While motorcycle accidents occur at about the same frequency as passenger vehicle accidents, the seriousness of injuries is much greater. Motorcycle accidents occur for many of the same reasons as car accidents, but are much more likely to result in serious injury or death. According to a study done by the federal government, motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to die in an accident than passenger vehicle drivers. This is because motorcyclists have to worry about all of the same risks as people in cars, and a few extras that are unique to riding a motorcycle. If you or a friend uses a motorcycle, it is crucial that you read up on these dangers so you can stay safe. Be sure to understand the risks of driving generally (link to car accidents page) as well as the risks unique to riding a motorcycle.
Many people who ride motorcycles love the sense of freedom and independence that being open to the air gives them. But because motorcycles are small and there is so little padding between the driver and the road, an accident on a motorcycle is more dangerous than on any other vehicle. In a crash, a motorcyclist risks being crushed or run over by other vehicles, skidding across pavement at freeway speeds, having their motorcycle pin them to the ground, and any number of other injuries that are amplified by their lack of protection.
Motorcycles are also much harder to see than other vehicles. As a result, more than half of all motorcycle fatalities occur because of head on collisions. These situations almost always occur because someone driving a car simply did not see the motorcyclist until it was too late. Another danger that presents itself to motorcyclists is other vehicles making left hand turns. Often a vehicle turning left will run right into a motorcycle going straight through the intersection. As in the previous situation, the person driving the car or truck just won’t see the motorcycle until nothing can be done. While the other motorist will usually be at fault, situations like these result in almost 42% of motorcycle fatalities.
At least 25% of motorcycle accidents are caused by fixed objects and road conditions. This means the driver hitting a pothole, an object in the middle of the street, a light post, or the road being wet or icy. While these risks also affect other sorts of drivers, people on motorcycles have to be especially aware of things in the road or weather conditions that will endanger them because of their unique vulnerability.
In a perfect world, there would be no motor vehicle accidents. While driving in any sort of vehicle, car, truck, or motorcycle, will never be 100% safe, there is much that can be done to make transportation as safe as it possibly can be.
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Thu, 09/04/2014Injuries to the other driver were minor. Police said they are continuing to investigate what caused the accident near Chalk Hill and Fayette Springs Road.
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Thu, 09/04/2014A fatal crash involving George Watson and Paul Steinke is being investigated by law enforcement authorities. Steinke, a motorcyclist who was wearing a helmet, died at the scene.
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Sun, 08/03/2014Pennel's name was withdrawn from the ballot after the accident, and parties cannot replace candidates who are withdrawn from the race after July 14. Dolby Funeral Chapel in Windham, which is handling the funeral arrangements, confirmed his death.
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Thu, 09/04/2014The motorcyclist rear-ended a Toyota Corolla driven by a 32-year-old Edmonds man. The 65 year-old victim later died from his injuries at a local hospital.
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Wed, 09/03/201413-year-old Tre Lovell Shelton was killed when his motorcycle struck a curb and crashed around 2:30 Wednesday in Douglas County, west of Atlanta. The motorcycle overturned and the boy was thrown off of it.
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Wed, 09/03/2014The victim was unconscious from the crash and was planned to be airlifted to a nearby hospital.
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Mon, 09/01/2014Hull's bike veered off the road, hit a sign, and flipped several time. Hull himself was unfortunately not wearing a helmet.
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Wed, 09/03/2014Lifelight arrived at the scene, but attempts to resuscitate the motorcyclist were unsuccessful. Johnson was not wearing a helmet.
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Mon, 09/01/2014Though the man was wearing a helmet and transported to Palmetto Richland Hospital, he died of his injuries the next day.
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Wed, 09/03/2014Tyler Schwab, 40, lost control of his car while looking for a water bottle he had dropped. He swerved into the oncoming lane and struck 41-year-old Christian Tafoya. Tafoya was thrown from his motorcycle and later died at the hospital.