Teenagers and young adults, in particular, experience a fantastic sense of independence and exhilaration from motorcycling. This means of transportation does, however, carry a number of serious concerns. Motorcyclists more vulnerable to severe accidents compared to other vehicle drivers.
This article will help you understand why motorcyclists face greater dangers. This understanding will help in developing better safety practices and policies for motorcyclists and also show how motorcyclists more Vulnerable to severe accidents.
Inherent Risks of Motorcycling
The very nature of motorcycling involves more risk. Motorcycles lack the protective enclosure that cars provide, which exposes the riders to direct impacts during collisions. The two-wheeled design makes them less stable, especially on uneven surfaces or during abrupt maneuvers.
According to the Loewy Law Firm, these factors make them more vulnerable to severe injuries during collisions. In fact, it states that NHTSA estimates motorcyclists to be 5x more vulnerable to being injured in the case of an accident. Similarly, they are 25x more likely to die than an automobile occupant in crashes.
The same has been seen in the cases of accidents over the years. As stated by the National Safety Council, motorcycles make up only 3% of all registered vehicles. Moreover, they contribute only 0.7% of all vehicle miles traveled across the United States. However, despite the low numbers, they accounted for 14.6% of all traffic fatalities in 2022.
Factors That Make Motorcyclists More Vulnerable to Severe Accidents
Due to a number of variables that make them more susceptible to serious accidents, motorcycle riders confront particular dangers while driving:
1. Human Factors
Many accidents result from riders misjudging speed, distance, or road conditions. Inexperience or overconfidence can lead to poor decision-making while driving on the roads. If this factor is removed then it helps to motorcyclists more vulnerable to severe accidents
For example, many people don’t wear helmets due to overconfidence or just to show some style. However, not wearing them can be deadly, as they offer the first line of defense against head injury during an accident.
This has also been seen when the state of Missouri lifted the universal helmet law back in 2020. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) confirmed that the number of motorcycle fatalities has jumped since then by a whopping 47%. The year 2023 proved to be the deadliest for motorcyclists, causing 174 deaths on the state’s roads. Only 77 of these victims were known to be wearing a helmet.
Another common human error found in these collisions is driving under the influence. Riding a motorcycle when drunk or high can be incredibly dangerous and also a crime. However, recent reports show that nearly 30% of fatal crashes are because of the rider being alcohol-impaired.
2. Environmental Influences
Rain, snow, or other inclement weather can make it harder to see and get traction. This can make it harder for motorcyclists to maintain control. Additional risks come from poorly maintained roads with debris, potholes, and uneven surfaces. Traffic congestion and the behavior of other drivers also contribute to the risks, as motorcycles can easily be overlooked in heavy traffic.
Severe injuries and deaths from wrecks can also be caused by extreme temperatures. A recent study found that medical attendance at these events was high in extreme cold and hot temperatures.
Extremely hot temperatures were associated with higher risk estimations than both hot and extremely cold conditions. Using mean temperature as the exposure variable, the study calculated that 11.01% of medical attendance for motorcycle collisions can be attributed to suboptimal conditions.
3. Protective Equipment and Gear
The severity of injuries sustained in motorbike accidents can be considerably decreased by wearing protective gear. The most important piece of gear for lowering the risk of head injuries is a helmet. But not every rider always wears a helmet. If he uses the protective equipment then it helps to motorcyclists more vulnerable to severe accidents
Wearing protective clothes, such as boots, gloves, coats, and pants, can assist in avoiding fractures and abrasions. Despite the availability of advanced gear, some riders opt for style over safety. This can significantly increase their vulnerability to collisions.
It is estimated that as public awareness around safety increases, the protective motorbike riding gear market size will grow. It is set to increase by $4.42 billion between the forecast period of 2024-2028. One of the major factors contributing to this growth is the increasing number of road accidents.
4. Legal and Policy Considerations
Legislation and enforcement play essential roles in motorcycle safety. Helmet laws, for example, vary widely between regions, affecting the rate of head injuries.
Let’s consider the example of Illinois for this. While most US states have some kind of helmet laws, Illinois, along with two other states, doesn’t have any. It is one of the reasons why the state is ranked #7 in the list of most motorcycle accidents in the US.
Enforcing traffic laws strictly, such as those pertaining to speed limits and DUI laws, can aid in lowering the number of accidents. However, gaps in legislation and inconsistent enforcement often leave motorcyclists at greater risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the leading cause of most motorcycle accidents?
There are many causes of motorcycle accidents, including human errors and driving conditions. However, the leading cause is often speeding or driving under the influence.
2. What are the common human errors in motorcycle accidents?
According to the NHTSA, more motorcycle riders than drivers of any other kind of vehicle were speeding in 2021. Around 33% of all riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding.
3. How do environmental factors influence motorcycle accidents?
When rainwater interacts with the oils and fluids on the road, it can provide slick conditions. It may also limit visibility, which makes it more difficult to determine distance and speed. Roads may get slick during cold weather, particularly on bridges and in regions with shadows. It can also lessen dexterity and slow down reaction times.
Undoubtedly, motorcyclists face a unique set of risks that make motorcyclists more vulnerable to severe accidents. Inherent design risks, human factors, environmental influences, and the use of protective gear all contribute to this vulnerability.
Legal frameworks and emergency response systems also impact the outcomes of motorcycle accidents. However, through education, better safety practices, and effective legislation is possible to mitigate these risks and make motorcycling safer for everyone.
