What Percentage Of Motorcycle Accidents Involve Alcohol?
What Percentage of Motorcycle Accidents Involve Alcohol?
Alcohol is a contributing factor in motorcycle accidents. Speeding is another factor in motorcycle accidents. But the percentage of motorcycle accidents caused by alcohol has been decreasing for about 30 years. While the number of motorcycle accidents due to alcohol has declined, this is not to say that motorcycle riding has become safer. It is essential to know the legal BAC limit for motorcycle riders and how to stay under the legal limit.
(Looking for a Car Accident Lawyer? Contact us Today! Click here: Truck Accidents Lawyer Near Me)
Alcohol-related motorcycle accidents
Alcohol-related motorcycle accidents occur for several reasons. Most often, a drunk driver is at fault. Drunk drivers cannot respond quickly to emergency braking, and their judgment and reflexes are impaired, which results in an accident. In severe cases, injuries may be permanent or lead to paralysis. Injuries incurred in a motorcycle accident due to alcohol can be catastrophic.
The at-fault party may also be liable for damages resulting from property damage. Punitive damages are awarded to punish gross negligence and deter reckless behavior. Typically, alcohol-related motorcycle accidents result in death. The surviving family members of the deceased person may file a wrongful death claim, which often carries a high dollar value. In addition, victims can claim damages for past and future medical expenses.
In California, alcohol-related motorcycle accidents occur most often after a group event, when there is peer pressure to drink. The risk of drinking and driving is greater for solo cyclists and commercial drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half of motorcycle crashes that result in death were alcohol-related.
Speeding is a major factor in motorcycle accidents
Despite the safety benefits of riding a motorcycle, speeding is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. This is because speeding significantly reduces a motorcyclist’s reaction time and affects their ability to react to situations. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that more than 9,000 people were killed due to speeding in 2018. Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles and slowing down when you’re near one is important to prevent accidents.
Speeding is a significant factor in motorcycle accidents and is one of the leading causes of fatalities. Excessive speeding affects both motorcycle operators and passengers, and it increases the chances of severe injuries. Just a few mph increases can have a significant impact. Researchers say a change in speed of 15 mph (between 20 and 35 mph) can mean the difference between life and death.
BAC limit for motorcycle riders
Lowering the BAC limit for motorcycle riders will improve motorcycle safety, and may help reduce the number of accidents. In the U.S., 8 percent of motorcycle fatalities involve riders with BACs in the.01-to.07-g/dL range, compared to just four percent of passenger car drivers. However, the lower BAC limit may not be practical for every rider. It is important to consider that any amount of alcohol can impair a rider.
Studies on alcohol and motorcycles have shown that a BAC of 0.05 percent will impair the rider’s ability to control the bike. A BAC of 0.08 percent will impair their ability to think clearly. At that point, simple tasks will be performed with more errors. Researchers at the University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies found that even riders equipped with outrigger devices experienced reduced performance when drunk.
In the past, no state had a per se BAC limit for motorcycle riders. In many cases, riders who are over the limit are unaware they’ve exceeded it. However, the new law requires motorcycle riders to wear protective gear, and the fine for violating the law is $50. Increased fines would increase the incentive for motorcycle riders to wear protective gear.