Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Tothose who have never ridden a motorcycle, it is difficult to comprehend why onewould put themselves at such an increased risk of serious injury or death bybeing involved in a motorcycle accident. However, for those who haveexperienced the exhilaration inherent with the wind whipping your hair, the sunshining brightly on your face, and the smell of the outdoors while cruisingdown a highway, they would not have it any other way.

Unfortunately,also inherent with a motorcycle’s thrill is the lurking fear of a catastrophicaccident. Due to the lack of a barrier protecting the motorcycle operator fromother vehicles, cement and natural objects, the risk of serious injury or deathdrastically increases. Below are the top causes of motorcycle accidents, whichhopefully will increase awareness and consequently decrease the number of motorcycle accidentson America’s roadways.

Another Motorist Turning Into aMotorcyclist’s Path

Approximatelyone-third of motorcycle accidents are the result of another motorist turninginto a motorcycle’s path. Most often, these are at slow speeds. However, due tothe lack of protection between the motorcycle operator and other vehicles, evenslow speed accidents can result in serious injury or death.

Another Motorist’s Negligence

Ifanother vehicle operator fails to take proper care and precaution in theirdriving habits, they are putting those they share the roadway with at theirmercy. Common acts of negligence by other motorists include:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
• Sleep deprivation
• Driving hazardously through poor weather conditions
• Breaking traffic regulations, including running red lights, stop signs and/or speeding
• Driving without corrective lenses

A Mechanic’s Negligence

Sincea motorcycle operates on two vehicles, they require greater care andmaintenance than other vehicles. If a mechanic fails in their professionalresponsibility to adequately inspect and provide maintenance for a motorcycle,they put the operator at additional risk. Failures of a mechanic can include:

• Not addressing an engine problem
• Inability to foresee break failure
• Not fixing a misaligned tire
• Misreading a tire’s treads and not recommending tire replacement for a bald tire

Local Official Negligence

Localofficials are responsible for providing roadway maintenance and care. If amotorcycle comes in contact with potholes or loose gravel on roadways, they aremore likely to flip or skid out than typical automobiles. These auto accidentsmay be attributable to local official negligence.

Failure to Wear a Helmet

Whilenot wearing a helmet is not a cause of motorcycle accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,for every 100 fatal motorcycle accidents in 2006, 36 would not have resulted indeath had the victim been wearing a helmet.