Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Posted on: October 9, 2024

Motorcycles offer a thrilling sense of freedom on the open road, but they also come with inherent risks.

In 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported over 6,000 motorcycle fatalities in the United States, a sobering reminder of the dangers motorcyclists face. This is because motorcycles don’t offer the same level of protection as a car, making riders more vulnerable to serious injuries.

As an Orlando motorcycle accident attorney, we’ve seen the most serious of motorcycle accident cases. To help keep your rides safe and enjoyable, it’s essential to understand the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. In this blog, we’ll dive into the key factors that lead to these crashes, with insights from the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Motorcycle Crash Causation Study (MCCC).

 

1. Alcohol & Drug Use

Impaired riding significantly increases the risk of an accident, as it affects a rider’s judgment, coordination, and reaction times.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a large percentage of motorcycle fatalities involve alcohol. Even a small amount of alcohol can diminish a rider’s ability to safely operate their bike, making it harder to navigate turns, avoid obstacles, and respond to sudden changes on the road.

Drug use, whether recreational or prescription, can also impair a rider’s ability to focus and react appropriately. To reduce the risk of accidents, it’s crucial for motorcyclists to avoid riding under the influence and always prioritize their safety and the safety of others on the road.

Blurred Motion A young man biker in a helmet quickly rides at high speed on a forest road, in motion.

2. Speed

Speeding is another major factor contributing to motorcycle accidents, especially when riders exceed the speed of surrounding traffic. Traveling at higher speeds reduces the amount of time a motorcyclist has to react to potential hazards, such as sudden stops or obstacles in the road.

According to data, motorcycles involved in accidents at speeds greater than 50 mph are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents. At high speeds, the force of impact is significantly greater, increasing the likelihood of life-threatening consequences. Without a seating compartment surrounded by steel around you (as you would be in a vehicle), you are highly exposed to injuries in a motorcycle crash.

Staying within the speed limits and matching the flow of traffic can help reduce the risk of accidents, making the road safer for everyone.

 

3. Weather

Most motorcycle accidents occur during clear weather, but this is most likely due to the fact that motorcyclists prefer to ride when the weather is favorable. (When motorcyclists do ride in less-than-ideal conditions, such as rain, they often exercise extra caution to avoid accidents.)

Another weather-related hazard revealed by the MCCC is strong crosswinds. Right crosswinds, in particular, can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists, as they can unexpectedly push a rider off balance or into another lane. These sudden shifts are hard to predict and control, leading to a higher risk of fatal motorcycle accidents.

Staying aware of weather conditions, especially high winds, and adjusting riding habits accordingly can go a long way in preventing crashes.

Road speed bump closeup

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4. Road Conditions

Road conditions play a significant role in many motorcycle accidents, especially when riders encounter unexpected obstacles or challenging terrain.

For example, features like train tracks, rumble strips, and speed bumps can all disrupt a motorcycle’s balance and control. These elements are particularly hazardous for motorcycles compared to other vehicles because of the two-wheel design, which makes them more vulnerable to instability.

Tighter curves are another threat. Riders who fail to slow down or properly navigate a curve often lose control, especially if the road surface is uneven or slick. These types of road conditions are “overrepresented” in motorcycle crashes, making it critical for riders to slow down, stay alert, and be mindful of their surroundings to avoid accidents.

 

5. Left Turns

Left turns are one of the most dangerous situations for motorcyclists. The MCCC even called them the “most common crash configuration” in motorcycle accidents.

These accidents typically occur when a car makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Due to the smaller size of motorcycles, drivers often fail to notice them or misjudge their speed, leading to collisions.

This type of crash is particularly dangerous because the motorcyclist may have little time to react, and the impact is often direct. Left-turn collisions can result in serious injuries or fatalities, as motorcycles lack the protective barriers that cars have.

We have seen too many of these fatal crashes in our practice, and they have always been the fault of the turning vehicle who claims that they did not see the motorcycle or simply misjudged their speed.

For motorcyclists, staying visible and anticipating the actions of other drivers at intersections is key to avoiding this common accident scenario. Drivers should also be more vigilant about checking for motorcycles before making left turns. Additionally, always drive with your lights on.

Repairman repair motorcycle, maintenance in garage. Mechanic fixing bike in a modern shop

6. Poor Bike Maintenance

Poor motorcycle maintenance, particularly when it comes to incorrect tire inflation, can be a major factor in accidents.

Tires are the only part of the motorcycle that make contact with the road, making them critical for maintaining control and stability. If tires are underinflated or overinflated, they can affect the bike’s handling, reduce traction, and increase stopping distances—all of which raise the risk of an accident.

Underinflated tires can cause a motorcycle to feel sluggish and make it harder to maneuver, especially in emergency situations. On the other hand, overinflated tires reduce the contact patch with the road, making it more likely for the bike to lose grip, particularly on wet or uneven surfaces.

Regularly checking tire pressure and ensuring proper inflation is one of the easiest yet most important steps a rider can take to stay safe on the road. Properly inflated tires help ensure a smoother, safer ride and reduce the likelihood of crashes due to maintenance issues.

 

7. Unsafe Operating

Unsafe riding behaviors are a leading cause of motorcycle accidents, with many crashes involving risky actions taken by the rider. Common unsafe acts include failing to pay attention to the road, aggressive driving, and weaving through traffic. These behaviors can quickly lead to dangerous situations, reducing the rider’s ability to react to hazards or sudden changes in traffic patterns.

One specific hazard often linked to unsafe riding is riding in the blind spots of other vehicles. Motorcycles are smaller than cars, making them harder for drivers to see, especially in their blind spots.

Staying alert, riding defensively, and avoiding aggressive maneuvers are essential to preventing accidents. By practicing safer riding habits, motorcyclists can significantly reduce the risks they face on the road.

Man motorcyclist learning to ride bike at private school maneuvering between cones at indoor motordrome

8. Inexperience

Without the skills gained through a motorcycle safety course, riders may struggle with basic handling techniques, such as navigating curves, braking properly, or avoiding obstacles.

Inexperienced riders are also less familiar with defensive riding strategies, which are crucial for staying safe amidst unpredictable traffic conditions. Additionally, they may not fully understand the unique risks that come with riding a motorcycle, like maintaining balance or positioning themselves safely in traffic.

Training programs not only teach essential skills but also instill confidence and safe riding habits. For motorcyclists, investing in proper training can significantly reduce the likelihood of an accident and lead to a safer, more enjoyable riding experience.

 

9. Other Drivers

Other drivers play a significant role in many motorcycle accidents, often because they fail to see or properly account for motorcyclists on the road.

One common scenario involves drivers who open their car doors into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. This can happen when a motor vehicle is parked in the right lane, especially on busy streets, and the driver does not check for motorcycles before opening the door. The sudden appearance of an open door leaves the motorcyclist with little time to react, often resulting in a crash.

Additionally, parked vehicles can block a motorcyclist’s vision of the road, creating blind spots that make it difficult to see potential hazards or oncoming traffic. These types of accidents are especially dangerous because the motorcyclist may be forced into sudden maneuvers, such as swerving or braking hard, which increases the likelihood of losing control.

To help avoid these types of accidents, motorcyclists must remain extra vigilant, understanding that drivers may not always see them.

Biker girl in black outfit sits leaning on a motorcycle

10. Fatigue

Many riders underestimate the impact that a lack of sleep can have on their ability to safely operate a motorcycle. Getting less than the recommended 8 hours of sleep can impair a rider’s reaction times, decision-making, and overall focus on the road.

Riding a motorcycle is also more physically demanding than driving a car. It requires constant attention, balance, and physical effort to control the bike, which can quickly lead to exhaustion, especially on long rides. Fatigued motorcycle riders may struggle to react in time to avoid hazards or make critical errors in judgment.

To stay safe, it’s important for motorcyclists to be well-rested and aware of their physical limits while on the road.

 

Stay Safe and Know Your Rights

Motorcycle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, from driver negligence to challenging road conditions. By understanding the common causes, such as speeding, poor weather, and fatigue, you can take steps to reduce your risk on the road.

However, even the most cautious riders can fall victim to accidents caused by others.

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to work with a legal team that understands the unique challenges motorcyclists face, including motorcycle bias.

At Beers & Gordon, our attorneys have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident claims and are equipped to advocate on your behalf. These cases are different and require an attorney who has handled these cases at trial and investigated hundreds of them.

Contact us today to discuss your case and ensure your rights are protected.

Jim Gordon / Beers and Gordon P.A. / Civil Trial Attorneys

Jim Gordon

Jim Gordon earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Nebraska in 1997, and two years later began working at a firm in Orlando handling insurance defense matters on cases involving vehicle accidents, negligence, product liability, and more. He established Beers & Gordon P.A. with David Beers in 2009 to represent the rights of people injured because of negligence. He is a member of the invitation-only National Trial Lawyers organization and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

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