Riding a motorcycle is adventurous but risky at the same time. The riders account for over 14% of crash fatalities, although they make up only 3.5% of vehicles on the highways. A motorcyclist is 24 times more likely than a passenger-vehicle occupant to die in a car crash and 40 times more likely than a light-truck occupant. This proves that motorcycles are becoming more deadly because this was the highest number of motorcyclist fatalities in a year since 1975.
Due to the rising cases of accidents, the demand for hiring a motorcycle accident attorney has also increased. In this comprehensive blog post, you’ll get valuable insights into how dangerous motorcycles are. So, continue reading!
Why Is Motorcycling Considered Dangerous?
Riding a motorbike is even more dangerous than driving a car in the first instance. This is because you are more exposed, enclosed in a metal armor, belted to a seat. Besides, you are only sitting on two wheels compared to four and are less steady.
Figures on motorcycle casualties published by the Department for Transport show that severely injured motorcycle casualties have declined since the 1980s.
Motorcycle riders make up a very small proportion of the traffic. In general, motorcycle fatalities have been declining since 2004, with a visible long-term trend of decreasing.
How Unsafe It Is To Ride A Motorcycle?
Riding a motorcycle is fun. But what if you suddenly meet with a motorcycle crash? This can be a deadly experience, causing considerable financial loss and other issues. Let’s dig deep;
Motorcycle Experience
Studies show that more than half of accidents have occurred with motorcycles ridden for less than 5 months. So, if you’ve been riding the same bike for a while, drop your risk factor.
Blood Alcohol Level
The 2018 Ontario Road Safety Annual Report (ORSAR) demonstrated that alcohol was a contributing factor in 19% of motorcycle fatalities. Therefore, if you always ride your motorcycle sober, you can safely reduce that risk factor even further.
Speed Limit
In the same study conducted in Ontario, motorcycle speed was a significant causal factor, with its involvement in 28.8% of deaths. So, if you keep it within the limits, knock your number down again!
Motorcycle Safety Course
Generally speaking, ‘Driver error’ was the most significant contributing factor for 36.4% of fatalities. That’s a hell of a number, right? However, this raises a critical question here. For instance, should mandatory motorcycle training and motorcycle refresher classes be required?
While it may not completely prevent all motorcycle wreck accidents due to driver negligence, it would significantly reduce tragedies that lead to the loss of lives. Your danger level has decreased if you graduated from Moto School or took the refresher course in the last couple of months.
Motorcycle Safety Gear
NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) argues that wearing a helmet can reduce death risk by 37%. This has little relevance to the numbers shown above, though. Most riders use helmets when cycling. But to be frank, not all cyclists cover their heads with full-face helmets.
It has also been found that full-face helmets had 1.614 times more impact than half-helmets. Similarly, armed jackets and pants are more protective than street wear.
It is difficult to quantify any numeric advantage of wearing ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time). However, if you always ride your motorcycle in full gear, you can safely reduce the risk factor.
Motorcycles Are Safe When Ridden Responsibly
People consider motorcycles as high-risk transport means. However, this means of transport can be safe and enjoyable if the rider takes proper precautions. The primary focus is safety and how the rider manages it. Here are some practices that highlight how to ride a motorcycle safely:
Get Some Training
Professional motorcycle training is helpful as it teaches riders crucial aspects like using emergency motions, avoiding mishaps, and avoiding related dangers on roads. Skilled and confident riders are also less likely to develop fatal mistakes that will likely cause accidents.
Following Road Rules
Adhering to traffic rules is essential to avoiding the risks of motorcycle accidents. This includes speed limits, use of the correct lanes, and signaling. Accountable riding behavior also means practicing appropriate measures when dealing with other vehicles.
Prioritizing Protective Gear
Proper protective gear is essential in the event of an accident. The most appropriate forms of protection include good-quality helmets, jackets, gloves, and shin guards.
Not only this, but practical wear also makes a rider easily seen, rather than being hit by other motorists who could not see the cyclist.
Maintaining The Motorcycle At Its Best
Keeping check of brakes, tires, and lights will always make your vehicle dependable and safe. It minimizes the chances of mechanical breakdowns, which can, in most cases, cause accidents.
Hire An Attorney In Case Of A Motorcycle Crash!
Although there are many ways you can avoid accidents, right? What if you meet with a sudden motorcycle collision with another vehicle? This is the time when you need to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit.
You can have several perks when you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney would be willing and able to take care of any legal proceedings that may be demanded due to the motorcycle accident claim while you concentrate on your recovery.
Some motorcycle accident lawyers provide prospective clients with a free consultation. In the free consultation, you can speak with someone from the law firm and get an idea about your case and what can be done. During this consultation, you will also understand what services the attorney will offer the clients without being charged.
Almost every legal representative will allow you to hire an attorney without paying a dime to get their services. This payment system is titled on a contingency fee basis. In this way, the fees for the lawyer will be fully paid from the amount of money you are to be paid.
So, if you want to get a worthy motorcycle accident settlement, hire an attorney first!
The Final Statement
Riding a motorcycle always attracts risks. However, you can avoid these risks by undertaking appropriate training, using proper precaution measures, and riding appropriately. Motorcycle riders’ safety risks are occasioned by how the motorcycles are used and the conditions under which they are employed. Any motorcyclist willing to spend a few bucks for his safety can minimize the incident occurrences.
In summary, transport is not 100% safe, but motorcycle riding is fun and gives a sense of freedom if you handle it correctly. Also, you can prevent motorcycle accidents if you and others realize some factors that might lead to their occurrence.
If you want to file a motorcycle accident claim, Michael Hua should be your go-to choice.
Are you a motorcyclist? You should be aware of how risky can riding a motorcycle can be. If your motorcycle collides with another vehicle down the road, this shouldn’t be taken lightly. It is when we, as experienced attorneys, can provide you with fair compensation for your injuries and other considerable financial losses. Contact us today!
FAQs
How unsafe is it to ride a motorcycle during adverse weather conditions?
Riding motorcycles in extreme weather conditions always carries a higher risk. Rain compromises the contact of the wheels with the ground and makes it difficult to see through the mist, while winds may cause the bike to tilt. Snow and ice can cause slippage, which means sliding. So, it is best to avoid riding in bad weather or where the conditions are likely flawed.
What can be done to make motorcycle riding safe?
To make riding safer, there is a need to use protective equipment such as a helmet, gloves, and jackets during the contest. The rider has to attend a motorcycle safety course to enhance the skills on the motorcycle. You can do it by taking care of the vehicle now and then and servicing it in case it breaks down. Following traffic rules can also help reduce the risk of vehicle accidents.
What are the main causes that lead to motorcycle accidents?
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Other motor vehicle drivers don’t perceive motorcycles or underestimate their speed.
- The faster the ride, the slower the reaction time.
- Gravel, potholes, and wet roads are some of the risks a driver faces.
- New riders or persons who sometimes go riding are more likely to fall off the bike.
- Alcohol, drugs, or distractions cause accidents most of the time.
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