According to the most recent data from the National Safety Council, just three percent of all registered vehicles are motorcycles, but they account for 14.6 percent of all traffic fatalities and 3.5 percent of all injuries. The number has increased by 20 percent over the past 10 years for several reasons as more people live out their fantasies of traversing the open road. In the age of the influencer, motorcycles are traveling further. Manufacturers have also packed more power into smaller models that go from zero to 60 faster than Dennis Hopper in Easy Rider.
Motorcycling can invite risky behavior, but they aren’t inherently dangerous. Don’t blame the machine — blame the user. The latest motorcycle accident causation report from the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) breaks down the statistics. Learn about the data and how to avoid these pitfalls to feel safe on the road.
- Not Using Safety Equipment
The FHA reports that wearing a helmet was 88 percent effective at reducing or preventing injury. It protects the most important part of your body – your brain – and will be the first line of defense in a fall.
Solution: Wear motorcycle safety gear that fits your body and inspect it before every ride to reduce your risk of accidents. Secure the chin strap and ensure the helmet doesn’t move when you do. Use goggles with a half-face helmet or skull cap.
- Rider Distraction
Focusing on anything other than the road increases the risk of collision. Rider distraction accounted for 32 percent of incidents. You will have less time to respond, leading to overcorrecting or excess vibrations that limit control.
Solution: Stay prepared for sudden obstacles by keeping your hands on the handlebars and eyes straight ahead. Mount your GPS or phone in your line of view and use motorcycle helmet Bluetooth to connect wirelessly so that you can speak into the headset to access the map, take a call or talk hands-free with your companions instead of using hand signals.
- Improper Tire Inflation
Underinflation leads to flats, and overinflation reduces traction.
Solution: Use a tire inflation monitor to check PSI levels before every trip and a portable pump to adjust based on the recommendations.
- Lane Splitting and Shouldering
Riding in unauthorized areas, riding between lanes and catching drivers by surprise leads to dooring and collisions. It’s only legal in certain states around slow-moving traffic.
Solution: Don’t ride the shoulder unless it’s legal, traffic is backed up and there’s enough room for you to pass safely. Drive slowly so other drivers see you coming from behind.
- Low Confidence
Driver-made errors remain common. Some 36 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents involved riders who didn’t have a valid license. A lack of experience, hesitating under pressure and driving slower than surrounding traffic increases vulnerability.
Solution: Obtain a valid motorcycle license and practice in less busy areas before taking longer trips. Ride with a more experienced rider to get real-time feedback on your stance. Use a motorcycle intercom to connect hands-free. Your coach can ride alongside you or watch from the sidelines. It connects automatically in range, so you can stay focused on the road when you catch up.
- Riding Under the Influence
Alcohol impairs your ability to ride. Any amount of liquor could be too much, even if you’re under the legal limit.
Solution: Don’t drink and drive. If you’re going to a party, take a hired ride or leave your motorcycle in a secure location near the destination overnight and drive home the next day.
- Speeding
Going above the speed limit is another major culprit.
Solution: Observe the speed limit. If you’re unsure, maintain a safe distance from the traffic around you.
- Aggressive Driving
Tailing, honking and excessive passing can incite poor behavior from other drivers. It also distracts you from riding and leads to unnecessary risks.
Solution: Maintain a safe following distance, only pass when necessary and keep cool even if the other person did something wrong.
- Rider Fatigue
Multiple incidents were linked to exhaustion and rider discomfort.
Solution: Take breaks by planning pit stops every hour or two. Limit riding to eight hours a day. Drink water and eat healthy, protein-packed meals to keep your energy up.
Less Common Causes
The FHA found the following contributing factors were involved in a handful of accidents:
- Wrong tire size
- Weather
- Roadway design
- Rider visibility
- Road maintenance
Have a professional maintain your motorcycle and only use approved parts. Avoid riding in heavy rain, fog, ice or snow. Reduce your speed when visibility is low and in construction zones. Your bike’s lights and reflectors should be enough to make your presence known, but neon colors attract more attention.
Factors That Don’t Cause Accidents
The following didn’t seem to be a contributing factor for motorcycle accidents:
- Insects stains
- Windshield smears
- Control malfunctions
- Luggage
- Wearing safety gear
The idea of a dead fly or mosquito causing a crash isn’t realistic. It’s rare for the controls or engine to fail abruptly, but poor maintenance reduces acceleration, braking and traction.
Wearing safety gear doesn’t cause accidents. It prevents serious injury. Use a helmet that fits properly and goggles that don’t obstruct your view to ensure a safe ride. Motorcycle accidents may be common, but doing everything you can to respect the rules of the road should give you peace of mind that you won’t be another statistic.
