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Surprising Facts About Motorcycle Accidents

If you own a motorcycle, you likely appreciate the thrill of riding it down the road on a beautiful, sunny day. Whether you ride your motorcycle daily, use it to commute to and from work, or only ride once in a while when you want a different mode of transportation, it’s important to practice proper safety precautions to reduce your risk of becoming involved in a crash.

Below, we’ll share some surprising facts about motorcycle accidents. If you get hurt in a such a crash, reach out to a highly skilled Wisconsin motorcycle accident lawyer at Studinski Law, LLC. We can investigate your case and inform you of your legal options. Call us at (715) 343-2850 today, or reach out online to schedule a free, initial consultation of your case.

Age Plays a Vital Role in Motorcycle Accidents

Research has shown that riders between the ages of 20 and 29 and those in the 50 to 59 age range are more prone to motorcycle accidents than riders of other age groups. This suggests that inexperienced, new motorcyclists, as well as middle-aged drivers who may be a bit rusty on their skills and haven’t ridden in a while should be extra careful when riding.

Most Motorcyclists Do Not Undergo Formal Training

There are a variety of formal training classes and programs available for motorcyclists who would like to hone their skills and become safer riders. Unfortunately, most motorcyclists forgo formal training and learn how to ride from their friends and family. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation designed the Basic RiderCourse, which consists of hands-on riding exercises related to shifting and stopping, curve judgment, crossing an obstacle, and more.

Wearing a Helmet Does Not Impair a Rider’s Vision or Hearing

Some riders don’t wear a helmet because they believe it will make it more difficult for them to see or hear. The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) discovered that helmets limit less than 3% of a rider’s peripheral vision and do not negatively affect their hearing abilities. Also, the NHTSA reported that wearing a helmet decreases the risk of a fatal motorcycle accident by 37%.

Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur During Short Trips

Motorcycle accidents often take place when a rider is making a short trip to run errands, visit friends, or go to a restaurant. It’s common for riders to disregard safety precautions when their final destination is only minutes away. Make it a habit to follow the same safety procedures for every ride you take on your motorcycle.

Road Hazards Account for Very Few Motorcycle Accidents

According to the NHTSA, motorcycle accidents are usually the result of driver error and/or reckless driving. Potholes, uneven payment, and other road hazards are not usually to blame. In addition, weather conditions don’t typically cause motorcycle crashes. This shows just how important it is for riders and other drivers to drive defensively.

More Than 80% of All Reported Motorcycle Accidents Lead to Injury or Death

NHTSA data states that due to their compact size and the lack of protection, motorcycle riders are more likely to injure themselves or lose their lives in the event of a motorcycle accident. Therefore, it’s essential for riders to be aware of the risks of these types of crashes and ride safely at all times.

Motorcycle Deaths Accounted for 14% of all Motor Vehicle Crash Fatalities in 2017

This statistic by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety proves that motorcycle fatalities continue to be a serious problem today. More motorcycle safety and awareness programs should be implemented to reduce the number of deaths that result from motorcycle crashes.

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Contact Studinski Law, LLC

If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, consult Studinski Law, LLC right away. We can help you determine who is liable for the accident and guide you through the process of filing a claim against the negligent party. To learn more and to schedule a free case consultation, contact us today at (715) 343-2850.