Our nation’s roads are built for movement, but not necessarily for safety, noted a recent article in Motorcycles Data. As a result, do they necessarily favor larger vehicles like cars and trucks over motorcycles, and could our roads contribute to motorcyclist injuries and deaths?
According to the article, motorcyclists are five times more likely to be injured than car drivers, the injuries are categorically worse, and motorcyclists also are more likely to die from a collision. As of the most recent NHTSA data, there were 82,528 motorcyclists injured and 5,579 killed on our nation’s roadways in 2020. However, as the article pointed out, it’s not only other drivers that pose a threat to bikers…it’s the actual roads.
Inadequate road maintenance and defects can create greater risks for motorcycles. Loose gravel, potholes and slick surfaces often lead to handling issues. County and rural roads with narrow lanes and curves can put motorcyclists directly in the path of oncoming vehicles.
Highways are generally safer for motorcycles. Even at the higher rate of speed, they are generally better maintained and boast larger lanes, which give motorcyclists some room to maneuver. However, conditions can vary from state to state since governments invest differently in maintenance for their state, county and local roads.
When motorcycles do collide with other vehicles, they are more vulnerable. By design, they lack the safety equipment that larger vehicles have, such as airbags and crumple zones.
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident that involved a malfunction or negligence on the part of the other driver or someone else, you may wish to speak with a top motorcycle accident attorney in Pennsylvania. Please reach out to us to discuss the details and see if we can help.