For most people, motorcycle riding isn’t just a way to get from here to there – it’s a way of life of its own. Millions of Americans ride motorcycles on roads and highways throughout the U.S. every day, and most of the time without incident.
Despite this, crashes happen, and they do so by the thousands every year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the average rider is 29 times more likely to die in a crash, and as many as 5,014 motorcycle riders did in 2019.
Fatal or not, motorcycle crashes should always be avoided when they can be. With that in mind, let’s dig into some of the common reasons for these events and what can be done to prevent them.
Other Vehicles Making Left-Hand Turns
According to the NHTSA, the majority of all fatal motorcycle crashes between a bike and car typically occur when the car is making a left turn. When drivers turn left through intersections, the likelihood of striking a passing motorcycle goes way up.
The reasons for this typically boil down to driver distraction, poor visibility conditions, and speeding (on either or both the driver’s and rider’s behalf).
Lane Splitting
Motorcycle riders put themselves and others at risk of a collision when they engage in a riding technique called lane splitting. Lane splitting occurs when the rider drives through the space between two vehicles that are driving in their own lanes. If you can visualize that, it’s obvious to see how it can cause a problem on the road.
So far, California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. Texas doesn’t have a law about lane splitting, but even if it did, it might be best to avoid this technique.
Drugs & Alcohol
Not only is riding while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs a crime in Texas, but it can dramatically increase the likelihood of a deadly crash. In 2019, nearly 30% of all fatal motorcycle crashes involved alcohol-impaired riders.
Speeding
It’s no secret that lots of motorcycle riders like to go fast, but nearly as many riders who died in fatal collisions during 2019 also died because they were speeding.
Road Hazards
One of a motorcycle rider’s worst nightmares is colliding with a road hazard. No matter what it is, any hazard in the road has the potential to cause a rider to crash, whether they collide with it or attempt to avoid it. Hazards can range from anything like debris to gravel on pavement, uneven road surfaces, and ice.
Were You Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be able to pursue a recovery of damages with legal action. By filing a personal injury lawsuit, you can hold the parties responsible for your injuries accountable for damages such as your medical bills, property damage, and more.
Learn more about how Rodriguez & Gimbert, P.L.L.C. can help when you contact us online.