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During the past decade, motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities have only risen. NHTSA statistics indicate that 5,154 motorcyclists died in 2007 - the highest rate ever recorded. Even worse, approximately 80% of motorcycle crashes result in injury or death, while passenger vehicles have such devastating results about 20% of the time. Motorcycle-related injuries are clearly a serious threat to anyone who rides.

Reasons for Danger

Motorcycles are more maneuverable than passenger vehicles. They can swerve quickly to avoid accidents. Motorcycles even stop faster than cars, but none of these capabilities make them crashworthy. They lack a shell of protection, the stability of four wheels, and visibility due to size. Most drivers who crash into motorcyclists didn't see them coming until it was too late. Motorcycles are put at even more of a disadvantage in adverse weather conditions. Strong winds might throw off the balance and lead to an accident. Rain and snow can also be extremely hazardous to motorcyclists. It's their duty to take extra precautions to stay safe. This means having a license and proper training. It also entails wearing the right safety gear, driving sober, and following the speed limit. Those who refuse are putting themselves and others at serious risk.

Most Common Crashes

One of most common accidents involves drivers turning left in front of oncoming motorcycles. Unless the motorcyclist was speeding, running a red light, or intoxicated, this type of wreck would be the other driver's fault. Another popular kind of crash happens when motorcycles run off the road at curves. More often than not, alcohol plays a role in these situations, which tend not to involve other vehicles. Failure to obey traffic signals (e.g., stop signs) is yet another reason frequently given for motorcycle accidents. These crashes are usually not the motorcyclist's fault. Finally, mechanical failure also causes a small percentage of motorcycle accidents and injuries. Intoxication and speeding are factors in a great deal of motorcycle crashes, and they make the motorcyclist responsible for damage and injuries related to the accident.

Vehicle Comparison

Motorcycles are obviously more dangerous to drive than other vehicles. There are currently over 6.5 million motorcyclists in the United States, compared to well over 135 million passenger vehicles. Despite this incredible difference, motorcyclists accounted for 13% of the total traffic fatalities in 2007 alone. Statistics also showed that they were eight times more likely to be injured than people in passenger vehicles during the prior year. Furthermore, two of the most common injuries involved brain trauma and the spinal cord. Broken bones (e.g., the pelvis) are also to be expected. Damages awarded to motorcycle accident victims may include medical expenses; lost wages and benefits; injury-related equipment, such as wheelchairs; physical pain; emotional suffering; or punitive damages. These victims truly deserve compensation for having to suffer through such traumatizing experiences.

*Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA)

Learn more about this author, Shannon Beineke.
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