Motorcycles have become increasingly popular over the years, with thousands of motorcyclists taking to the streets, whether for sport or recreation. While the idea of ​​feeling the wind on your face while riding a motorcycle is appealing to many people, bicyclists face many risks every time they get on a motorcycle, especially when they are out of sight on the road by other motorists. Ultimately, understanding the reasons motorcycle accidents occur can help both drivers and motorcyclists make safer decisions when sharing the road.

There are some common causes of motorcycle accidents in Indiana and across the country. Some of these include drivers not seeing motorcyclists, drivers violating motorcyclists’ right-of-way, vehicles turning left in front of motorcyclists at intersections, and motorcyclist errors. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2008 there were 5,290 motorcycle fatalities with an additional 96,000 injuries. 119 of these deaths occurred in Indiana alone.

Because motorcycles are so much smaller than passenger cars, light trucks, and large trucks, many drivers often don’t see a motorcyclist until it’s too late. Two-vehicle crashes accounted for 2,554 (47%) of motorcycle fatalities in 2008. Motorcyclists also do not have the advantage of a metal frame to protect them in the event of a crash, so in nearly all two-vehicle crashes involving involve a motorcycle, it is the rider who will take the most damage.

Crashes at intersections where a vehicle made a left turn in front of a motorcyclist accounted for 985 fatalities. In most cases, the motorcyclist was going straight or was passing another vehicle. 666 fatalities resulted from both the vehicle and the motorcycle traveling in a straight line. When motorcyclists have the right of way through an intersection, they may be traveling at a higher speed, which influences the severity of injuries sustained in an accident. If a driver is traveling 40 mph and a vehicle turns left in front of him or her, causing the motorcycle to strike the vehicle, the chances of catastrophic injury or death are significantly increased. Drivers should always be alert and watch for motorcyclists when turning at any intersection.

Nearly two-thirds of motorcycle accidents occur due to driver error. In many cases, speed and driver inexperience contribute to single vehicle crashes. Some riders may also purchase the wrong bike for their level of experience, opting for a larger engine with more power, such as a 900cc instead of a 250cc or 600cc. Because larger bikes are heavier, they can be more difficult for a smaller or inexperienced rider to control. Statistics show that motorcyclists are more likely to be involved in a crash with a fixed object, such as a tree or utility pole, compared to 19% of passenger vehicles, 14% of light trucks, and only 4% of large trucks.

As stated above, motorcyclists do not have the advantage of a metal frame to protect them in the event of an accident as do the occupants of passenger vehicles. There are steps motorcyclists can take to prevent motorcycle accidents and personal injuries that include, but are not limited to:

• Choose the right size motorcycle for the rider’s height and experience level.
• Always wear a helmet, protective eye gear, jacket, pants, and riding boots. In the event that a bicyclist is hit and skids across the pavement, it is better that the protective gear is ruined rather than the bicyclist’s body.
• Obey the traffic rules and share the road. Do not speed up or weave in and out of traffic. As much as other drivers must take care of a passenger, the driver must show the same courtesy to other drivers.