A wide variety of different factors can contribute to motorcycle accidents. What risk factors should people consider when they hit the road?
What time of day is most dangerous for motorcyclists?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, more than half of motorcycle fatalities occur between 3 p.m. and midnight. A variety of factors contribute to this risk. Rush hour traffic in the afternoon and evening significantly increase the number of vehicles on the road. The setting sun or nighttime conditions can decrease visibility. Drivers on the road late at night may have a higher likelihood of alcohol use or driver fatigue.
Which days of the week are most dangerous for motorcyclists?
Around half of motorcycle fatalities occur during weekend hours, and more than 25 percent of motorcycle fatalities in 2019 occurred between 3 p.m. and midnight on weekends. In addition to the risks that motorcyclists face because of the time of day, weekend traffic and social gatherings that involve drinking can also contribute to these challenges.
Is colliding with an object or a vehicle more dangerous to motorcyclists?
Accidents involving vehicles are often particularly dangerous to those riding a motorcycle. Collisions with motor vehicles account for 55 percent of all motorcycle fatalities and 54.7 percent of injuries. Collisions with fixed or non-fixed objects, on the other hand, lead to 28.5 percent of fatalities and 19.6 percent of injuries.
While knowing the risks they face on the road can help motorcyclists take precautions, accidents can still occur. Thankfully, injured motorcyclists and their loved ones may have legal options available to them that can provide support after a crash.