According to the National Safety Council, around 14.6% of all auto accident fatalities are motorcyclists, despite the fact that motorcycles only make up about 3% of all registered motor vehicles. This is due to dangerous behaviors that some drivers engage in, which put motorcyclists at an increased risk of injury or death. Here are seven dangerous driving behaviors that can cause motorcycle accidents:
- Speeding
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- Speeding is one of the most common issues in motor vehicle accidents of all kinds, and motorcycle accidents are no exception. The faster a vehicle goes, the more likely they are to get into an accident, and the more likely the accident will result in serious harm.
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- Failing to check blind spots when changing lanes
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- Lane changing should always be done with care, making sure you will not collide with someone when you move to the next lane over. However, some people fail to check their blind spots when changing lanes, increasing the risks of a collision with a vehicle (such as a motorcycle) they did not see.
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- Lane splitting
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- While the practice of lane splitting, traveling on the line between lanes, is legal in some states, it is prohibited in New York. This does not stop some motorcyclists from engaging in this behavior, which puts them at an increased risk of an accident.
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- Failing to take care at intersections
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- Intersections are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, especially when other vehicles are making left turns. This is because many motorists do not see motorcycles next to them when they turn, making the risk of an accident more likely.
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- Drowsy driving
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- People who drive while physically or mentally exhausted are significantly more likely to get into motorcycle accidents, as well as other types of accidents, than well-rested drivers are. This is due to decreased mental acuity and physical coordination, as well as the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.
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- Distracted driving
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- Texting and driving, as well as other forms of distracted driving, are extremely dangerous for motorcyclists and other drivers alike. When people are distracted behind the wheel, they increase the risks of a serious accident.
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- Driving under the influence (DUI)
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- When people drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medication, they can dramatically increase the risk of an accident. Motorcycle accidents, in particular, involve a disproportionately high number of intoxicated drivers.
For more than 50 years, the New York lawyers at Elovich and Adell have represented clients like you in personal injury cases. Our attorneys, conveniently located in Long Beach, handle personal injury, real estate, commercial transactions, criminal defense, and labor and employment claims all across New York State. For a consultation, please call us at 516-432-6263 or visit our contact page for more information.
