Brian White | October 7, 2022 | Motorcycle Accidents
It’s no secret that motorcycle riding can be a dangerous form of travel. Statistically, motorcyclists have a higher injury rate in vehicular accidents than those occupying passenger vehicles. After all, the very construction of a motorcycle leaves riders in a vulnerable position. If one thing goes wrong, the results could be catastrophic.
Fatal motorcycle accidents in Texas have risen by 16 percent this year, indicating that many motorcyclists do survive vehicular collisions. The chances of survival depend on several factors that can literally mean the difference between life and death.
Collisions with Other Vehicles
Motorcyclists are subject to collisions from the front, rear, and side of the bike. Where you get hit drastically impacts your chances of survival.
Front-End Collisions
Front-end collisions, also known as head-on collisions, occur when a motorcycle and another vehicle are traveling toward one another and collide. They have a high mortality rate due to the sheer force involved.
Unlike cars, motorcycles do not have sophisticated restraint systems, so drivers are often thrown from the vehicle. In these situations, the chances of head trauma or severe organ damage are high.
Rear-End Collisions
A rear-end collision occurs when a vehicle behind the motorcyclist strikes the bike. These types of collisions can result in varying degrees of damage. In some instances, the driver may walk away unharmed. In others, drivers can be severely injured and even killed.
As with front-end collisions, the cause of death usually has something to do with a critical injury to the head or internal organs.
Single-Vehicle Collisions
Riders don’t just have to be wary of other vehicles — they need to keep an eye out for objects of all shapes and sizes. A large chunk of metal on the road will have a much harsher impact on a motorcycle than it will on a car or truck. In addition to hitting inanimate objects, riders can also be critically injured after crashing into wildlife.
Protect Yourself
When it comes to protecting yourself in a motorcycle accident, the best thing you can do is be vigilant. That means avoiding any of the following actions:
- Operating the motorcycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding
- Riding while fatigued
- Riding while distracted
- Operating a motorcycle you know is unfit for the road
The more prepared you are, the better. That means wearing proper protective equipment, making sure your bike is well-maintained, and understanding the rules of the road.
Helmets Save Lives
Speaking of proper equipment, the most important piece is a helmet. The CDC claims that wearing a helmet decreased rider deaths by 37 percent. Additionally, a helmet lessens your chances of incurring a head injury by a whopping 69 percent. With numbers like those, a simple solution to unnecessary fatalities seems obvious.
Safety First
Just because you are good at driving a car does not mean you will intuitively understand the intricacies of a motorcycle.
Yes, you have to take many of the same considerations into account that you would when driving a car, such as staying between the lines, maintaining proper distance from the vehicle in front of you, and adhering to traffic signals. However, you also need to focus on keeping your bike upright and staying visible to other drivers.
In addition to good safety practices, motorcyclists of any level could learn a thing or two from a safety course. A well-structured course gives drivers the opportunity to expand their knowledge and interact with their fellow riders.
And considering that motorcycle-related fatalities are on the rise throughout the state, keeping one another safe is more imperative than ever.
Contact the Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help
For more information, contact the Houston motorcycle accident law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
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