Interesting stats on motorcycle accidents

[BamaBob]

I thought this was sorta interesting.


HURT REPORT SUMMARY

1. Approximately three-fourths of these motorcycle accidents involved collision with another vehicle, which was most usually a passenger automobile.
2. Approximately one-fourth of these motorcycle accidents were single vehicle accidents involving the motorcycle colliding with the roadway or some fixed object in the environment.
3. Vehicle failure accounted for less than 3% of these motorcycle accidents, and most of those were single vehicle accidents where control was lost due to a puncture flat.
4. In the single vehicle accidents, motorcycle rider error was present as the accident precipitating factor in about two-thirds of the cases, with the typical error being a slideout and fall due to overbraking or running wide on a curve due to excess speed or under-cornering.
5. Roadway defects (pavement ridges, potholes, etc.) were the accident cause in 2% of the accidents; animal involvement was 1% of the accidents.
6. In the multiple vehicle accidents, the driver of the other vehicle violated the motorcycle right-of-way and caused the accident in two-thirds of those accidents.
7. The failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the predominating cause of motorcycle accidents. The driver of the other vehicle involved in collision with the motorcycle did not see the motorcycle before the collision, or did not see the motorcycle until too late to avoid the collision.
8. Deliberate hostile action by a motorist against a motorcycle rider is a rare accident cause. The most frequent accident configuration is the motorcycle proceeding straight then the automobile makes a left turn in front of the oncoming motorcycle.
9. Intersections are the most likely place for the motorcycle accident, with the other vehicle violating the motorcycle right-of-way, and often violating traffic controls.
10. Weather is not a factor in 98% of motorcycle accidents.

[Kiwi Cruiser]

Interesting stats
I have a rule i try to ride by
"Give way to everyone" It has saved my bacon so far

[zedx11]

I ride as if everyone is out to kill me.
I still ride agressivly and don't give way untill I absolutly have to. I replaced my horn with an air horn so they can hear me when I want their attention.

[zedx11]

double post

[2WheelFun]

Sobering information, isn't it?

I was thinking about motorcyclists who are injured in an accident not involving another vehicle or person and who does not have a report of any kind of the accident. This was my wifes situation when we were out riding and while making a turn she hit gravel and went down breaking her leg and getting a large gash above her knee. After shaking it off she got back on her bike and rode it home. We did go to the ER room to have xrays...stitches...cast and crutches but no report was filed. I wonder how many of these types of accidents go unreported?

[rbentnail]

Originally Posted by whistle clean

.....but no report was filed. I wonder how many of these types of accidents go unreported?

As many as possible......

[Spok]

good info bob, thanks for posting it.

[jukief]

It sure reinforces what we've been taught about intersections, doesn't it? I never, ever assume that anyone sees me.

[BigJohn]

Where's that kid that wanted to eliminate his front running lights?

Think I'll add some more protection. The headlight flasher may be annoying, but could be lifesaving if it gets THEIR attention. I've noticed a lot of airplanes have flashing landing lights....I notice them in the air.

[CTRider]

Originally Posted by BigJohn

Where's that kid that wanted to eliminate his front running lights?

Think I'll add some more protection. The headlight flasher may be annoying, but could be lifesaving if it gets THEIR attention. I've noticed a lot of airplanes have flashing landing lights....I notice them in the air.

I wonder if the benefit of being more easily seen may be offset by other drivers thinking you're signaling them to go ahead. That would be my worry, anyway, since flashing your brights is often a way to say, "I'm yeilding to you - go ahead". Perhaps a flasher/strobe separate from the headlight might be more effective for the above reason as well as the contrast between no light and a bright flash.

Personally, I find the multiple headlight bikes where the lights are as far apart as possible are easiest to see. In addition, those lights tend to not allow you to "see through them" as easily and miss the fact that the bike is there.

[trikebubble]

"The failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the predominating cause of motorcycle accidents. The driver of the other vehicle involved in collision with the motorcycle did not see the motorcycle before the collision, or did not see the motorcycle until too late to avoid the collision."

I wonder how often the excessive speed of the motorbike resulted in this above statement.
Not that I am excusing the automobiles responsiblity for a lack of awareness, but we all know how hard it could be to judge the oncoming speed of a motorbike.

[jukief]

That's a good point, Carlo. I'm really cautious at intersections. I tend to slow down, but I've seen a lot of riders speed through intersections. That just scares me.

I'd like to add a lightbar to my bike. The more visibility the better. That's another reason I wanted louder pipes. I want people to hear me coming! I also wish my bike was a brighter color. That dark green/black combination doesn't show up all that well. When I had a red bike, I felt like I was a lot more visible. When I took my MSF course, all the bikes were black except for one red bike, and it sure did stand out. Yellow is probably a good choice for visibility, too. Or that bright Ninja green.

[Spok]

Originally Posted by BigJohn

Where's that kid that wanted to eliminate his front running lights?

Think I'll add some more protection. The headlight flasher may be annoying, but could be lifesaving if it gets THEIR attention. I've noticed a lot of airplanes have flashing landing lights....I notice them in the air.

ya know, in the early days of modern naval stealth, ships on the horizon could hide themselves with the use of spotlights. Somehow the light actually blends in to the backdrop and the same exists for motorcycles. If your not looking for a small bike your not gonna see the light either. The flashing lights shure do grab your attention, our worst enemy outside of our own preparations is oblivious folks driving their cage.

[BamaBob]

Personally, I find the multiple headlight bikes where the lights are as far apart as possible are easiest to see. In addition, those lights tend to not allow you to "see through them" as easily and miss the fact that the bike is there.

I agree with ya CT. In fact, I have questioned several people about it and they all say that it seems easier for them to see and judge motorcycles when they have multi lights vs. the single headlight. That is why I installed the light bars on my Vulcan and my Venture immediately. Also, I ordered an LED bar that is a combo stop-turn-running light for the rear of the Venture. Plan on installing it under the rear trunk when the dealer finishes repairing the cosmetic damages from my recent accident.

VISIBILITY - that's what I am after - both coming and going!





http://www.smileycentral.com/sig.jsp...p=ZSYYYYYYDKUS

[jukief]

Hey, Bob, do you have a link for that LED bar? I'd be interested in seeing which one you ordered.

[BigJohn]

Me too....

[Mr_Lycos]

Originally Posted by BamaVulcan04

5. Roadway defects (pavement ridges, potholes, etc.) were the accident cause in 2% of the accidents; animal involvement was 1% of the accidents.

Woo! my '99 accident puts me in the top 1%! (hit a deer).

[southjersey636]

I always ride like im not seen, when passing someone I always have a plan ready to get bye them if they start to come over, either bye stopping really fast, speeding up really fast or crossing into the oncoming lane. This is just one situation.

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by jukief

Hey, Bob, do you have a link for that LED bar? I'd be interested in seeing which one you ordered.

Here tis!!

http://www.ledtrailerlights.com/stt/53-4400.htm

[Norm]

Bob, great post, very interesting, My hope is I never become one of these statistics, either on my bike or the one causing the accident in my vehicle. I for one can honestly say I almost caused an accident by a very alert rider. I pulled out in front of him at an intersection.......I didn't see him until he almost crashed into me. He avoided me by swerving out of my way.