenger car drivers, fourteen percent (14%) for light-truck drivers, and seven percent (7%) for large-truck drivers. Keep in mind that speeding isn’t just traveling at a high rate of speed, it also includes traveling too fast for conditions. If traffic, or environmental conditions, dictate that a motorcyclist should slow down it is important to do so!

If You’ve Been Hurt In A Motorcycle Accident, Genthe Law Firm Can Help

As personal injury attorneys in Texas, we have seen countless motorcycle accidents. We have also helped countless victims and our team understands the challenges victims and their loved ones experience. If you or a loved one was injured due to the negligence of another driver, contact our law firm for a free consultation. You may be entitled to compensation.

At Genthe Law Firm, P.C., our lawyers have the experience and knowledge of Texas Motorcycle Laws to successfully advocate on your behalf. Our consultations are free and we will not charge a fee unless we win your case! Contact us today for more information!

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