Riding a motorcycle is inherently more dangerous than a car because a motorcycle is not enclosed and does not have seat crumple zones, airbags, and seatbelts.
By Brad Nakase, Attorney
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Riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a car because motorcyclists statistically make up 14% of all crash fatalities. While it can be thrilling to ride a motorcycle along idyllic country roads or zip through city traffic, there is no denying that it is a dangerous activity. Riders may enjoy the power and speed of a small vehicle, but these contraptions lack the protective metal and airbags of cars. However, there are ways you can keep yourself safe while riding, which makes biking a more enjoyable and safer activity. Many motorcycle accident lawyers San Diego victim trust contends that that riding a motorcycle is no more dangerous than driving any other type of motor vehicle; it is drivers’ negligence that are a hazard to motorcyclists.
In American cities, the most common causes of traffic collisions are speeding, driving under the influence, reckless driving, and distracted driving.
Speeding
Riding your motorcycle at the speed limit can significantly reduce the chance of a crash, and its severity. Slowing down allows an individual to react better and stop a crash from occurring.
Driving under the influence
Alcohol impairs a person’s judgement, whether he or she is driving a car, riding a motorcycle, or even riding a bicycle. It is important to avoid drinking alcohol before you ride your motorcycle to reduce the likelihood of an accident.
Negligent car drivers
Motorists are unfortunately known for creating dangerous riding conditions for motorcyclists. They run through stop signs, thrown open car doors, make erratic lane changes, and fail to yield.
Reckless drivers can turn into motorcycles at intersections, cut bikers off on the road, and hit bikers from behind. There is no way to improve their driving, so it helps to be more alert when riding nearby them.
Distracted driving
Some motorists get distracted by texting at a red light or by talking to passengers. This creates dangerous conditions for other riders, including bikers. Therefore, you should keep your attention on the road and other drivers while biking.
The frightening reality is that over half of all motorcyclists in Florida wear helmets. Helmets have been proven to reduce the severity of injuries in a crash and have prevented countless fatalities. Almost half of all motorcycle crashes involve a collision with a car, truck, or other vehicle. In such accidents, the motorcyclist is almost always impacted from the front. It is estimated that wearing helmets consistently could save more than 2,000 lives each year.
Let’s imagine the following scenario: Gary rides his motorcycle to work every day. At this point, he is comfortable with the route, and he is less alert while riding. One day, Gary is running late to work and cannot find his helmet. Because he is so familiar with his way to work, Gary shrugs it off and decides to ride without it. While Gary is passing an SUV on the freeway, the car suddenly swerves into his motorcycle, unable to see him in the blind spot. Gary’s bike overturns, and he skids along the asphalt for a hundred feet. Unfortunately, because Gary chose not to wear his helmet, his daily ride to work resulted in him getting a traumatic brain injury. Had he taken the time to find and wear his helmet, he would have emerged from the accident with only bruises and scratches.
Remember, dress for the slide, not the ride!
The best way to bike safely and avoid crashes is to avoid drinking and riding, drive the speed limit, ride defensively, and pay close attention to other drivers, trucks, and pedestrians. You should be careful when riding in the blind spots of other vehicles, around trucks, and near blind corners, high bushes, or other obstructions. Experts suggest wearing helmets every time you get on your motorcycle.
These statistics may be frightening, but it should comfort you to know that states have implemented many laws aimed at protecting riders in the event of an accident. If you have been in an accident, there are legal remedies available, so it is worthwhile reaching out to an accident lawyer. There are statutes of limitations on some legal actions, so you should act quickly to make sure you get the damages you deserve.
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