Motorcycle accident statistics. What is really happening on our roads? In local news often we hear about motorcycle accidents and many times we hear ourselves saying it was probably the riders fault. Is this the truth, though? Motorcyclists only make up 1% of road traffic. However, the riders make up 14% of deaths and serious injuries from road collisions. Statistically, car drivers are at fault as they have not noticed the motorcycle as an oncoming vehicle, and this is often through right-of-way violations. In 2014 there were 5,558 serious accidents involving motorcyclists, and 339 motorcyclists died in accidents.
Studies showthat motorcyclists are roughly 38 times more likely to be killed in a road traffic accident than a car occupant.
Motorcycle accidents. What can be done to help prevent them?
The road could be a safer place for both the motorcyclist and car drivers with a bit more education on road safety. There are certain things that both motorcycle and car drivers can do to help minimise casualties.
Motorcyclists could:
- Try and anticipate the actions of other drivers.
- Place themselves in the safest and best place to maximisetheir visibility
- Correct gear could not only save lives but increase visibility. Wearing propergear such as padded bike jackets and boots could protect bikers if an accident were to happen. Also, wearing high visibility jackets during the day as well as at night could make bikers visible to other road users.
- The correct helmet helps to save lives. The 'right helmet scheme' will help bikers find the best helmet and ultimately save lives.
Car drivers can also help to minimise accidents with some easy steps:
- Take longer to look for bikes and always be aware ofyour surroundings.
- Keep your distance.
- Always take extra care to check for bikes when changing lanes.
- Be aware that motorbikes could pass you on either side of the car.
Just imagine
Both my parents and my brothers are motorcyclists, due to this I am more aware than usual of motorbikes when driving.
Not only are they avid bike riders but I often find myself as a pillion passenger on a motorbike. I find that this experience has made me more aware of bikes and what could happen. This is also due to witnessing how little attention other road users pay from experiencing some near misses while on the back of a motorbike. As a family who uses motorbikes as a way oftransportation often it can cross your mind as to whether your family members are safe and if they will come home in one piece.
Often on a Wednesday night, my parents will go on a ride out with other motorcyclists, and I am left looking after my younger brother. Just imagine ifone of these nights I had to tell my brother something bad had happened. Accidents whether they involve motorcyclists, or normal car drivers can rip families apart. So next time you get in your car, or your bike, just think - what could you do differently to make everyone safer.
