Major Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles colliding with another vehicle account for half of the motorcycle accidents.
Alcohol also played a significant role in the cause of accidents, according to the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration. There were 103,000 motorcyclists injured in 2007 and another 5,154 killed. "Per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 35 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a traffic crash," the agency said in its Traffic Safety Report for 2007.
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Motorcyclist Fatalities
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The federal agency says 50 percent of the motorcyclist fatalities in 2007 involved another vehicle. The agency noted that more than three-quarters of these accidents involved motorcycles being hit in the front by another vehicle. The agency further said that 40 percent of the fatalities occurred when the other vehicle was turning left and the motorcyclist was going straight, passing or overtaking the vehicle.
Hunt Report
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Another study, done for the University of Southern California by researcher Harry Hunt, found that "the failure of motorists to detect and recognize" motorcycles was a major cause of accidents. "The driver of the other vehicle involved in collision with the motorcycle did not see the motorcycle before the collision, or did not see the motorcycle until too late to avoid the collision," the report stated. The report also noted that inattention to driving by motorcyclists also was a factor in accidents.
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Alcohol Impairment
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Motorcyclists who drink alcohol then drive are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents than automobile drivers, the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration said. In 2007, 28 percent of motorcyclists who died had blood alcohol levels of .08 g/DL or higher, it said. The Hunt Report, which studied accidents in the Los Angeles area, found that alcohol was a factor in almost half of the accidents.
Single Motorcycle Accidents
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Most single motorcycle accidents involved hitting a fixed object or speeding when road conditions are bad, both studies said. Many states post warning signs at road construction projects telling motorcyclists to proceed with caution.
Avoiding Accidents
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Based on the findings of these two studies, motorcyclists need to pay attention when they're riding. They further should avoid using alcohol before climbing on their bike. Motorcyclists should be thoroughly familiar with their bike, as the Hunt Report found a high rate of accidents among riders who had been using a bike less than five months. The transportation safety board suggests riders take an education course to familiarize themselves with motorcycle rules and regulations. Though many states do not require helmets, both studies said wearing helmets reduces the severity of head injuries, and may even save a rider's life.
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- Photo Credit Cheryl Probst
