What motorcyclists need to know about dangerous times and riding conditions to ride more safely
Anyone driving on the roads of New Jersey knows how dangerous certain traffic conditions can be, but for riders on a motorcycle some conditions make being on the road even more dangerous. And unfortunately, the dangers associated with being involved in a motorcycle accident are greater than the dangers associated with being involved in a car accident because of the severity of injury and damage which can occur in a motorcycle accident. We all want to be as safe as possible when on the road, so here is what motorcyclists should know about riding conditions and the most dangerous times to ride.
When motorcycle crashes occur the most
There are certain times of the year, days of the week, and even times of the day in which riding on a motorcycle is more dangerous than other times. According to data collected from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 58% of all motorcyclist deaths in 2016 occurred during the summer, between the months of May and September, with fatalities peaking in July and at their lowest in January. This same data showed the most dangerous days and times to be riding on a motorcycle were weekdays between 3 and 6 P.M. with 25% of all motorcycle fatalities occurring at this time, followed closely by weekends between 6 and 9 P.M. with 22% of all motorcyclist deaths occurring at this time. This means if motorcyclists avoid riding during these days and times, they reduce their risk of being involved in a fatal motorcycle crash by almost half.
Riding as a new rider
Another dangerous time for all motorcyclists on the road is any time within their first year of riding. Just as with driving, with time and experience a rider becomes more familiar with traffic patterns, conditions, and behaviors of other motorists and is better prepared to respond appropriately to avoid an accident. According to the vice president of the Highway Loss Data Institute, the first thirty days a new motorcyclist is riding is about four times riskier to a rider than their entire second year of riding is, and as time and experience in riding increases the risk to the rider decreases.
How to increase safety while riding
There are a few things riders can do to help improve their safety while riding a motorcycle at any time. To begin with, riders should always wear safety-gear, and at a minimum should wear a helmet every time they ride. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Highway Loss Data Institute, helmets are approximately 37% effective in preventing motorcyclist deaths and approximately 67% effective in preventing brain injuries. Another thing a motorcycle rider can do to significantly increase their safety while on the road is something all drivers should do, avoid drinking and driving. The same data collected by the U.S. Department of Transportation FARS report discussed above showed 26% of all motorcycle fatalities involved a rider whose blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was equal to or greater than the legal limit of 0.08. The data does not account for riders whose BAC levels were greater than 0.00 but under the legal limit. Riders on a motorcycle should also always ride defensively, although not aggressively, and ensure they remain alert to their surroundings to allow themselves additional time to respond to potentially negligent drivers.
Tenacious Morristown personal injury lawyers help victims of motorcycle crashes in obtaining the compensation they deserve
If you are a motorcyclist who has been injured in an accident with another vehicle, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer fighting to protect your rights and recover the compensation you need. The Board-Certified New Jersey personal injury attorneys at Leonard Legal Group, LLC have more than 25 years of experience obtaining results for injured motorcyclists. Our reputation as compassionate lawyers who are tough on negligent drivers has been earned by our relentless pursuit of justice for our clients. Call us today at 973-984-1414 or contact us online to review your rights to the compensation you need. Our office is conveniently located in Morristown and we serve surrounding areas as well.