According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around half of all motorcyclist deaths are caused by collisions between the bike and a passenger vehicle in the United States. Additionally, when cars crash into motorcycles, motorcyclists are killed 98% of the time compared to 2% of car passenger deaths.
An NHTSA study discovered that motorcyclist – both operators of the bike and passengers – are 37 times more like to die in crashes on the roads and highways. It is imperative to understand that the majority of the time the accident is caused by the motor vehicle for failing to yield the right of way to motorcyclists. These statistics demonstrate how immensely dangerous and fatal it is for a motorcyclist to be involved in an accident.
To help deter fatal motorcycle collisions, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends car drivers to be aware of motorcycles’ multiple characteristics. By understanding how a motorcycle operates and how bikers see the road can help prevent these devastating accidents.
Common motorcycle characteristics to be aware of include the following:
- A motorcycle has a smaller profile, which can be difficult to see in a rear-view mirror. Please check carefully prior to switching lanes.
- Motorcycles are harder to stop on wet surfaces. On a day with inclement weather, provide the motorcyclist with an ample amount of room or follow the bike too closely.
- A motorcyclist may ride to one side of a lane or change from one side to the other due to the road conditions. Auto drivers should not attempt to share the same side-by-side with a motorcycle that is off to one side.
- While a motorcycle may look far away, it may actually be closer due to its small size.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident with another motor vehicle Texas, contact The Law Offices of George P. Escobedo & Associates, PLLC and schedule your free consultation today with our San Antonio injury lawyer today.