Summer is practically here, which means we are that much closer to enjoying longer, warmer days! Summer is the perfect time for many fun activities. Barbeques, swimming, camping, and more are just a few of the most common activities done throughout the summer. As the weather improves, more and more people are gearing up to take their motorcycles out on the roads, as well. After all, they no longer have to deal with the harsh bite of the cold winter air. However, motorcycles aren’t the only ones getting ready to hit the open road. Summer is the perfect time for families to take trips, especially as kids are out of school. Even with the current pandemic ongoing, more cars will be on the road than normal.
When there are this many vehicles on the road, accidents are bound to happen. The summer months are the most dangerous times to drive. This can spell disaster for motorcyclists. Motorcycles are much harder to see than traditional passenger vehicles, which means they are constantly at risk. No matter the time of year, motorcycle accidents occur, and they are often deadly.
For those sharing the roads with motorcycles, you must be aware of your surroundings, making sure that you leave enough space between you and motorcyclists. For motorcyclists, you must remember that other cars struggle to see you due to your size. If you suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, contact Wormington & Bollinger and let us help you.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcycle accidents are often more severe than regular car accidents. Motorcycles are much smaller than passenger vehicles, offering less protection for the driver. With less protection, motorcycle accidents lead to much more drastic outcomes. The smaller size of motorcycles also means it’s harder for other drivers to see them when changing lanes, merging, or turning.
To provide you with a better understanding of these accidents, here are some motorcycle accident statistics:
- 4,985 motorcyclists lost their lives in accidents in 2018.
- In 2017, 28% of motorcyclists who died in accidents were drunk.
- Motorcyclists are 28 times as likely to die in an accident than occupants in passenger vehicles.
- 71% of motorcyclists wore the Department of Transportation-compliant motorcycle helmets in 2018.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that helmets saved roughly 1,872 lives in 2017.
- 29% of motorcyclists who died in fatal accidents in 2017 did not have valid motorcycle licenses.
- Motorcyclists made up 14% of all traffic fatalities, and 17% of occupant fatalities.
- In 2017, 57% of fatal motorcycle accidents involved collisions with other passenger vehicles.
- 32% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding.
While millions of people across the country love riding their motorcycles, there are inherent dangers when doing so. The team at Wormington & Bollinger urge both motorcyclists and drivers of other passenger vehicles to drive with caution, exercising safety precautions always.
Safety Precautions
With summer quickly approaching, we will likely see more and more motorcycles hitting the road. More vehicles on the road only increase the likelihood of accidents, and motorcycle accidents are particularly deadly, which is why we are here today to provide useful safety tips to keep everyone on the road safe.
For Motorcyclists
Motorcycles are much smaller than other vehicles, so they are harder to see. Their small size also means that they offer much less protection for riders. If you are a motorcyclist, here are some tips to stay safe on the road:
- Always wear a helmet. As you can see from the numbers shown above, helmets can save your life.
- Make sure you’re licensed. You should never ride a motorcycle if you do not have your motorcycle license. To receive your license, you must pass both written and on-cycle skills tests that ensure you possess the skills needed to ride safely.
- Do not ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drunk driving is never okay, no matter the vehicle. Motorcycles require more coordination than passenger vehicles, so driving drunk is exceedingly dangerous.
- Obey traffic laws. Traffic laws, lights, signs, and lane markings exist to protect everyone on the road, including motorcyclists. By following these rules, you lower your risk of accidents.
- Ride responsibly. Because motorcycles are so small, you need to be extra cautious when riding. Ride with the flow of traffic and always provide plenty of space between you and other vehicles. Make sure to signal before making a lane change, merging, or turning. Ride defensively.
For Other Drivers
For those that share the roads with motorcyclists, you need to do your part to protect yourself, other drivers, and motorcyclists. Because they are small, you must always be careful. Here are some useful tips for drivers sharing the road with motorcycles:
- Check your blind spots. Most vehicles have at least one blind spot. Because motorcycles are so small, they often get lost in these blind spots. When merging or changing lanes, take your time. Use all your mirrors to make sure no motorcycle or other vehicle is in your way.
- Provide plenty of space. By leaving plenty of space between you and a motorcycle, you ensure that each of you has space to maneuver easily and safely. Give them three to four seconds of following time. Also, even though they are small, they require a whole lane, just like you.
- Always signal. Your signals are there for a reason. Use them. They are the only thing that lets other drivers on the road know what you’re going to do next, letting them react accordingly.
- Be careful when passing. On most roads, it’s legal to pass motorcycles the same way you would any other car. However, because of their size, be cautious. Whenever you speed up to pass them, you create a gust of wind. This gust can cause a motorcyclist to lose control. Always signal and make sure you are several car lengths away before you return to the lane.
With summer approaching and more cars on the roads, accidents will surely occur. Motorcycle accidents are often more dangerous and fatal than normal accidents. To prevent disaster, all drivers and motorcyclists must drive with extreme caution. If you suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, contact Wormington & Bollinger and let us fight for you.