Motorcycles have become a popular mode of transport, especially for people looking to save on fuel costs.
We currently have approximately 8.6 million motorcycles registered in the U.S- which has prompted states to enact laws demanding that riders undergo rigorous training and have licenses before using our roads.
Unfortunately, these riders still have to share the same roads with drivers who may be negligent enough to cause accidents.
Riders are dying every year because of avoidable traffic accidents. In 2019, more than 5,000 people were killed in motorcycle accidents, while 84,000 sustained injuries.
Out of this number, how many motorcycle accidents occurred on highways? This post will offer you a glimpse into the devastating figures about motorcycle accidents that occur on a highway.
What Are the Statistics of Motorcycle Accidents on the Highway?
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report on motorcycle accidents shows that:
- 13% of fatal motorcycle accidents occur between motorcycles and other vehicles on the highway.
- 87% of motorcycle crashes occur on non-highway roads.
- 76% of fatal motorcycle crashes were head-on collisions, while 7% were rear-end accidents (characteristic of non-highway roads).
- In two-thirds of these collisions, the other driver is usually at fault.
- 41% of fatal accidents occur at intersections (usually non-highways)
- 61% of motorcycle accidents occur in urban areas and 39% in rural areas, suggesting that highways record more accidents.
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents Fewer on the Highway?
There is that old speculation that most crashes occur within 10 miles from your place of residence. That means, unless your home is next to a freeway, your chances of a collision on a city street would be high.
Also, come to think of it, traffic goes in a similar direction on separated highways and freeways. That dramatically reduces the risk of motorcycle accidents.
Compare this to streets whose opposite directions traffic is only a few feet apart, with intersections, stop lights, and much more.
This and the fact that city streets have fewer lanes explains why you’re more likely to witness most motorcycle accidents off highway.
Does Speed Play a Role in Motorcycle Accidents on the Highway?
It is said that an increase in speed increases the risk of an accident. Yet, statistically, motorcycle accident fatalities are more prevalent in cities and towns than on highways
The question is, does the average speed on the highway (80 mph vs. 30 mph) contribute to a higher number of accidents and fatalities among riders?
The Hurt Report proves otherwise. According to the report, crashes can happen at any speed. While the median pre-impact speed is 29.8 mph, only 1 in 1,000 accidents occur above 86 mph.
That is to say; speed doesn’t influence the number of motorcycle accidents on the highway.
Instead, other factors such as driver distraction, DUI, or road hazards increase the risk of motorcycle accidents when speeding on the highway.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents on the Highway?
Here are some of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents on the U.S highways:
1. Failure to See the Motorcycle
The top cause of crashes is the failure of the car driver to see the motorcyclist. One-half of all motor vehicle accidents occur due to limited view of the motorcycle either because of glare or obstruction from other vehicles.
Luckily, you can prevent accidents like this by making yourself conspicuous by
- Wearing a reflector jacket
- Using signals and headlights
- Avoiding driving in a car’s blind spot
2. Cars Taking a Left Turn
Cars making left-hand turns top the list of the causes of motorcycle highway accidents.
According to the NHTSA, almost 50% of fatal accidents between cars and motorcycles occur when the car is turning left. This mostly occurs at intersections because of:
- Low visibility
- Driver distraction, or
- Speeding
Fortunately, if you are struck by a driver turning left, you have a right of claim. You can pursue the case and receive compensation for your damages.
3. Lane Splitting
This is very common on our highways. Our roads are busy, and since a motorcycle is small in size, riders weave through lanes to cut through traffic- this is lane splitting.
The problem is that there is not much space for motorcycles to maneuver between vehicles. Any slight mistake from a rider or driver can cause a terrible accident.
Very few American states allow lane splitting today. If an accident occurs when doing this, you will be at fault.
4. Grass Clippings
Grasses on lawns, streets, and along the highway are always trimmed. But do you know how many motorcycle accidents are caused by grass clippings on the highway?
They are more than you can imagine. People do not realize that grass clippings, especially freshly cut ones, cause as much danger as sand, gravel, and other debris that cause riders to lose traction.
Generally, the grass is 85 percent water. So, a sheet of clippings spread on the highway is like a sheet of ice. If the clippings are wet, such as after a light rain, the chances of an accident are even higher.
5. Inclement Weather
Uncontrollable factors like weather further increase the risk of crashes. Inclement weather and obstacles are more dangerous for motorbikes than passenger cars or other vehicles.
Be careful when riding a bike during extreme weather conditions, on slippery highways or when there are obstacles.
Yes, all motorists are expected to uphold the ‘duty of care’ when driving and should drive responsibly to avoid striking motorcycles. But accidents happen, so you must protect yourself at all times and under weather conditions.
6. Driving Under the Influence
Riding or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is the negligence of the worst kind. Statistics show that 30 percent of all deadly single-vehicle motorcycle accidents occur when the rider is alcohol-impaired.
Besides, up to 90% of crashes resulting in injuries involve alcohol impairment, compared to 33% of car accidents.
You should know that a motorcycle requires more alertness and coordination than other vehicles. Even the slightest intoxication can reduce your ability to ride safely and increase the risk of an accident.
So, it is good for you to remain sober when on the bike.
7. Speeding
Motorbikes have such a thrilling acceleration rate. You release unlimited power with just a single twist, but pushing the limits has fatal consequences.
According to the NHTSA, 33% of riders who died in motorcycle crashes were speeding. Regrettably, these fatal accidents claim the lives of younger riders aged between 21 and 24.
Speeding is a manageable problem, though. If all motorcyclists use reasonable speed and watch out for the condition of the highway when riding, speed-related accidents would subside.
What Injuries Likely Result from Motorcycle Accidents on the Highway?
Most of us understand how dangerous being involved in a car accident can be. But very few realize the seriousness of motorcycle crashes.
Motorcycles do not offer riders much protection so motorcycle accident injuries can be severe or even fatal. Here are some of the most common injuries that a motorcyclist can sustain.
1. Head Injuries
Head injuries top the list of motorcycle accident-related injuries. They range from a cracked skull to concussions or even brain injuries.
A study by the NHTSA interviewed 104, 472 motorcyclists who have sustained injuries from traffic accidents. Of this number, 21% suffered traumatic brain injury without a helmet. And out of these with TBI, 54% of them did not survive.
2. Broken Bones
Broken bones are another common injury resulting from motorcycle accidents. Generally, a motorcycle topples over during an accident, throwing the rider to the pavement.
The impact can result in broken arms, wrists, pelvis, and legs, but leg fractures are the most common. Bone fractures further expose you to lower extremities
3. Spinal Injuries
Any form of trauma to the spine can cause severe injuries. The likes of herniated discs, torn ligaments, and spinal cord damage are common in motorcycle accidents on the highway.
The bad thing about injuries to the spinal cord is that these injuries are most severe, leading to either temporary or permanent paralysis.
4. Internal Injuries
These form another set of serious injuries from motorcycle accidents. Any blunt-force trauma during a motorcycle accident on the highway can hurt your internal organs leading to internal bleeding.
You can also sustain internal injuries if a sharp object penetrates your skin during the accident.
5. Biker’s Arm
During a motorcycle accident, riders use their hands to break the fall and protect their face from being hurt.
The hands bear all the impact of the fall and this can hurt your arm and potentially cause permanent nerve damage- otherwise known as a biker’s arm.
The good thing is that you can reduce the risk of this injury by wearing protective gear such as elbow pads.
What Does Insurance Do About Motorcycle Accidents on the Highway?
If you are a motorcycle accident victim, you are entitled to seek compensation for your injuries. If the accident involved another motor vehicle, the other driver could be at fault, so you seek compensation from their insurance company.
What the insurance company does when you file a personal injury claim is that they strive to determine fault in the accident. The company sends its insurance adjuster to review various information pieces to know who caused the highway motorcycle accident.
These pieces of information include:
- The police report
- Witness testimonies
- Surveillance camera footage
- Photos of the accident scene, your motorcycle, and injuries
- Reports from law enforcement officers and accident reconstruction specialists
This information can help the insurance company build a case to help deny the claim or offer a minimum settlement.
Such measures are costly to the accident victim who counts on getting fair compensation for the injuries.
For this reason, you should have an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer file the case for you and represent you in court. An experienced lawyer will hold the appropriate parties responsible for the accident to ensure you are fairly compensated.
Were You Injured in a Motorcycle Accident on a Highway? We Are Here for You!
Knowing that cruising down the open highway is safer than a trip around the neighborhood is helpful. But still, motorcycle accidents happen every other day.
Unfortunately, when a rider is severely injured or even killed in an accident, the insurance company may not cooperate to compensate the family for their medical bills, pain, and loss.
At Legal Giant, we can help you get the compensation you deserve if this happens to you. Our professional team of personal injury and motorcycle accident attorneys will provide you with much-needed legal representation.
Contact us today for a free review of your case.
