The Major Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Nothing compares to the thrill and excitement of riding a motorcycle for me. The high excitement is unfortunately accompanied by danger too. It’s true that motorcyclists are more prone to die in accidents than those in cars. Riding a motorcycle is not like riding a â€Å"bicycle† there are many precautions to take before handling a machine like this, riding a motorcycle requires self-control and is a lot responsibility. Many people are hurt severely and killed every day by riding a motorcycle; whether the person riding is at fault or not. Riding a motorcycle is not like riding a â€Å"bicycle† there’s many precautions to take before handling a machine like this, riding a motorcycle requires self-control and is a lot responsibility. Many people are hurt severely and killed every day by riding a motorcycle; whether the person riding is at fault or not. Riding a motorcycle is not like riding a â€Å"bicycle† there are many precautions to take before handling a machine like this, riding a motorcycle requires self-control and is a lot responsibility. Many people are hurt severely and killed every day by riding a motorcycle; whether the person riding is at fault or not. An alarming increase in the number of motorcycle accidents has been recorded in recent years, this is why it is important to study and analyze the causal factors of motorcycle accidents in our country. Causal factors remain bad road conditions, speed problems, riding skills, presence of alcohol and undivided roadways. Motorcyclists usually suffer in case of bad road conditions like potholes, debris, and uneven places. Statistics shows that about 70% of the collisions are a result of this. Research indicates that the major cause of motorcycle accidents remains the failure of other motorists to recognize motorcyclists in heavy traffic or at night. High speed is a causal factor of accidents too. Speed displaces the alignment of the motorcycle, as it causes the front end to ‘wobble’. Hence, the motorcyclist loses control and collides against any stationary object or moving vehicle. Most single motorcycle accidents involved hitting a fixed object or speeding when road onditions are bad. Many states post warning signs at road construction projects telling motorcyclists to proceed with caution. Studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that speeding, aggressive driving, and driver inattention are leading causes of motorcycle accidents. Negligence on the part of the motorcyclist also leads to accidents or collisions. So does improper breaking or turning. Bad weather remains a problem or causal factor, though its influence is small in comparison. Also, According to the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration, motorcyclists who drink alcohol then drive are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents than automobile drivers. In 2007, 28 percent of motorcyclists who died had blood alcohol levels of . 08 g/DL or higher, and a study done in L. A. found that alcohol was a factor in almost half of the accidents. Motorcyclists need to pay attention when they're riding. They further should avoid using alcohol before climbing on their bike. There are many causes of motorcycle accidents but many are avoidable. Motorcyclists should be thoroughly familiar with their bike, due to a high number of accidents among riders who had been using a bike less than five months. The transportation safety board suggests riders take an education course to familiarize themselves with motorcycle rules and regulations. Though many states do not require helmets, both studies said wearing helmets reduces the severity of head injuries, and may even save a rider's life. It is obvious that bikes are more dangerous than cars therefore we need to take more precautions and be more careful.