Are you truly aware of the dangers of motorcycle accidents? According to recent statistics, accidents involving motorcycles are 27 times more likely to result in death. This is due to the fact that many motorcyclists don’t exercise precautions like wearing helmets or driving at a safe rate of speed. The other drivers on the road are to blame as well since many of them don’t realize they need to be more cautious around motorcyclists. The resulting crashes can be catastrophic because the motorcyclists don’t have the same protections as those in standard vehicles.
The Statistics Are Sobering
The statistic listed above is just one of many. Over the past few years, fatal motorcycle accidents in Ohio have declined slightly, but there are still over 100 each year. That is 100 too many. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, in 2016, there were 200 motorcycle fatalities throughout the state. In 2017, there were 157. These figures only represent the number of fatalities and do not reflect the number of accidents that did not result in death. Hundreds of riders were left with broken bones, concussions, or worse. Many had their lives changed for the worse after surviving the accident.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?
Statistics are simply numbers. They don’t reveal the causes of these tragic accidents. Many survivors report that they had to dodge cars, especially in intersections, because for some reason, the drivers just didn’t see them. This sets the scene for tragic vehicle collisions, especially if the motorcyclist is heading east at a four-way stop and the driver of the car is going north or south. All that it takes is one split second – someone not paying attention to the road, texting, or even fiddling with the radio – and the motorcyclist is on the ground.
Drivers also need to leave plenty of space between their vehicles and those on motorcycles, just in case something happens and the rider falls. Following too closely in any vehicle can lead to an accident with a fatal outcome.
Are You The Victim of a Motorcycle Accident?
If you or a loved one were hit by a vehicle while riding your motorcycle and suffered an injury, call me today! I’ll find out exactly what happened and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
