Drowsing driving accidents are a very common occurrence in Knoxville. Motorists are not the only ones who fall asleep while they are operating their vehicles. Many bikers often become sleepy while they are on the roads. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2013, 72,000 motor vehicle accidents were caused by sleepy motorists. Drowsy driving accidents can occur at any time. But they are more likely to occur during the early morning and late evening.

It is not always possible for other motorists to know when a biker is too tired to operate his or her vehicle safely. Drowsiness is often caused by inadequate sleep, side effects of medications and intoxication. Many signs of drowsy driving mimic the symptoms of intoxication. Motorcyclists who drive while tired face the risk of serious injuries. Common signs of drowsy riding include driving too closely to other motorists, drifting between lanes, not stopping in time to avoid collisions, delayed reactions times and reduced awareness.

The feeling of drowsiness can happen fast. Many motorists are not aware that they are too tired to drive until they collide into other vehicles. Even though 97 percent of drivers and bikers are aware of how dangerous operating vehicles while sleepy is, they still do it, states Gas2.org. Bikers should avoid riding if they are not able to get enough rest and feel themselves losing focus on the roads.

Drowsy driving is preventable. Motorists should take frequent rest stops if they plan to drive more than 100 miles at a time. They should plan their routes and leave early so they have sufficient time to make it to their destinations on time.

Many people in Knoxville are under the impression that motorcyclists do not get drink and ride. Drunk driving is an epidemic that does not discriminate against motorist type. Bikers, vehicle operators and even truckers are common offenders. According to RideApart.com,“ legally intoxicated motorcyclists are the largest group of motorists who are most likely to die in alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents.” The percentage of bikers who were drunk at the time of their demise was 27 percent in 2012.

Factors that affect blood alcohol content (BAC)

There are factors that can affect the way that bikers respond to the effects of alcohol, such as size, age, health, sex and food. Those factors along with the amount of alcohol consumed and the rate of alcohol consumption can determine BAC levels. Bikers who ride with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher are more likely to exhibit signs of intoxication and receive DUIs. In some cases, bikers can receive driving under the influence charges with a considerably lower blood alcohol content. 42 percent of intoxicated bikers had BACs that were 0.08 percent of higher in 2015, states the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.

Reduced motor and maneuverability skills

Bikers may use a different mode of transportation on the roads, but their actions when they are impaired are very similar to those of other motorists. Motorcyclists have to maintain their balance when riding their bikes to avoid falling off of them. Intoxicated bikers are not very coordinated. When riding their bikes, they may make frequent stops to keep from falling over or off their bikes, thus impeding their ability to ride safely.

Braking is an action that requires bikers to use both of their feet. Since their motors skills are diminished, they are unable to modulate their brakes so they can stop their bikes safely. They cannot maneuver their vehicles to avoid collisions with other vehicles and objects.

Drunk bikers are every bit as dangerous as intoxicated automobile operators. People should learn how to spot drunk bikers so they can avoid them to limit their chances of being involved in drunk driving accidents.

The start of spring is right around the corner, and many bikers are gearing up to hit the roads in Knoxville. With warmer weather comes an increase in motorists and motor vehicle accidents. Victims of motorcycle accidents tend to suffer more severe injuries than victims of other types of road accidents. Motorcyclists who plan to make the most of the warmer weather should learn about issues that can affect their safety so they can avoid them.

Left-hand turns

Many left-hand collisions happen when drivers of other vehicles make left turns that result in head-on collisions with bikers. In many cases, the drivers of passenger cars that cause these accidents do not see the motorcyclists until it is too late to avoid crashing into them, states RiderGroups.com. Left-hand biker accidents usually occur at intersections where there is two-way traffic, but they can also happen in other types of traffic situations.

Dangerous maneuvers

Many bikers get so caught up in the thrill and excitement of riding that they forget to use safe riding maneuvers. They miscalculate turns and angles and misjudge their timing which can result in them being thrown off their bikes. They speed and split lanes, increasing the chances of them riding into and being hit by other motorists. According to Gas2.org, speeding also increases the likelihood of them not seeing objects and other drivers and losing control of their bikes.

The factors mentioned above are not all inclusive. There are other issues that threaten biker safety that all motorists should make themselves aware of. Many motorcycle-related accidents are preventable with the right knowledge, preparation and precautions.

People who drive cars are not the only ones who are guilty of drunk driving. Many motorcyclists in Knoxville socially drink and ride, not caring that they are putting themselves and everyone else on the roads with them at risk for accidents. According to Rideapart.com, in 2012, “27 percent of all motorcycle accident victims who died were drunk.”

Bikers are no different than motorists when it comes to succumbing to the effects of alcohol intoxication. Alcohol inhibits the senses, affects motor skills and makes it harder for bikers to control their actions and vehicles. Motorcyclists use more of their bodies to control their vehicles. When they drink and ride, they lose the ability to steer their bikes safely. For example, an intoxicated biker is not capable of handling turns and lane maneuvers without putting themselves at risk of falling off their bikes and colliding with other motorists.

Biker accidents often result in more severe injuries because there are fewer protections in place. Intoxicated riders usually forget to wear their riding gear. Helmets are not required by law. However, bikers who wear them are more likely to survive and sustain minor head trauma compared to bikers who do not wear them and sustain severe injuries. Also, older riders end up with more serious injuries than younger bikers, states the Insurance Information Institute. Drunk bikers who ride without their safety gear usually suffer from road rash, scrapes, bruises, broken bones and brain and spinal cord injuries.

Drunk driving is a serious offense. Bikers should learn about the dangers they face and refrain from drinking and riding so they can take proper actions to avoid them.