It probably comes as little surprise to learn that motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than car occupants when it comes to accidents. In fact, the economic impact of motorcycle accidents alone are staggering: associated emergency services costs, medical costs, property damage and loss of productivity make motorcycle accidents very expensive on multiple levels.
There are many factors that go into the making of a motorcycle crash. According to the Insurance Information Institute, driver behavior and lack of attention to safety protocol result in many severe motorcycle accidents and injuries.
WHAT DRIVER BEHAVIORS CONTRIBUTE TO MOTORCYCLE CRASHES?
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, almost 50% of all motorcycle drivers who died at night as a result of a motorcycle crash had a blood alcohol level of above 0.08 percent. Additionally, motorcycle drivers who consumed alcohol prior to getting on the bike were much more likely to ride without wearing a helmet.
Additionally, many motorcyclists have a tendency to speed. Given that motorcycles have a far smaller profile than traditional passenger vehicles and many passenger vehicle drivers do not look for motorcycles when driving, this can lead to catastrophic injury.
HOW DOES SAFETY PROTOCOL FACTOR IN?
In many states it is legal to not wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle. However, the use of motorcycle helmets reduces the likelihood of injury and death for motorcycle riders.
Additionally, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation works to make motorcycle riding safer by offering classes for persons who ride motorcycles. Not only do motorcyclists who take these courses off and receive insurance discounts, it also reduces the likelihood of the motorcycle operator dying in an accident.