Deaths among motorcyclists dropped by 5% during 2018, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Yet, the risk of being killed while riding a motorcycle remained higher than for driving a car.
A 2017 report found motorcyclists were 28 times more likely to be killed than other road users. These are some of the factors the researchers found contributed to motorcycle deaths:
- Alcohol: A quarter of motorcyclists killed in 2016 were over the alcohol limit.
- Drugs: While marijuana is illegal in Ohio, motorcyclists still get on their bikes after smoking. It affects your ability to be safe on the roads.
- Distraction: There is more technology available for your motorcycle now. While the built-in technology may help keep you safer, devices added for navigation or communication can make riding more dangerous. They take your attention away from the road.
- Age: As you get older, your reactions slow, and your vision deteriorates. You cannot ride like you did when you were young as you get older. Many riders stop when they have families but repurchase a motorcycle when the kids are older. It is vital to take training to remind yourself how to ride well and stay safe on the roads.
Most motorcycle crashes are caused by other vehicles. Avoiding alcohol, drugs, distraction and allowing for your age can increase your chances of spotting and avoiding a potentially dangerous situation. It cannot prevent accidents altogether. It only takes one negligent driver to knock you off your motorcycle. If a driver causes you or a loved one to be involved in a motorcycle accident in Springfield, seek legal help to claim compensation for your injuries.
