The Causes of Motorcycle Accidents - Prevention and Reduction

While motorcycles represent only three percent of all vehicles registered in the U.S., around 14 percent of all deaths on the highway are caused by motorcycle accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This goes to show that motorcyclists are more prone to injuries in the event of a road accident. In fact, eight out of ten motorcycle accidents cause serious injuries or even death, compared to only two out of every ten accidents involving other vehicles.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

There are a number of causes of motorcycle accidents. First, not all motorcycle owners are experienced in safe riding. While some owners use a motorcycle as a prime mode of transport, others occasionally use a motorcycle for recreation. Some of these riders do not have a license and many of them are inexperienced drivers.

Due to so many variable factors, it is difficult to figure out how the frequency of motorcycle accidents relate to the actual use of motorcycles. The statistics on this ratio can be misleading, because simply counting the number of accidents per registered motorcycle would not be enough to reveal the real picture. Alternatively, fatalities per vehicles miles traveled (VMT) is used to better understand the causes of motorcycle accidents.

Using VMT for Motorcycle Accident Statistics

VMT provides a better way to gain insight into crash statistics by taking into consideration the use of an automobile rather than only its ownership. Acclaimed organizations like the NHTSA are now using VMT to understand the real causes of motorcycle accidents. This understanding helps to educate drivers how to prevent and reduce the rates of motorcycle accidents on the roads.

Compensation for Financial Losses

Despite taking all precautions, road accidents are unavoidable. If you suffer financial losses due to a motorcycle accident, contact an experienced Chicago accident injury lawyer from Willens Law Offices. We will advise you if you are entitled to compensation from the other party involved in the accident. Call us at (312) 957-4166 for a free consultation.