Common causes of motorcycle accidents
Motorcycle accidents are among some of the most dangerous types of traffic incidents, often leading to serious injuries and fatalities.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there were 82,687 injuries and 6,218 deaths from motorcycle accidents in 2022 alone. Understanding the most common causes of these accidents can help motorcyclists and other drivers share the road more safely.
Lane splitting
Lane splitting is a highly contentious practice that occurs when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of traffic. While legal in some states, lane splitting can increase the risk of accidents. Lane splitting can be incredibly dangerous for motorcyclists in that they have a significantly reduced amount of space to maneuver in as they weave through cars. Additionally, many drivers do not expect motorcyclists to pass between lanes, leading to sudden lane changes or braking that can cause accidents.
Driver impairment
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a leading cause of all types of traffic accidents, including those involving motorcyclists. Individuals who are under the influence while driving put the safety of themselves and other motorists at risk as they experience slowed reaction times, impaired decision-making abilities, and reduced coordination.
Speeding
Speeding is another significant factor in many motorcycle accidents. As any vehicle or motorcycle travels faster, there is much less time to react to obstacles on the road or sudden changes in traffic flow. Additionally, traveling at high speeds can make it difficult for motorcyclists to control their bike, particularly when turning, braking, or riding on wet or uneven surfaces.
Furthermore, motorcyclists must follow posted speed limits to help reduce the risk of a catastrophic accident occurring. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to seek legal help from a Tacoma motorcycle accident attorney who can protect your legal rights and ensure you recover maximum compensation.
Driver inexperience
Inexperience is another key cause of motorcycle accidents. Riding a motorcycle is not easy, and new riders may struggle with how to handle their motorcycle in different conditions or how to share the road safely with other drivers. To mitigate this, motorcyclists should take motorcycle safety courses to improve their skills and gain confidence on the road, as well as practice defensive driving techniques.
Blind spots
Since motorcycles are much smaller and more difficult to spot than the average vehicle, they can easily disappear into a driver’s blind spot. This can make motorcyclists much more vulnerable to being involved in a serious collision if a driver makes a sudden lane change. If possible, motorcyclists should do their best to stay out of other drivers’ blind spots as much as possible to protect themselves.
Road hazards
The final common cause of motorcycle accidents is hazards on the road. While road hazards, such as potholes, road debris, or loose gravel, typically only pose minor issues for cars, they can be extremely dangerous for motorcycles. Wet or icy road conditions further exacerbate this issue, making it harder to brake or maintain balance. Therefore, motorcyclists should drive cautiously and slow down if they are approaching a hazard on the road.