Although there are many similarities between car and motorcycle accidents, these crashes differ based on their risks, causes, and injuries.
Every year, millions of traffic accidents occur on United States’ roads. To keep everyone safe, we urge drivers to learn more about how they can cohesively share the road.
Continue reading to learn more about how car and motorcycle accidents compare.
Common Causes of Motorcycle and Car Accidents
Each day, over 100 motorcycle and car fatalities occur on United States’ roads. The reasons behind these accidents vary and can be classified into two groups:
Driver error (speeding, distracted driving, running red lights, etc.)
Outside causes (weather conditions, vehicle defects, road conditions, etc.)
The five most common causes behind vehicle and motorcycle accidents fall into these categories.
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication
- Failure to yield right of way
- Operating vehicle in a careless manner
- Other motorists turning into the path of the motorcycle
- Riding under the influence
- A lack of experience or proper licensing
- Speeding
- Lane splitting
Injuries and Fatalities
Motorcycle accidents are inherently more dangerous and life-threatening than car accidents for drivers and occupants. According to the NHTSA, motorcyclists were about 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash in 2019 and were four times more likely to be injured. Riding a motorcycle is fun and exhilarating, but safe motorcycling takes coordination, balance, and good judgment.
Tips for Avoiding a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle safety can only be accomplished if drivers and motorcyclists are willing to share the road. To stay safe, vehicle operators should implement the following driving practices:
- Always take an extra moment to look for motorcycles when changing lanes or turning at intersections
- Keep a safe following distance of at least three to four seconds
- Eliminate all distractions such as cell phones, GPS devices, food, or anything else
- Give yourself ample time to stop, especially during inclement weather
- Double-check your blind spots
- Turn on your turn signal sooner than you normally would if a motorcyclist is behind you
For motorcyclists, here are a few things you can do to drive safely and responsibly:
- Make sure you are properly licensed
- Practice operating your motorcycle if you’re driving a new or unfamiliar bike
- Always wear appropriate gear such as a helmet, padded clothing, and proper footwear
- Obey all traffic laws
- Don’t assume other drivers can see you
- Always ride with the flow of traffic and leave plenty of room around you
- Proceed cautiously at intersections
Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks Is Here for You in the Event of an Accident
If you’ve been involved in a car or motorcycle accident, reach out to the experienced attorneys at Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks to review the best course of action. We’ll review your case, give you exceptional legal advice, and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
We have offices in Provo and South Jordan, Utah. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.