A motorcycle accident can have devastating consequences. Because these vehicles are generally smaller than the average passenger vehicle, they often go unnoticed, resulting in motorcycle crashes and serious injuries. Taking the relevant precautions to prevent the occurrence of such accidents is crucial.
By avoiding the time of day when motorcycle crashes commonly occur, riders can lower their chances of being involved in such an occurrence. Many motorcyclists ask the question, "Where do most motorcycle accidents occur?" to avoid potentially fatal collisions, so this article will answer this question by taking a look at the statistics.
Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur?
The truth is that motorcycle accidents are some of the most deadliest. There are a number of factors that contribute to the prevalence of such events.
Crashes involving motorbikes can happen because of human behavior (either the rider or other motorists), environmental conditions, and the design of the road.
Human Behavior
Impaired judgment because a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, along with other factors such as distracted driving, driver fatigue, and speeding, can lead to fatal motorcycle crashes. To make matters worse, riders are often more vulnerable and susceptible to injuries than other motorists because of the lack of safety equipment.
Environmental Factors
Adverse weather conditions that make the roads slippery, as well as other elements, such as poorly maintained roads, reduced visibility, and more, can also contribute to motorcycle accidents.
Road Conditions
Reduced visibility, slippery surfaces, and unexpected obstacles, such as construction areas, along with poor signage, can also present a number of challenges for riders. It's also important to remember that intersections, particularly busy ones that are located in busy urban areas, are hotspots for fatal motorcycle accidents.
Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur?
With that in mind, it's time to explore the places where the most motorcycle accidents happen. Number one on this list is city centers.
Bustling City Centers
The busy metropolis has become the primary source of motorbike accidents as industrialization continues to transform natural areas into cities. Motorcycle riders face difficulty due to the busy streets, heavy traffic, and intricately designed intersections.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), metropolitan areas account for roughly 60 percent of all crashes involving motorcycles.
The growing volume of traffic in cities leads to more contact between bikes and other automobiles. Crashes are more likely in busy places due to limited space for maneuvering and higher levels of stress for both riders and motorists.
Rural Locations
Another place where a number of fatal motorcycle crashes happened is in rural areas. Although urban locations account for the majority of collisions involving motorcycles, rural roads bring a unique set of obstacles to riders.
Many motorcyclists are drawn to the countryside by the appeal of open highways and picturesque routes. The open road, on the other hand, might quickly turn into a deadly adventure.
According to statistics, nearly 40 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents happen on rural roads. The curving layout and nature of these roadways, along with limited visibility and the possibility of wildlife, heightens the risks for motorcycle riders.
Motorcyclists heading into rural areas should be extremely cautious, adopting defensive riding strategies to overcome the unique obstacles these environments present.
Intersections
Intersections have become a real danger zone for bikers in metropolitan areas. According to statistics, a third of all motorcycle crashes occur at these junctions. Intersections are especially dangerous because of the combination of turning vehicles, changing traffic lights, and distracted drivers.
A scenario that happens frequently is a left-turn collision, in which a car turns left in front of an approaching motorbike.
In such instances, the driver frequently fails to appropriately evaluate the speed of the oncoming motorcycle, resulting in a devastating collision. Increasing awareness and prudence at junctions could drastically reduce the number of such accidents.
When Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
When trying to lower the risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident, it's also important for riders to know when most crashes occur.
The truth is that the weekends and evenings tend to be high-risk times for motorcyclists. Sadly, the attraction of a relaxing weekend ride or the exhilaration of a late-night adventure leads to a spike in crashes involving motorcycles at these times.
According to statistics, approximately 50 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes occur on weekends, with Saturday being the most dangerous day of the week. Furthermore, the risk of a crash rises during the late evening or night, as people are more inclined to engage in reckless driving during these times.
Decreased visibility, and possible impairment from alcohol use or fatigue, along with other factors, all add to the increased risks during these times.
Drinking and Driving Contribute Significantly to Fatal Motorcycle Crashes
Interestingly enough, alcoholism and speeding are major factors in motorcycle crashes. Traveling under the influence of alcohol weakens a rider or driver's decision-making abilities, as well as their coordination and reaction times, raising the probability of an accident considerably. A third of motorcyclists killed in collisions had blood alcohol concentrations over the permissible limit.
Driving too fast, on the other hand, worsens the effects of these collisions. Higher speeds shorten the amount of time available for riders and drivers to react, increasing the severity of these accidents.
Encouraging good riding habits, such as following speed limits and not consuming alcohol before traveling, is critical to reducing the number of motorcycle operators killed on the road. Those who have been found to be drinking and driving may be sentenced to jail time and have to attend a motorcycle safety course. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also explain what causes a high side motorcycle crash.
Pursuing Compensation
Fortunately, injured victims can turn to a motorcycle accident attorney in Dallas to obtain compensation for their injuries. Motorcycle accidents tend to be more serious than other types of motor vehicle crashes, resulting in more severe consequences.
Riders can obtain the monetary compensation they need by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.
The Bottom Line
A motorcycle crash can be deadly. Because riders do not have the kind of safety gear that other drivers have, they are more prone to serious injury. By avoiding the time of day when most motorcycle accidents occur, they can improve their chances of arriving alive.
Those who have been involved in a collision involving a motorcycle that was not their fault can turn to a reliable and experienced motorcycle accident lawyer for assistance. They can also consult on questions like What are the most common motorcycle leg injuries?
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can help victims get the compensation they are rightly due by providing aggressive legal representation. Claimants are encouraged to contact the firm to ensure that their rights are protected.