Over 40 thousand people are killed every year as a result of road traffic collisions in the U.S. A significant number of these crashes involve motorcycles.
The reality is that motorcyclists are much more likely to suffer severe injuries in an accident. In fact, the risk of fatality in a motorcycle accident is much more significant than in other types of crashes. Why is this the case?
Motorcyclists have less protection
Cars and trucks have protective shells that surround their drivers. In most cases, these shells have been safety tested and designed for optimal performance during a collision. They should, in theory, absorb much of the force during a crash. A motorcyclist has no protective shell. If they are involved in a crash, they rely on the safety equipment they are wearing, such as leathers, gloves, knee pads and helmets. Even the best safety gear cannot offer the same protection as the exterior shell that most other vehicles offer.
Motorcycles are less stable
Another issue for motorcyclists is that their vehicles are less stable. Driving on two wheels requires balance, which makes steering and braking much more difficult. In a high-speed crash, motorcyclists are often forced off of their bike, which means their bodies are exposed to high impacts. Stopping quickly on a motorcycle requires a lot of skill and technique and it isn’t always possible if another road user has behaved unexpectedly.
As a motorcyclist, you are entitled to use the roads without your safety being unnecessarily jeopardized. If you have been injured in an accident that was the result of another’s negligence, you may be able to hold the negligent party to account. Seek legal guidance to find out more about your options.