Road Safety Practices for Motorcyclists and Other Drivers

August 10, 2012

The "Hurt Study" is a comprehensive analysis of motorcycle accidents that details both obvious and less well-known causes of dangerous bike crashes. The study offers valuable lessons in motorcycle safety and accident prevention for both motorcycle enthusiasts and other drivers on the road.

Hurt Study

The Hurt Study examined the causes of 900 motorcycle accidents. In all, the study found that 41 percent of fatal accidents involved motorcyclists who ran off the road. The next-most frequent accident types involved failure to obey a traffic signal, head-on collisions, cars turning in front of motorcycles and falling motorcycles.

The study found that many crashes occur when other drivers fail to see a motorcycle. Intersections with right-turning vehicles are particularly dangerous, as drivers simply miss oncoming motorcycles. Accidents involving multiple vehicles often occur while the motorcyclist has the right of way. In urban settings, three out of four accidents involved drivers who cut in front of an oncoming motorcyclist that they never saw.

Not surprisingly, inexperienced or novice riders are more likely to be in accidents, particularly in the first six months. Other crash risk factors include use of alcohol, excessive speed, poor surface conditions and stray animals.

Motorcycle Crash Statistics

Per mile traveled, motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to become involved in fatal accidents than car drivers. In 2008, Florida motorcyclists made up just 6 percent of the driving public but nearly 18 percent of traffic deaths in the state. Among non-fatal injuries, the most common permanent injuries are sustained in the lower part of the body due to being struck or trapped between the motorcycle and another object.

Prevention

Motorcycle accident prevention is as simple as taking safety training courses, practicing safety skills regularly and wearing a helmet and bright clothing. Important motorcycle safety training should include proper pre-ride checks, swerving, cornering and hard-braking. Never drive while drowsy or intoxicated. Other drivers should avoid following motorcycles too closely and monitor blind spots, especially at intersections.

If things go wrong, motorcyclists should try to get off or move away from the bike before it strikes the ground or another object. Unfortunately, not all accidents are avoidable. Drivers involved in motorcycle accidents should consider contacting an attorney for advice on obtaining full compensation for damage and injuries.

Article provided by Ingram & Eno, P.A.
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