Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents and How to Avoid Them
Riding a motorcycle can be thrilling. It can also be dangerous. Learn how to ride safely.
Whether it’s the thrill of an adrenaline rush, a feeling of freedom, a heightened connection with nature, or just plain fun- people who enjoy motorcycles seem to embrace riding as an essential part of their lives. Some even claim that motorcycle enthusiasts are more passionate, adventurous, and rebellious than the average person and that those traits draw them in and get them hooked. Those who ride religiously, either with a group or solo, do so for many reasons despite the increased risk of serious injury or even death. This article will highlight the importance of motorcycle safety awareness and educate readers on common accident causes and prevention strategies.
The Reality of Motorcycle Accidents
There’s a common debate among motorcycle riders. One side argues that the more time spent on the road only statistically increases one’s chances of getting into an accident — in other words, it’s only a matter of time until an accident happens. The other side argues that the more time a rider spends on the bike, the more expert he or she will become, thus lessening the likelihood of an accident. In either case, riding motorcycles is dangerous, no matter where a person rides or how experienced they are. According to Forbes, motorcyclists are four times as likely as those riding in automobiles to sustain an injury in a collision and an astounding “28 times more likely to lose their lives in a fatal driving crash compared with other motorists on the road.” And unfortunately, the number of motorcycle fatalities has increased 20% over the last decade.
A key reason for the high rate of motorcycle accidents is the lack of protection the vehicles provide. With no metal frame or structure around the rider, there’s nothing to stop a person from being thrown off a bike. At high rates of speed, in wet weather, or on a busy, well-traveled road of highway, riders are incredibly vulnerable compared to other road users, and accidents predictably result in more serious accidents.
The effects of a motorcycle accident can be devastating. Not only is the operator of the motorcycle affected by an accident, but the passenger is also extremely vulnerable in a crash. Additionally, motorcycle accidents can have a huge emotional impact on riders’ family members and loved ones.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
The majority of motorcycle accidents are the result of human error or bad riding habits. Not surprisingly, speeding is a common riding risk factor that accounts for more than a third of all fatal motorcycle accidents, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Traveling at excess speed decreases a driver’s reaction time and control when operating a motorcycle, making it harder to stop safely. In addition, driving too fast for current weather conditions can be exceptionally risky. For example, if someone is already speeding but quickly encounters an unexpected situation such as traffic congestion or wet or foggy driving conditions, the driver may unnecessarily be putting himself or herself at risk, as well as others on the road.
One of the most common accident risk factors is riders neglecting to wear a helmet. While some claim a helmet impedes their sense of adventure and freedom while riding, regularly using a U.S. Department of Transportation helmet is one of the easiest ways motorcycle riders can lower their risk of head injury and even death in a crash.
1. Distracted Riding
Distracted riding or driving is a growing societal problem, resulting in potentially serious traffic accidents. While talking or texting on mobile phones is a primary culprit, people are distracted from safely operating a vehicle in many ways. Other forms of distraction while driving may include eating, smoking, talking to passengers, scrolling through social media, or even sending emails.
Distracted driving is a risk for anyone on the roadway, leaving motorcyclists particularly vulnerable. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that distracted drivers of cars, trucks, or other vehicles cause 41% of motorcycle accidents, mainly because other drivers are unaware of the motorcycle. Simply put, distracted drivers are not giving their full attention to the roadway, which prevents them from driving safely and defensively.
According to the Department of Transportation, motorcyclists distracted while riding cause slightly fewer roadway accidents, or 32%, in 2019.
2. Alcohol and Drug Use While Riding
Anyone operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a danger to themselves or others. Alcohol and drugs significantly affect a motorcyclist’s reflexes, alertness and decision-making. Although riders under the influence do not cause the vast majority of accidents, there are significant legal implications and liability when a rider has proven to be under the influence. In short: operating a motorcycle while using alcohol or drugs is a risky endeavor with potential criminal ramifications, so it’s best to avoid this altogether.
3. Navigating Weather and Other Environmental Factors on a Bike
Even the most experienced and careful motorcyclist may face environmental factors beyond their control, such as potholes, loose gravel, an uneven asphalt edge, grooved pavement, or wet surfaces. Poor road conditions can make navigating any journey difficult and increase accident risk. When possible, do your homework before you travel to determine if there are any construction zones or challenging road conditions that may impede your journey.
Many people assume motorcycle accidents occur in bad weather, but actually, fewer accidents occur in rainy, colder conditions since riders tend to avoid these conditions. Basically, it’s less fun to travel on a motorcycle when the weather is cold and wet, so riders tend to stay off their bikes in bad weather, which results in fewer accidents. However, the weather isn’t always predictable, and even a clear, sunny day can quickly yield to foggy, windy, wet or icy conditions, making it harder to stop and easier to skid. Adverse weather can affect visibility and control, so slowing down, turning on your lights, and riding cautiously and safely are key.
4. Motorcycle Mechanical Failures
Like any vehicle, motorcycles perform best when regularly maintained and serviced, but mechanical issues are bound to happen from time to time. Completing a routine bike inspection is imperative before setting out, especially on a long journey. It’s critical to check the tire air pressure and the wear on tires, as worn or balding tires can significantly affect the grip and control of the bike. Oil leaks, overheating, and contaminated fuel can all be problematic and can have devastating effects on how a motorcycle’s engine functions. Additionally, faulty brakes and electrical problems can leave a biker stranded on the side of the road. Riders should be sure to carry a toolbox with them at all times. It’s critical that either a rider or a knowledgeable mechanic service the bike regularly, according to a regular maintenance schedule.
Enhancing Visibility While Riding a Motorcycle
It’s a simple fact that motorcyclists are at a disadvantage due to the relatively smaller size of their vehicle on the roadway. Motorcycles are inherently less visible to other motorists, so it’s imperative that anyone riding a bike take steps to ensure they are seen and heard when driving.
Positioning on the road is a critical factor in maintaining visibility and safety on the road. As explained in the Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider manual, riders should think of every lane being divided into three equal parts: left, center, and right. The MSF states that the safest lane for a motorcycle to travel in is the leftmost third of the lane. This position allows for good visibility and is the optimum place to avoid oil slicks, road debris, and other safety hazards, and also allows a biker to get off the roadway quickly in an emergency. However, a safe rider always adjusts for the conditions and must change positions according to weather and traffic.
Before setting out on a motorcycle journey, ensure that your horn, headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are all functioning properly. Reflective material worn on helmets, gloves, jackets, pants and boots can significantly increase visibility for other drivers on the road. If you’re concerned a car isn’t seeing you, flash your headlights, brake to engage the brake lights, and use your horn. These are all ways a motorcyclist can make their presence known and avoid an accident while driving.
How to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents
Even the smallest mistake made by a motorcyclist can have devastating consequences for the rider and for other vehicles. Safe riding practices are key to avoiding or preventing motorcycle accidents. Defensive riding, and maintaining a defensive mindset while on the road, are key to preventing accidents for anyone, but for motorcyclists in particular.
Smart riders make the assumption that they are unseen, or invisible when on their bike. That means he or she is responsible for scanning their surroundings at all times, being aware of other vehicles, and anticipating potential hazards. Riders who constantly focus on the road ahead, check their mirrors for blind spots and think about how other cars may act or react is key to defensive driving. Additionally, reading each situation and adapting as it unfolds means constantly managing your speed: increasing or decreasing it as dictated by a variety of changing conditions. Maintaining a safe distance between your motorcycle and other vehicles gives you and others the necessary time and space to react.
In addition, wearing proper safety gear while riding a motorcycle not only enhances your ride, but it also provides a layer of protection against road rash, should you get thrown from the bike and get skin abrasions from the roadway. Important elements in motorcycle injury prevention include:
- Breathable riding jackets
- Long pants
- Gloves
- Durable footwear with thick soles
The Department of Transportation finds that DOT-approved helmets are approximately 88% effective at reducing or preventing brain injuries or other serious injuries in a crash. For your safety, don’t ever make a trip on your motorcycle without first putting on a helmet.
Motorcycle Rider Education and Training
Many motorcycle accidents can be directly linked to inadequate training on the part of the rider. In general, the more practice a rider can get on the bike, including performing quick stops and swerves, the more skilled that rider will be in a situation requiring a split-second reaction.
However, according to Forbes, even though all states require a motorcycle endorsement, more than one-third of all drivers are unlicensed motorcycle drivers. This means that, in addition to passing a standard driving test, a motorcyclist must also complete a written and driving test on a motorcycle. Motorcyclists may not be aware of this additional endorsement or feel it’s unnecessary to go through the required training to ride safely, but this endorsement is critical. Finally, anyone who rides motorcycles should commit to taking advanced riding courses and to staying informed about new and ongoing safety practices.
Motorcycle enthusiasts enjoy the activity for many reasons — not the least of which is the freedom and joy felt when riding. However, due to the smaller size of motorcycles, and the lack of protection provided by this mode of transport, it is critical for all motorcycle riders to adopt safe riding habits in order to prevent accidents. Being aware of potential hazards while riding, and being prepared can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
Do You Need a Yakima Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
It’s important to educate others about safe riding and bike maintenance tips, and to encourage readers to share this and other posts with fellow riders. If you or someone you love has been in a motorcycle accident, contact the experienced attorneys at Abeyta Nelson Injury Law for a free, no-obligation consultation.