Are Motorcycles Really That Much More Dangerous Than Cars?
Motorcycles are a thrill to ride, especially in beautiful, sunny Florida. However, they are inherently more dangerous than other modes of transportation, and riders have very little protection. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that Florida has a high rate of motorcycle deaths.
Although motorcyclists comprise a small percentage of licensed drivers, they account for an outsized percentage of serious injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another party’s negligence, you should pursue compensation by filing a personal injury claim / lawsuit.
The Vulnerability of Motorcycles
Even when motorcyclists wear all the appropriate attire, such as a helmet and durable clothing, they are vulnerable and exposed. On the other hand, cars provide protection with metal shells, airbags, and seatbelts, which all help minimize the possibility of severe injuries or fatalities in an accident. Motorcyclists lack these protections, which is why many of the injuries riders sustain are catastrophic or fatal. Some of the challenges motorcyclists could face on the road include:
- They are more difficult to see. When drivers fail to pay attention to their surroundings, a motorcycle could be easy to miss in a blind spot.
- It is not uncommon for drivers to misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or distance because of their small size.
Drivers should be responsible and let motorcyclists have plenty of space to avoid an accident.
How the Elements Can Impact Rider Safety
Although many road accidents result from driver error and negligence, natural elements can also impact rider safety. For example, heavy rain, fog, wind, and extreme temperatures can substantially increase the risks of an accident. The elements may impact your safety in the following ways:
- If the weather is extremely cold, you may experience hypothermia. Hypothermia can cause deteriorated physical coordination, shivering, confused behavior, and slow breathing.
- In extremely hot weather, you may experience dehydration. If your clothing is too heavy, you may perspire to the point where your hands become slippery.
- If you are riding at night, your visibility will be substantially limited.
Why Wearing Safety Gear Is Important
Whether you are a rider or a passenger, wearing the right safety gear is essential. Proper safety gear could help minimize the injuries you sustain and potentially save your life. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation states that riders should wear the following:
- An approved helmet
- Eye protection
- Long pants
- Boots that provide good ankle support
- A good quality jacket
- Full-fingered gloves
It is essential to receive motorcycle safety training to reinforce responsible riding habits and a good mental attitude that could reduce the likelihood of a catastrophic accident.
Helmets are very effective in preventing fatalities and serious head injuries for motorcyclists. Failure to wear a helmet may be raised as a defense to a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the NHTSA, over 82,000 motorcyclists were injured, and 5,579 were killed in 2020 alone. Motorcycle accidents are often more dangerous than car accidents. For example, a fender bender between cars might only result in minor injuries. However, if a car were to rear-end a motorcycle, it could result in severe or even fatal injuries to the rider.
Schedule a Consultation with an Experienced Weston Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by another reckless party, it is imperative to hire a knowledgeable Personal Injury Attorney to handle your lawsuit. At Justin Morgan Law, our compassionate and skilled personal injury team in Weston is dedicated to helping the wrongfully injured throughout the state of Florida.