Many people enjoy the feeling of freedom that comes with riding a motorcycle. Unfortunately, too many people buy into some common myths about motorcycles – to their detriment. Understanding motorcycle myths, and acting accordingly, can change your view on motorcycle accidents.
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT MYTH #1 “MOTORCYCLES ARE JUST AS SAFE AS OTHER FORMS OF TRANSPORTATION.”
According to Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, “motorcycles are the most hazardous form of motor vehicle transportation.” This is not to say motorcycle riders are dangerous. Rather, this reflects the fact motorcyclists are simply less protected than people in cars. Additionally, motorcycles are not as visible, which can result in automobile-motorcycle crashes.
Motorcyclists can reduce their likelihood of accident and injury by:
- presuming other cars can’t or don’t see them
- making eye contact with other drivers when possible
- wearing reflective clothing
- wearing clothing designed to protect in the event of a motorcycle accident
- donning a helmet whenever they hit the open road
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT MYTH #2 “HELMETS ARE DANGEROUS BECAUSE THEY REDUCE HEARING AND VISION.”
Many helmet opponents argue helmets reduce the ability to hear and see, thus increasing their potential for an accident. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have studied the issue. It turns out, helmets do not interfere with hearing or vision. Helmets do, however, provide eye protection. Additionally, helmets reduce head injuries in accidents by 69 percent. Further, studies show helmets reduce the risk of death by 37 percent.
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT MYTH # 3 “I CAN HAVE A BEER AND BE FINE TO RIDE.”
While it is unlikely that one beer will raise your blood alcohol level above the legal limit, this doesn’t mean that riding a motorcycle after drinking one beer is a safe bet. Studies show that a single beer increases one’s willingness to take risks. Where you may not do so when completely sober, a single beer could lead a motorcyclist to presume, without eye contact, that another driver can see them. It might lead you to choose to pass with less room than you usually might. It might result in racing through a yellow light, where you would ordinarily wait.
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT MYTH # 4 “MORE YOUNG PEOPLE DIE IN MOTORCYCLE CRASHES.”
The data, surprisingly, does not support this. Cyclists over the age of 50 account for 68 percent of touring bike fatalities; 58 percent of fatalities involving sport touring bikes, and 49 percent of fatalities for standard motorcycles and cruisers. Anyone can be killed in a motorcycle accident.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
Whether you were injured in a single motorcycle accident, or an accident with one or more other vehicles on the road, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. There is no fee to you unless we win your case. Contact us to discuss the facts and circumstances of your case. Our motorcycle accident lawyers can help you pick up the pieces and get back to your life. Contact Miller Kory Rowe LLP today at (602) 648-4045.