Motorcycles are intensely popular in California. There are approximately 800,000 registered riders in the state. There are good reasons for so many riders. The weather is great. You can ride year-round and there are beautiful stretches of scenic highways. Riding is cheaper than driving a car, and riding a motorcycle can assist you through traffic. Unfortunately, you are at risk from careless drivers while riding.
What are the Causes of Motorcycle Crashes?
Head-On Collisions
More than half of motorcycle accident deaths involve a car striking a motorcycle head-on. Very rarely, about 5 percent of the time, does a fatal causality happen when the rider is rear-ended.
Left-Turn Accidents
Probably the most dangerous situation is when a passenger car makes a left turn in front of a motorcycle. Over 40 percent of all motorcycle crashes are a left-hand turn case of a car.
Lane Splitting Accidents
Lane splitting – the act of driving between two lanes of cars – is legal in many areas in California. However, the act causes many crashes. Drivers may not be paying attention, change lanes, and run right into a motorcyclist.
Speeding
Speeding is often the root cause behind many types of accidents. Traveling at a high rate of speed makes reaction times slower. With less physical protection from the elements, riders need to be especially mindful of the speed limit. About one-third of all deaths in motorcycle accidents involved the element of speeding.
High Performance or SuperSport or Sport Motorcycles
Riders of these motorcycles are more likely to be fatally injured in a crash. Four times more likely, in fact. These types of motorcycles have a high power to weight ratio than a standard version. Riders need experience handling these types of motorcycles.
Distracted Driving
Drivers talking or texting on their cell phones cause quite a few accidents. It is harder to see someone on a motorcyle in traffic, so if a driver isn’t paying attention, they are greater risk to cause an accident.
Intoxicated Driving
Like in passenger vehicles crashes, alcohol plays a large part in the cause of motorcycle crashes. Close to 30 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve intoxicated driving above the legal limit. This percentage is higher than cars or trucks.
Road Hazards
Motorcycle riders are more susceptible than a passenger vehicle to injury caused by road hazards. Potholes, slick pavement conditions, objects in the roadway, or irregularities of the lanes can cause a serious crash.
Inexperience
Many new motorcyclists begin riding each year. Riding a motorcycle is quite different from driving a car. Motorcycles are smaller and less stable. Inexperience in handling such a machine causes many crashes.
You are at risk every time you ride. This is true even if you focus on safety and following the laws. You have no control over other drivers and the way they behave. However, you can reduce the risk. Know what causes accidents, avoiding certain situations, and staying alert are all crucial.
Don’t make the mistake of dealing with an insurance company on your own after a motorcycle accident. Serious injuries are common in these accidents. You need to make sure you’re fully compensated. Instead get in touch with a motorcycle accident lawyer who is prepared to handle your case.