It is without a doubt that motorcycles give their riders an overwhelming sense of freedom. The open road, the feeling of the wind on your face, and the panoramic views are what make riding motorcycles a hobby for some people. But great freedom requires great responsibility on the road.
Unlike cars and trucks, motorcycles are not equipped with safety restraints and they do not offer any type of enclosure to protect riders in an accident. Due to this lack of protection, motorcyclists typically sustain more serious injuries in a collision than victims of car and truck accidents. And in far too many accidents, death is the outcome.
The Realities of Riding
Carsurance recently released these statistics on motorcycle accidents:
- The moment a cyclist starts the engine, they almost 30 times more likely to die than passengers in a car
- 2018 saw nearly 5,000 riders killed in motorcycle crashes
- The type of bike you ride makes a difference, as Supersport motorcycle riders increase their odds of death by four times
- Overall, motorcycles account for 14% of all traffic fatalities, even though they only make up three percent of registered vehicles
- Approximately one-third of accidents are the result of driving under the influence with 20 percent involving excessive speeding
- All-important helmets reduce head injury risks by 69 percent and death by close to 50 percent
- Warm weather states have a higher fatality rate for motorcyclists
- The average age of those who lost their lives was 43 in 2016, bringing the 40-and-older age demographic to 54 percent of all fatalities
- Motorcycle drivers between 16 and 24 have a higher incidence of accidents
Safety in Being Seen
Many drivers who have been in an accident involving a motorcycle claim that they “did not see” the motorcyclist, even though their engines are much louder than a car’s. Most motorcycle accidents involve cars making left turns while cyclists attempt to split lanes with a larger vehicle.
Regardless of age or choice of bike, traveling by motorcycle presents risks that require proactive measures by not only cyclists but everyone sharing the road.
THIS IS A GENERAL DISCUSSION OF LAW AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. FOR ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AND SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY.
