What Percent Of Motorcycle Accidents Are Caused By Other Drivers?
What Percent of Motorcycle Accidents Are Caused by Other Drivers?
A motorcycle accident is a very common occurrence, and it affects around one in five drivers. However, not every motorcycle accident is the fault of another driver. Road hazards are a common cause of motorcycle collisions. While these incidents are not the only cause of motorcycle collisions, they do contribute to the increased risk of injuries caused by crashes. These road hazards include speeding and making wide turns. A motorcycle accident can also be caused by a rider’s error, such as sliding out of control.
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Single-vehicle crashes account for 25% of motorcycle accidents
Motorcycles are smaller than cars, but they are still at risk for car accidents, especially those involving another vehicle. Most of the time, the other driver is at fault for these accidents. Motorcyclists should take precautions before riding in inclement weather. Speeding is another common cause of motorcycle accidents. About one-third of motorcycle accidents were fatal because of speeding. Young motorcyclists are most at risk of speeding, so make sure to respect the speed limit.
Other common causes of motorcycle accidents are speeding and making wide turns. Riding in bright colors and reflective clothing can increase your visibility on the road. Alcohol and drugs can also lead to a motorcycle accidents, so it is important to be aware of these factors and avoid them.
Drivers aged 50 and older account for 36% of all motorcycle crashes
Statistics show that older motorcycle riders are at increased risk of being involved in a fatal motorcycle crash. Between 1996 and 2016 the number of motorcycle fatalities among this age group increased by 803%. This influx is attributed in part to the popularity of larger motorcycles.
Statistics also show that older motorcycle riders are more likely to suffer from health problems, including high blood pressure and thinner bones. Additionally, they lack the strength and muscle that younger riders have. Older riders are also more likely to sustain an injury. Lower extremity injuries are the most common injuries among older riders, with injuries to the neck and upper extremities following closely behind.
Lane splitting increases your risk of being involved in a crash
One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is lane splitting, a practice that reduces motorcycle space and puts other motorists at risk. In addition to causing an increased risk of a motorcycle crash, lane splitting can also cause injuries to other drivers and passengers. Those who are injured can pursue compensation from the insurance company of the driver at fault for the accident. Motorcycle riders are also at increased risk of rear-end collisions with large vehicles, including trucks. Since motorcycles have a limited amount of space, rear-end collisions with large vehicles can cause devastating injuries or even death.
Lane splitting is illegal in New York City and the state of New York. The state of New York has a contributory negligence statute, which holds both parties partially at fault. For example, if a motorcycle crash is caused by lane splitting, the motorcyclist may be responsible for 30 percent of the accident and the car driver for 70%. This will lower the amount of compensation awarded to the motorcycle rider. Insurance companies are also trying to reduce the amount of compensation they pay out after an accident, so it is important to avoid lane splitting and be aware of the law.
Safety features on motorcycles reduce your risk of head injury by 69%
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, safety features on motorcycles reduce your risk of head injuries by 69%. This includes a protective helmet. Several studies have shown that a helmet can reduce the risk of fatal and serious injuries by half or more. A study conducted by the University of Kentucky found that motorcyclists who wear a helmet had a lower risk of skull fractures, cerebral contusion, and intracranial hemorrhage than motorcyclists who did not wear helmets.
A helmet is not the only protective measure for the head in a crash, and not all motorcycles are equipped with safety features. No helmet is completely effective in protecting against every impact. In addition, some helmets are only made to reduce the risk of a skull fracture, not brain damage. A traumatic brain injury is potentially irreversible and can affect every aspect of your life.
Vehicle failure increases your risk of being involved in a crash
One common cause of motorcycle accidents is poor road conditions. While these conditions do increase your chances of a crash, they are not the only cause of them. Mechanical failure is another common cause. Sometimes, these issues are the fault of the manufacturer, but many times they are simply a result of the motorcyclist not properly maintaining their bike. In either case, there are several ways to reduce your risk of being involved in a motorcycle crash.
The majority of motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle. While vehicle failure is only responsible for 3% of accidents, motorcycles are especially vulnerable to deteriorating road conditions. As a result, the most common cause of motorcycle crashes is punctured tires. Overbraking, under braking, and failure to observe the motorcycle’s right-of-way are all common causes of motorcycle crashes.