Are Motorcycles Dangerous?

Most of the time when we drive, we see motorcycles on the road. While motorcycles are often a form of leisure and transportation, due to the sheer exposure that the motorcyclist faces many ask themselves “Are Motorcycles Dangerous?”.

Motorcycles offer no protection from impact, and their smaller size makes them harder to see, increasing accident risks. Combined with high speeds, these factors make riders more prone to severe injuries or death. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident and are unsure of your options, contact us today for a free consultation.

Are Motorcycles Dangerous? More-So Then Cars?

· Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to be involved in an accident and four times as likely to die compared to drivers of other types of motor vehicles

· 14 percent of all traffic fatalities were motorcyclists in the most recent year data was collected

· Over a third of motorcycle accidents involve riders who are not properly licensed

· Motorcyclists are less likely to be hurt during a rainstorm as rain is typically a deterrent for riders

· Nearly a third of motorcycle fatalities involve speeding

· Nearly 27 percent of motorcycle accidents involved alcohol

· Nearly two-thirds of motorcycle riders wear helmets that are compliant with the Department of Transportation (DOT)

Alcohol impaired motorcycle crashes have increased since 2020.

Do Motorcycle Riders Need to Wear a Helmet?

Motorcycle drivers in Florida are required to wear helmets unless they apply for an exemption with the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Florida Statute state that anyone who rides or operates a motorcycle must wear protective headgear fastened upon his or her head.

According to Florida Law, as of July 2000, motorcycle drivers are eligible for the motorcycle helmet exemption if they are:

·  Must be 21 years of age or older

·  Covered by an insurance policy providing at least $10,000 in medical benefits. Verification of this requirement includes a card from a HMO or Blue Cross/Blue Shield or some other recognized health insurance provider as proof of required medical insurance. The card must show current insurance coverage.

Insurance rates vary whether or not a rider uses a helmet. However, all motorcycle riders under the age of 21 need to wear a helmet that complies with the Department of Transportation’s standards. Florida law also requires riders to wear protective eye gear, such as a windshield or goggles, for example.

How Much More Dangerous Are Motorcycles than Cars?

According to recent data, motorcycle accident injuries and deaths have increased 20 percent over the last decade. Data from around the country shows that motorcycle drivers are more likely to be involved in a fatal accident or become injured. While motorcycles make up only 3 percent of all registered vehicles and less than 1 percent of all vehicle miles traveled in the United States, motorcyclists accounted for nearly 15 percent of all traffic fatalities and 3.5 percent of all injuries in 2022. Generally, motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to have a fatal crash and four times as likely to be injured when compared with other motor vehicles. These facts paint a grim picture for motorcycle riders. However, it is also important to note that nearly a third of motorcycle accidents involve riders who do not have the proper license and permit to be driving a motorcycle. Florida has a particular set of requirements that must be met in order for a driver to also obtain a license to ride a motorcycle on the road.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents may be single-vehicle accidents, involving the motorcycle only, and other times, motorcycle accidents be multi-vehicle accidents, involving two or more vehicles. The injuries from these accidents can be mild to severe, with some injuries becoming fatal. Various factors affect what happens in a motorcycle accident. Based on crash reconstruction data collected from police-reported and injury-producing crashes, motorcycle drivers may be at-fault in accidents, but drivers of other vehicles are also found at-fault. In fact, many multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents happen when drivers do not see the motorcyclist. With all that being said, you may still ask yourself “Are Motorcycles Dangerous?”

In a motorcycle accident reconstruction, an investigator examines the following:

· Human errors, such as failure to pay attention to the road, poor lane choice and driver error;

· Environmental factors, such as weather-related problems, traffic controls, road conditions and traffic hazards;

· Contributing vehicle factors, such as tire size and pressure and mechanical components of the motorcycle;

· Mechanical problems that may have contributed to the accident.

The Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents:

Rider-Related Causes

· Speeding and Reckless Driving

· Inexperience

· Driving under the influence

· Fatigue

· Lack of Protective Gear (such as not wearing a helmet)

Other Road Users and Causes

· Left-Turn Collisions can happen due to running a light or failing to yield at an intersection

· Blind Spots, especially those with a smaller vehicle or motorcycle

· Tailgating

· Distracted Driving

· Fatigued Drivers at Night: Other drivers may be more fatigued at night, have slower reaction time, and be more distracted.

· Environmental Factors

· Poor Road Conditions as well as weather Conditions

· Animal crossings may also cause an accident

Motorcycle Mechanical Failure

While less common, various mechanical failures could cause a motorcycle accident

· Tire Blowouts

· Brake Failure

· Chain or Engine Failure

· Poor Maintenance

· Nighttime Riding

Get Legal Help After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents can have devastating consequences due to the increased risks involved, including the lack of protection and higher speeds. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident and need legal assistance, contact us today.