Very few motorcyclists are aware of the risks they face when riding on the road with other vehicles. Over 40 percent of motorcycle accidents occur as a result of another vehicle turning left while the motorcyclist drives straight.

 

However, not all risks associated with riding a motorcycle concern other drivers on the road. Here are the main causes:

 

Inexperience

Inexperience is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. Ideally, a motorcycle rider should spend dozens of hours in training. The motorcycle rider should learn how to:

  • Operate his or her motorcycle
  • Gauge conditions
  • Respond to situations

All too often, people start riding motorcycles on the road well before they are ready. Their inexperience can often result in motorcycle accidents. According to the NTSA, 59 percent of all motorcycle fatalities involved riders without a valid motorcycle license.

 

Alcohol

Riding a motorcycle after drinking alcohol is a significant factor in motorcycle accident deaths across the country.

Alcohol and other drugs can cause mild to severe impairment to a person’s judgement, their perception of surrounding objects, and cause dangerously reckless behaviour. Motorcyclists who drink and ride are at serious risk for injuring themselves and others on the road.

Alcohol impairs judgment – on and off the roads. Riding a motorcycle requires razor-sharp reflexes, and even one drink can reduce reaction times. Nearly 40 percent of all single-vehicle motorcycle fatalities involve alcohol. Additionally, 26 percent of multiple-vehicle crash fatalities included motorcyclists with a blood alcohol concentration over .08, the legal limit.

Right-Hand Turns

In fatality cases involving a motorcycle and another type of vehicle, an astonishing 42 percent involved the other vehicle turning right while the motorcyclist was doing one of the following:

  • Travelling straight ahead
  • Passing
  • Overtaking another vehicle

Unfortunately, motorcycles are more difficult to see. Many motorists do not spend enough time looking for motorcycles before turning left at an intersection.

 

Excessive Rates of Speed

Speeding is one of the most common motorcycle accident causes. An excessive rate of speed may mean travelling in excess of the posted speed limits. However, it can also refer to travelling too fast for conditions.

For example, if the speed limit is 80 KM per hour, but there’s excessive wind or dust, 80 KM per hour is probably too fast. Given the reduced visibility during a wind or duststorm, such speed would be irresponsible. 

 

Inattentive Driving

Inattentive driving, both on the part of vehicle drivers and motorcycle drivers, contribute to motorcycle accidents. These accidents can result in injury and death.

For example, a vehicle may drift into oncoming traffic if the driver is texting, rather than focusing on driving. A motorcyclist enjoying the freedom of the open road may fail to appreciate traffic slowing in front of them. Distracted driving is a danger in this country, and both motorists and motorcycle riders bear some responsibility.

 

Other factors linked to motorcycle accidents and fatalities include:

  • riding without a valid motorcycle license
  • riding without a helmet/protective gear
  • riding in urban areas
  • failing to notice traffic signs
  • not yielding when appropriate
  • not paying attention to other drivers

 

Much of what constitutes safe driving and vehicle operation is having an awareness of yourself and others on the road. However, accidents can also occur unexpectedly, with little or nothing a person could have done to prevent them.

 

In these cases, it’s helpful to understand what legal options are available for motorcycle riders and what entitlements they—or close loved ones grieving the loss of a motorcyclist—may have to accident-related compensation.

 

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