Warm weather means more motorcycles on the roads. These small vehicles are magnets for accidents for a number of reasons.
The West Virginia Department of Transportation explains motorcycle accidents happen far more often than accidents involving other vehicles.
Deadly crashes
Not only do motorcycles end up in more accidents but those crashes are more deadly than others. Passengers or drivers of motorcycles have 29 times more of a chance of dying than occupants in other vehicles. Injuries are four times more likely. In the United States, out of all deaths due to motor vehicle accidents, 14% are motorcycle operators or passengers. In West Virginia, that number is 11%.
Reasons for the problem
Motorcycles are more likely to be in an accident for a few specific reasons. The biggest being their size. These are the smallest vehicles on the roadway. Drivers may not see them. Also, riding habits can make a bike more likely to have problems. If drivers cannot anticipate what you will do, such as weaving in and out of traffic, then it increases the chances of an accident. Plus, the small size of the vehicle means it is harder to judge how fast you are moving, which can result in miscalculations by drivers.
Injuries and death are more likely due to the overall lack of protection a bike offers. You do not have the protection of airbags, seatbelts, and a vehicle shell. If you are not wearing a helmet and other protective gear, the chances of injury or death are even higher.
Motorcyclists need to be proactive about safety. They should follow all road laws, including speed limits, and be aware of their surroundings. Other drivers need to watch out for bikes and be aware of them on the roads.