Website design By BotEap.comMotorcycles have become increasingly popular over the years, with thousands of riders taking to the streets, whether for sport or recreation. While the idea of ​​feeling the wind blowing in your face while riding a motorcycle is appealing to many people, riders face many risks every time they get on a motorcycle, especially when they are not seen by other motorists on the road. Ultimately, understanding the reasons motorcycle accidents occur can help both drivers and motorcyclists make safer decisions when sharing the road.

Website design By BotEap.comThere are some common causes of motorcycle accidents in Indiana and across the country. Some of these include drivers failing to see motorcyclists, drivers violating motorcyclists’ right-of-way, vehicles turning left in front of motorcyclists at intersections, and motorcyclist errors. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that in 2008 there were 5,290 deaths from motorcycle accidents with an additional 96,000 injuries. 119 of these deaths occurred in Indiana alone.

Website design By BotEap.comBecause motorcycles are so much smaller than passenger cars, light trucks, and large trucks, many drivers often don’t see a motorcyclist until it’s too late. Two-vehicle crashes accounted for 2,554 (47%) of motorcyclist deaths in 2008. Motorcyclists also do not have the advantage of a metal frame to protect them in the event of a crash, so in nearly all two-vehicle crashes involving involving a motorcycle, it is the rider who will suffer the most damage.

Website design By BotEap.comCrashes at intersections where a vehicle made a left turn in front of a motorcyclist accounted for 985 fatalities. In most cases, the motorcyclist was going straight or passing another vehicle. 666 deaths resulted from both the vehicle and the motorcycle traveling in a straight line. When motorcyclists have the right-of-way through an intersection, they may be traveling at a higher speed, which influences the severity of injuries sustained in an accident. If a driver is traveling at 40 mph and a vehicle turns left in front of him or her, causing the motorcycle to strike the vehicle, the chances of catastrophic injury or death are significantly increased. Drivers should always be alert and watch for motorcyclists when turning at any intersection.

Website design By BotEap.comNearly two-thirds of motorcycle accidents occur due to driver error. In many cases, speed and driver inexperience contribute to single-vehicle crashes. Some riders may also buy the wrong bike for their experience level, opting for a bigger engine with more power, like a 900cc instead of a 250cc or 600cc. Because larger bikes are heavier, they can be more difficult for a smaller or inexperienced rider to control. Statistics show that motorcyclists are more likely to be involved in a crash with a fixed object, such as a tree or utility pole, compared to 19% of passenger vehicles, 14% of light trucks, and only 4% of large trucks.

Website design By BotEap.comAs stated above, motorcyclists do not have the advantage of a metal frame to protect them in the event of an accident as do the occupants of passenger vehicles. There are steps motorcyclists can take to prevent motorcycle accidents and personal injuries including, but not limited to:

• Choose the right size motorcycle for the rider’s height and experience level.
• Always wear a helmet, eye protection, jacket, pants, and riding boots. In the event that a bicyclist is struck and slides across the pavement, it is better for the protective gear to be ruined rather than the bicyclist’s body.
• Obey traffic rules and share the road. Do not speed up or weave in and out of traffic. As much as other drivers must care for a passenger, the driver must show the same courtesy to other drivers.