Analyzing motorcycle crash injury data
From inclement weather to distracted drivers who do not notice you, it is pivotal to remain vigilant while riding your motorcycle. Unfortunately, when an accident occurs while you are on a motorcycle, the chances of sustaining a severe injury are especially high.
Every year, far too many motorcyclists suffer devastating injuries due to motor vehicle collisions, many of which occur as a direct result of driver negligence. Drivers and motorcyclists alike should take a careful look at statistics on these accidents in order to understand the scope of this problem.
Statistics reveal the impact of motorcycle crashes
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2020, over 82,500 motorcyclists suffered injuries in the U.S., according to estimates. Although this reflects a 2% decrease in the number of motorcyclist injuries in 2019, far too many of these accidents occurred.
On top of injuries, many motorcycle accidents prove fatal. Sadly, these collisions claimed the lives of more than 5,500 motorcyclists in 2020. Fatal motorcycle crashes across British Columbia also increased for the second year in a row in 2021.
Motorcycle crash risk factors
Motorcycle collisions have many causes, and a lot of these accidents occur as a result of unsafe drivers, including:
- Distracted drivers
- Speeders
- Drowsy drivers
- Aggressive drivers with road rage
- Drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol
And many motorists simply fail to see motorcyclists because they are not looking for them.
Bad weather and poor visibility can also contribute to motorcycle crashes. Still, it is essential to remember that many motorcycle collisions occur during daylight hours and clear weather conditions. After all, there are likely far fewer riders on the road when the weather or visibility is bad.
Some sections of the road prove especially dangerous, such as sharp turns, steep hills and mountains.
The unfortunate fact is that even when motorcyclists take all the necessary precautions to stay safe, other motorists don’t make these same choices. Thus, catastrophic and fatal accidents will continue to threaten riders. In these situations, injured victims and their families would be wise to hold the negligent or reckless party accountable for damages.