One of the most common causes of accidental death and injury in the United States, and other parts of the world, continues to be road traffic accidents. Most people have either experienced a collision themselves or know someone who has, and while the vast majority of collisions are minor and result in little to no injury, the road is still a risky place to be.
This is even more true for motorcyclists.
Reports show that, while motorcycles make up only 3% of all registered vehicles in the US, they are involved in 14% of all traffic fatalities.
In a collision, a motorcyclist is far more likely to be killed or seriously injured than any other motorist.
Even more concerningly, the rate of fatalities has been trending upward.
Why Motorcyclists Are At An Increased Risk
Many people are well aware of the most obvious reason for motorcyclists to be at more risk than other motorists.
While motorbikes are popular because they offer increased freedom and, for some motorists, a completely different experience on the road, this popularity has another side.
Someone driving a car or another enclosed vehicle has far more safety measures than someone on a bike. They are essentially encased in a metal cage that is designed to crumple in a way to protect them. As well as that, they have basic safety features such as seatbelts and airbags. Many modern cars have other, more complex features, such as cameras and automatic braking systems to lessen the impact of a collision.
On the other hand, someone on a motorbike has none of these safety features.
The only things protecting a motorcyclist from harm are their clothing and other safety gear that they wear.
Not only that, but the roads are a more dangerous place for any motorist, let alone someone with relatively little protection.
There are more vehicles on the road than ever before, meaning that there are more drivers and therefore more opportunities for things to go wrong.
Some areas are more dangerous than others. For example, North Carolina has been dubbed one of the worst states for deadly car crashes in the US. This is due to wet weather that causes adverse driving conditions, as well as speeding and drunk driving issues. Every motorist should take care when driving, especially those at an increased risk. If you or someone you know has been affected by such circumstances, it may be worthwhile to seek a Free DUI consultation. This could offer essential advice and assistance during these difficult times.
How Motorcyclists Can Be Safer On the Road
Motorcyclists have the most responsibility when it comes to keeping themselves and others safe on the road.
While they do have more limited safety options, there are ways that someone can keep themselves relatively safe on the road.
For starters, safety gear and equipment are an absolute must. Full-face motorcycle helmets save lives, as many fatalities are caused by massive head trauma. Some states have laws stating that anyone on a motorcycle should wear a helmet, but it is still a must in other states as well. While other helmets are better than nothing, a full-face helmet provides the most protection.
As well as a helmet, many motorcyclists also choose to wear leathers over their clothing. This can range from a simple leather jacket to overalls that cover the whole body and, in the event of an accident, can protect the rider’s skin.
This protective clothing will also keep the rider warm and protect them from the wind, but most motorcyclists value it for its protective qualities more than anything. While a rider might not be killed from road burn, it can cause serious injuries and scarring, which can be mitigated with the right protective gear.
Some motorcyclists also wear body armor when riding, especially if they are engaging in more dangerous riding such as motocross sports.
One of the best ways to be safe on a motorbike is to ensure that you have the proper training. Motorcyclists need a license, and this license will scale depending on the power of the machine that they are riding. It’s recommended that riders also undergo extra safety training, especially if they often ride in dangerous conditions.
Many motorcyclists also own other vehicles. This means that, in adverse weather conditions such as extreme rain or wind, they can drive a safer vehicle instead of riding a motorcycle. A motorcycle is harder to control than a car, especially in difficult conditions.
Finally, if a motorcyclist (or any motorist) is involved in a motorcycle accident, they should contact a motorcycle accident lawyer immediately. This means that, if someone was injured or experienced great financial loss, they can get the compensation they need right away, as well as fight any other court case.
What Other Motorists Can Do
It isn’t just up to motorcyclists to make sure that the road is safe.
Everyone has a responsibility to drive as safely as possible, especially if someone can get killed. In motorcycle accidents, while the blame can sometimes be put on the rider, other drivers are sometimes responsible for careless driving.
Motorists can be especially aware of the potential of motorcyclists on winding roads, as these allow motorcyclists to reach great speeds and can involve blind corners. If a driver loses control or isn’t paying attention, this can result in a nasty accident.
Motorcyclists can also be at increased risk on highways, as they are harder to see than other vehicles and can nip in and out of spots very quickly. Be aware of your blind spots and your surroundings and, if you’re aware of a bike nearby, try to keep an eye on it.
While every driver should have a license, it is always possible to take advanced driving courses to make sure that you’re in full control of your vehicle.
Drink driving, distracted driving, or driving while on the phone are all incredibly dangerous and can increase the risk of a collision. If your reaction speeds are slower than they should be, other motorists and pedestrians are at greater risk.
While laws and legislation continue to find more ways to protect drivers, everyone has the responsibility to do their part in creating safer roads for everyone.