Motorcycles represent 3% of all registered vehicles and cover 0.6% of vehicle miles traveled in the US. But, motorcycle accident fatalities are disproportionately high.

According to NHTSA, 5,579 motorcyclists died in 2020 alone, representing over 14% of all road accident fatalities.

While motorcycles’ reduced stability and small sizes are often to blame for accidents, there are many other possible causes of these crashes. This guide highlights those factors and what you can do to reduce your chances of getting in an accident.

But before we dive in, let’s explore what you should do if you get involved in a motorcycle crash.

What to Do if You Get in a Motorcycle Accident

There are countless ways to reduce the chances of an accident. However, there is no single way to eliminate the chances of getting into an accident entirely. After all, you cannot control the actions of other road users.

One of the first things you will want to do when you get involved in a motorcycle accident is to prioritize your health by calling 911. When the emergency response team arrives, it is best that you take advantage of the on-site first aid before going to the ER.

Between calling the ER and having first responders come to the scene, you can use your phone camera to gather all the information necessary to build a strong case.

This can include witness testimonies, contact information, and the at-fault party’s name, contact, and insurance information.

Unfortunately, it may not be possible to document the scene, especially if your injuries are severe.

In such a case, you can contact a personal injury attorney with extensive experience dealing with motorcycle injuries to help you gather the necessary information on your behalf.

What Makes Motorcycle Accidents Common

Poor Visibility

Motorcycles are relatively small compared to other vehicles on the road, so the chances of motorists failing to notice them are relatively high.

You can increase your visibility as a rider by wearing bright reflective clothing and equipping your motorcycle with reflective tape.

Also, you may need to ride with your headlights on even during the day. The problem with visibility becomes increasingly higher after dusk, so you may want to avoid being on the road after dark.

Inexperience

Inexperience is also a major causative factor in motorcycle accidents. Different states have different sets of requirements before motorcycle licensing.

Even if you could legally ride a motorcycle with your driver’s license, getting training on handling motorcycles before getting on the road is an excellent idea. Also, you may want to stay on familiar roads until you are confident in your riding skills.

Intoxicated Riding

Alcohol and drugs do not go well with being on the road, even as a pedestrian. When riding a bike, intoxication can impact a person’s ability to control a motorcycle because riding a motorcycle requires balance, good judgment, and coordination, all of which are impaired by intoxication.

According to data from NHTSA, 27% of all motorcyclists that died on the road had an alcohol level of more than 0.08%. That means riding a motorcycle is the last thing you should do while intoxicated.

Distracted Riding

Riding a motorcycle requires having both hands on the control handles and their mind on the road at all times.

But that doesn’t always happen. Like other road users, motorcycle riders fall under the temptation of looking, talking, or even typing on their phones, significantly increasing their chances of getting into an accident, primarily due to the unstable nature of a motorcycle.

The best way of staying away from phone-related distractions is switching it off while on the road and only switching it back on when you need to use it, and it has to be off-road.