Motorcyclists are at a much higher risk of being involved in an accident compared to passenger vehicle drivers. According to NHTSA data, motorcyclists are about 24 times more likely to die in a crash per vehicle miles traveled compared to people driving other types of vehicles. While some motorcycle crashes are caused by rider error, many are the result of driver negligence and hazardous road conditions.
Driver Negligence
One of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes is driver negligence and inattention on the part of other motorists. Drivers often fail to notice motorcyclists on the road or misjudge their speed and distance. Dangerous driver behaviors that put motorcyclists at risk include:
Failure to Yield
One of the most frequent causes of motorcycle collisions is when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to an oncoming motorcyclist, often by violating traffic laws. For example, a driver may fail to yield when turning left and cut across the path of the motorcyclist. This is an extremely common cause of motorcycle accidents and can easily be avoided if drivers take care to watch for motorcycles before turning or merging.
Distracted Driving
Driver distraction, especially due to mobile device use, is a growing problem and a major contributing factor in motorcycle crashes. A distracted driver may abruptly switch lanes without looking and strike a motorcycle. Distracted driving is on the rise, and drivers need to be aware that looking away from the road for even a few seconds can have deadly consequences for vulnerable road users like motorcyclists.
Blind Spots
Passenger vehicles have much larger blind spots compared to motorcycles. A motorcycle can easily disappear into a car or truck’s blind spot, leading to sideswipe crashes and “merge” collisions. Drivers need to be especially diligent about doing shoulder checks and actively looking for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging. Technology like blind spot detection systems can also help alert drivers to hidden motorcycles.
Impaired Driving
Intoxicated drivers pose a serious danger to all road users, especially motorcyclists. Reaction times are slowed, judgments impaired and ability to safely operate a vehicle diminished. Drunk driving continues to claim far too many lives each year. Stricter enforcement and regulations targeting impaired driving are critical to reducing alcohol-related motorcycle fatalities. If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, a Plano motorcycle accident lawyer from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys can help.
Aggressive Driving
Motorcycle accident injury lawyers understand the risks of aggressive driving. Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, unsafe passing, speeding and road rage greatly increase the risks for motorcyclists. Reckless drivers leave little time and space for motorcyclists to take evasive action. Aggressive drivers must understand the extreme risks their actions pose to vulnerable road users. Traffic calming measures, public awareness campaigns and stricter speed limit enforcement could all help address aggressive driving behaviors.
Hazardous Road Conditions
In addition to driver errors, dangerous road conditions also contribute significantly to motorcycle crashes. Hazards linked to motorcycle accidents include:
Slippery Roads
Roads that are wet, icy or have loose gravel can cause a motorcyclist to lose traction and crash. These slippery conditions can lead to falls and prevent a rider from stopping safely. Transportation agencies must prioritize snow removal, sanding, de-icing and other winter maintenance activities to reduce the risks posed by slippery roads.
Poor Road Design
Poorly designed roads with little margin for error can leave motorcyclists vulnerable. Roads with narrow lanes, sharp blind curves, uneven surfaces and limited visibility all increase accident risks. Engineers should design roads with the needs of motorcyclists in mind, allowing adequate space for maneuvering and providing sufficient lines of sight around corners.
Obstacles on Roadways
Objects on the road surface like potholes, debris, fallen cargo and guardrails can force riders to swerve or lose control. Riders may crash attempting to avoid these hazards. Regular road maintenance and debris removal is crucial. Cargo also must be properly secured, and unsafe guardrails upgraded.
Unsafe Infrastructure
Infrastructure like metal sewer grates, railroad crossings and grooved pavement can be hazardous if wheels get caught. Bridges with grated surfaces are also very slippery when wet. Transportation departments need to identify and replace unsafe drain covers, re-engineer problematic railroad crossings, and overlay grooved pavement.
Poor Road Maintenance
Lack of road maintenance, such as poor patch work and uneven pavement levels, creates dangerous irregularities on the road surface for motorcyclists. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer Plano TX can spot when issues like this are responsible for accidents. Preventative maintenance programs and adequate funding levels for road repairs are essential to maintaining safe riding surfaces.
Construction Zones
Construction zones present a number of hazards like loose gravel, abrupt lane shifts, temporary barriers and rough pavement that can lead to motorcycle crashes. Work zone managers must provide clear warnings, channelize traffic properly and ensure surface irregularities are addressed.
Preventing Motorcycle Accidents
While it is impossible to avoid all motorcycle crashes, steps can be taken by drivers, riders and road authorities to minimize risks:
Drivers can properly check blind spots, avoid distractions and share the road with motorcyclists. Motorcyclists should ride defensively, wear protective gear and make themselves visible through reflective strips or high-visibility clothing.
Improved road design practices, well-maintained roads and adequate motorcycle safety infrastructure can also help reduce accidents. Ultimately, education and awareness for both drivers and riders is key to improving motorcycle safety. All new drivers should be educated on sharing the road with motorcyclists. Experienced motorcyclists can take refresher courses on defensive riding techniques.
Law enforcement also plays a vital role through enforcement of impaired driving, aggressive driving, speeding and other traffic safety laws. Officers trained in motorcycle safety can also provide helpful riding tips during routine traffic stops.
Additionally, the development of connected vehicle technology and motorcycle detection systems on vehicles have great potential to reduce crashes. These emerging technologies can alert both drivers and motorcyclists to possible collision risks. Continued research and adoption of these types of intelligent transportation systems will help prevent accidents.
Motorcycle riding is an enjoyable pastime and mode of transport for many people, but it comes with significant risk. By understanding and mitigating common hazards like driver errors and dangerous road conditions, motorcyclists can continue enjoying the open road with greater safety and peace of mind.
Talk to a motorcycle accident attorney from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys if you’ve been injured while riding.
You can call 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946) for a free consultation.
