One of the main causes of motorcycle accidents is the failure of motorists to see a motorcycle. Because motorcycles have such limited visibility, they are often hard to detect even by the most attentive drivers. In addition, glare and other obstacles can make it difficult to see a motorcycle. This makes collisions with motorcycles a particular danger at intersections.
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Inattentional blindness is a symptom of inattentive driving. This condition occurs when we fail to notice small details in a noisy environment. It is caused by a malfunction of the brain that makes us focus on large objects instead of the details around us.
One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is speeding. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time, making it more difficult for them to see motorcycle riders and spot hazards. It also makes it more difficult for drivers to determine safe gaps in traffic. As a result, speeding is responsible for one-third of motorcycle accidents in the U.S.
One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is improper lane switching. Drivers often fail to notice motorcycles in their blind spots and perform unsafe lane-change maneuvers. This can lead to a motorcycle being side-swiped and a collision.
According to U.S. Department of Transportation data, collisions with fixed objects are the leading cause of motorcycle accidents. About 20 percent of fatal crashes involve collisions with a fixed object, such as utility poles or traffic barriers. About half of these crashes occur at night, and the most common cause is excessive speed. Other contributing factors may include alcohol, poor visibility, and falling asleep while driving.
One of the leading causes of motorcycle crashes is alcohol use. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that thirty percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve an impaired driver. More than half of those drivers exceeded the legal limit of 0.08 percent blood alcohol concentration. Alcohol also reduces a person’s reaction time, making it more difficult to control a motorcycle.
There are a variety of factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents. One of the most common is a lack of protective gear. While the vast majority of motorcyclists do their best to ride defensively, not wearing the proper gear can be the difference between a minor injury and a serious injury. Wearing a motorcycle helmet, armored gloves, or a motorcycle suit can significantly reduce the severity of an accident.
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