What Is The Major Reason For Motorcycle Accidents?

What Is the Major Reason For Motorcycle Accidents? 

There are a few factors that can cause motorcycle accidents. These include speeding, defective tires, unlicensed motorcycles, and inclement weather. However, motorcycle accidents are often caused by a combination of factors, and each one can be prevented. For more information on motorcycle accidents causes, read this article. 

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Speeding 

One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is speeding. Drivers speed for a variety of reasons, but it can make it difficult to control their vehicle and stop in time. This makes it easier for them to collide with a motorcycle. Drivers who are impaired may also be at fault for motorcycle accidents. 

Even if a motorcyclist follows the law, they can still get into an accident. Speeding makes drivers less aware of their surroundings and less likely to react to changing roadway conditions. 

Defective tires 

The tires on a motorcycle are one of the most important pieces of equipment. If they are damaged or malfunctioning, there’s a good chance that the motorcycle will be involved in an accident. Tire defects can cause a vehicle to run off the road or jump into the opposite lane, causing a head-on collision. These types of accidents are rare but deadly. 

Motorcycles have significantly lower traction than most cars. Because they’re lighter and less protected by airbags, they can easily lose traction quickly. This can cause a motorcycle to swerve and wipe out and can result in serious injuries. Road hazards can also make the bike lose traction, including large potholes and uneven pavement. 

Unlicensed motorcyclists 

Unlicensed motorcyclists are often at fault for motorcycle accidents. While the NHTSA report doesn’t speculate about why unlicensed riders cause so many motorcycle accidents, it does note that unlicensed motorcyclists are less likely to have taken motorcycle safety classes to decrease their risks of serious accidents. Having a valid motorcycle license and endorsement is mandatory in New Hampshire. 

Another reason for motorcycle accidents is unsafe road conditions. Unsafe road conditions can cause riders to lose control of their bikes, and other drivers may fail to see them on the road. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to road hazards because they are smaller and have less stability than passenger cars. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, 56% of fatalities on motorcycles occur as a result of collisions with other vehicles. Most of these accidents are head-on collisions, which result in severe injury or death for the motorcyclist. 

Inclement Weather 

Inclement weather can reduce visibility, create slick spots on the road, and cause motorcyclists to lose control. Strong winds can also push a motorcyclist off course. In addition, ice can fall as hail or sleet and form on wet roads. Even a light nudge of the motorcycle can cause it to lose control and crash. As a result, nearly a third of motorcycle accidents happen during inclement weather. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that motorcycle accidents will top five thousand deaths nationwide in 2020. While it is true that motorcycle fatalities have decreased nationwide, they have risen in the Midwest, Illinois, and Indiana. These increases are in part due to the low number of motorcycle fatalities in each state, as compared to the number of motorcyclists killed in each state. 

Intoxicated drivers 

Drivers who are intoxicated are especially dangerous, as their impairment reduces their key driving skills. They may not see motorcyclists or react quickly enough to avoid a collision. Intoxicated drivers also can’t properly judge distances, which can lead to a rear-end collision. 

Alcohol is the most common cause of motorcyclists impairments, but other drugs and substances can also impair a driver’s judgment. To prevent this from happening, law enforcement should educate the public about alcohol and drug use among drivers. Partnerships between law enforcement and groups involved in alcohol and substance abuse prevention are also important.