Motorcycle accidents can be more fatal than car accidents for a number of reasons. The primary reason is because motorcyclists simply don’t have as much protection as drivers in covered vehicles do. Because of this, it is important for motorcyclists to know what their risks are and how to combat them.
First of all, certain types of motorcycle accidents are more common than others. As stated by the California Bikers Organization, upwards of 56% of fatal motor vehicle accidents are caused by head-on collisions. It is also noted that motorcycles are only struck from the rear in about 5% of accidents, making that risk a much smaller one, comparatively. Other common causes for accidents can include driving while under the influence or speeding. Running into road obstacles can also be dangerous to motorcyclists. Obstacles can include potholes, uneven heights between lanes, dead animals or bad pavement
Additionally, lane splitting and left hand turns make up a large percentage of accidents. 42% of motorcycle accidents involve cars making left hand turns. Lane splitting is the act of driving between two lanes when traffic is stopped. While there are safe ways to do this, doing it unsafely can cause accidents.
As for motorcycle accident prevention, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that the best method of preventing accidents is to keep one’s wits about them. Unfortunately motorcyclists will always be at more risk in an accident between a motorcycle and a car, so they must watch out for themselves.
Being aware of the types of common accidents motorcyclists get into can help others be aware of their own driving patterns, which can therefore save someone from further accidents.