In the US, motorbike accidents are a significant concern for the safety of bikers and other drivers. For example, in 2016 alone, around 5,000 deaths were recorded in motorcycle-related accidents. Here is everything you need to know about motorcycle crashes in the US.
1. Motorcyclists are More Likely to Cause Fatal Accidents Compared to Car Drivers
As a motorcyclist, you may be more likely to cause fatal accidents than car drivers. This is because, compared to vehicles, bikes are less stable, so one can quickly lose control while riding them.
2. Most Fatal Motorbike Accidents Occur During the Day
It is interesting to note that most fatal motorcycle accidents occur during the daytime. This is because most people are on the road during this time, and there’s a lot of congestion.
3. Speed is Not the Main Cause of Fatal Bike Accidents in the US
The leading cause of fatal bike accidents in the US is not speeding. However, speed is still a significant concern as it reduces the chances of survival. It can also cause severe injuries to those involved in accidents. If you are involved in a collision involving a motorbike, then it may be worth contacting a Tampa motorcycle attorney(or one in your area) for legal advice.
4. Most Bikers Don’t Wear Helmets Even When Riding at High Speeds
Even though helmets have been shown to save lives and reduce the severity of injuries, many bikers don’t wear them. Some people think helmets are uncomfortable or inconvenient, while others don’t think they look cool.
5. The Warmer States Always Record the Highest Fatality Rates
Many people find it hard to ride their bikes in cold weather. Besides causing infections such as pneumonia, it’s not fun to go out when the temperature plummets. Warmer states attract many rides because the conditions are conducive for biking long distances and trying dangerous stunts.
6. Most Bikers Involved in Fatal Accidents Are Over 40 Years Old
It’s easy to assume that young, reckless riders cause most fatal accidents. However, statistics indicate that at least half of motorcycle crashes are caused by individuals in their 40s. This might be caused by reduced vision, less body strength, and poor hearing, which enhance the chances of being injured in a motorcycle crash.
7. Most Motorcycle Accidents Are Head-On Collisions
The most common type of motorcycle accident is a head-on collision which occurs when bikes and vehicles travel in opposite directions. Head-on collisions tend to have more severe injuries than motorcycle crashes because they involve more impact force.
8. The Number of Fatal Bike Accidents Increases Annually
The number of bike accidents is on a steady rise. This can be attributed to the fact that many people opt to go by bike. The number of vehicles has also increased, which leads to road congestion. This is why the number of fatal crashes has always gone up.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is much to consider when understanding motorcycle crashes. While they may be rare compared to other crashes, they happen far too often, considering how many people are on the road at any given time. The main takeaway from all this data is that more must be done for riders and drivers alike to avoid these accidents.
