Motorcycle riding can be an exhilarating experience. However, it’s not without its risks. A motorcycle rider is exposed to a greater risk of injury than other road users if they fall off their bike. This is because the rider has less protection from impact than car drivers or passengers.
Thankfully, most riders who fall off end up walking away with only cuts and bruises—not broken bones or worse. Therefore, you should take all necessary precautions before getting on a motorcycle and practice safe riding habits to reduce the chances of falling off your bike.
That being said, most Chicago motorcycle accident victims don’t actually know how they fell off their bikes and perhaps don’t realize how often fatal motorcycle accidents occur.
This post will discuss the numbers behind motorcycle crashes, why falling off a motorcycle happens so often, and what factors majorly contribute to Chicago motorcycle accidents.
Motorcycle Accidents Statistics
The number of motorcycle-related deaths in the United States reached a record high in 2019, increasing to 5,014. This is an increase of 2% from the previous year. The average age of those killed in motorcycle accidents is 43 years old, and 91% are male.
Motorcycle accidents are a serious threat to the health and safety of motorcyclists in the United States. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 14% of traffic-related deaths in 2019 involved motorcycles. Motorcycle accidents involving collisions with fixed objects account for about 25% of all motorcycle deaths.
Motorcycle accidents are on the rise, and the leading cause of these crashes is rider errors. In fact, nearly 66% of single-vehicle motorcycle crashes involve a rider’s error as the primary cause of the accident.
Wet weather also has an impact on motorcycle accidents. Over 30% of all motorcycle accidents occur during wet weather conditions. While about 75% of all motorcycle accidents are the result of a collision with another vehicle.
Factors That Cause Motorcycle Crashes
Driver Behavior
As the saying goes, “The best-laid plan of mice and men often goes awry.” This is often true when it comes to motorcycle crashes.
While many factors can lead to a Chicago motorcycle crash, driver behavior is a major factor. Motorcyclists often have less protection than other drivers on the road. This can lead to serious injuries or death in the event of a crash.
Additionally, riders’ limited visibility and their proximity to other cars on the road may also contribute to motorcycle crashes. Motorcycle riders may be more likely to speed and engage in risky driving practices such as driving under the influence, driving too closely, or not wearing a helmet.
By practicing safe driving habits, drivers can minimize their risk of being involved in a motorcycle crash and reduce the number of motorcycle crashes.
Road Conditions
Other drivers on the road are a factor in motorcycle crashes, but road conditions can also be a major contributor.
As motorcyclists rely on the road and traffic conditions to navigate the road, the condition of the road is essential to safe and effective travel. Poorly maintained roads or problematic road conditions such as potholes or construction can lead to motorcycle crashes.
Motorcyclists also have less traction on slick roads, which can also contribute to motorcycle crashes. Additionally, heavy traffic can add to the potential for a motorcycle crash.
By improving road maintenance, particularly in areas where drivers are most likely to engage in risky practices, and better managing heavy traffic, we can help reduce the number of motorcycle crashes.
Vehicle Design
While the number of motorcycle crashes has been declining over the years, they are still much higher than car accidents. Part of this may be due to vehicle design. Motorcycles may have less protection to reduce the effects of a crash, putting riders at greater risk of injury.
In addition, the position of the driver may lead to different types of injuries than those found in other types of motor vehicle accidents.
Motorcycles Can Be Difficult To See
Motorcycles are one of the smallest vehicles on the road and can be difficult to see in traffic. They’re smaller than cars, and if you’re not looking out for them, it’s easy to miss them.
If a car pulled up next to you and blocked your view of a motorcycle, would you be able to tell whether or not there was a person on it? Probably not. For this reason, motorcycle riders should always wear high-visibility gear when riding at night or during poor weather conditions because it helps drivers see them farther away than regular clothes allow.
How To Prevent Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcycle crashes can be devastating, both for the rider and their loved ones. Fortunately, there are steps that we can take to prevent motorcycle crashes from occurring, such as always being aware of your surroundings and how they can affect the way you control your vehicle.
This means paying attention to cars around you since they can’t always see you coming. It also means obeying traffic laws and staying alert in case of sudden changes in traffic patterns or weather conditions that may cause problems for your bike.
In Need of a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer? Contact Michael J. Brennan
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident and suffered any of these injuries, you may be eligible for compensation with the help of a Chicago motorcycle accident attorney through a personal injury claim.
Michael is experienced in handling personal injury lawsuits and can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Rest assured that our office will work with the local police who investigated your crash to determine who was at fault for the crash so we can file a personal injury lawsuit against them. This means that we will gather evidence related to your crash and present it in court to prove that the defendant is responsible for your injuries and losses.
Call us today at 708-578-7914 for a free case evaluation.
