Florida’s warm, sunny weather makes cruising down the highway all year round a tempting hobby. However, many people caution against motorcycle riding, calling it a dangerous activity. But are you really more at risk of an accident while riding a motorcycle than while driving in a car? Let’s look at the facts.
- #1: CrashStats reports that motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2013.
- #2: According to RideApart, the fatality rate per registered vehicle for motorcyclists was six to seven times higher than the fatality rate for “passenger car occupants” in 2014.
- #3: Motorcyclists in 2014 were also 27 times more likely than “passenger car occupants” to die in a crash per “vehicle mile traveled,” and nearly five times as likely to be injured, says RideApart.
What Are the Main Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
While it’s true that the numbers look ominous for motorcycle crashes, there is some potentially surprising data around the causes of the crashes. For example, many people might think that cars are responsible for the large majority of motorcycle accidents. But CrashStats, debunks this.
- #4: Motorcycles are more frequently involved in fatal collisions with fixed objects than with other vehicles.
- #5: In 2013, 22 percent of the motorcycles involved in fatal crashes collided with fixed objects, compared to 18 percent for passenger cars, 14 percent for light trucks, and 4 percent for large trucks.
- #6: CrashStats also reports another potentially surprisingly stat: In two-vehicle crashes, 74 percent of the motorcycles involved in motor vehicle traffic crashes were frontal collisions. Only 6 percent were struck in the rear.
What About Rider Negligence?
Contrary to popular opinion, data shows that many accidents are actually the result of preventable rider negligence, not cars or trucks.
- #7: In 2015, the NHTSA reported that 33 percent of riders killed were a “direct result” of the rider speeding.
- #8: About 40 percent of the riders killed in 2015 were not wearing a helmet.
- #9: It also tends to be the case that riders who had a blood alcohol content level in excess of the legal limit also made up a large chunk of the total rider fatalities.
What Can You Do?
If you choose to cruise the highways on a motorcycle, take initiative to be a safe and responsible rider. The statistics point to a number of proactive steps that riders can take to help decrease their risk of injuries:
- Wear a helmet
- Don’t ride drunk or high
- Receive proper training
- Don’t speed
Also, be aware of the potential injuries you could sustain from an accident – even if the accident isn’t your fault. It’s also important to remember that no matter who’s at fault in an accident, it’s likely that the motorcyclist will sustain the more serious injuries. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get justice for your case! If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident in Boca Raton or the surrounding areas, remember that you might be entitled to significant compensation. It’s time to get an experienced motorcycle attorney on your side! The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rosenberg is here to help, so call (561) 508-8800 or message us online today!
