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Operating a motorcycle can be a fun experience, particularly when the weather is pleasant outside. However, the reality is that motorcyclists face more risks on the roadways than do those inside traditional passenger vehicles. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, we can see that there were 2,676 total motorcycle crashes across the state during the latest reporting year. Out of these incidents, 170 people lost their lives and 2,235 were injured. Motorcycle accidents in Arizona have various causes. Here, we want to discuss the top five causes of motorcycle accidents in this state in the hopes that our readers are better able to prepare themselves for safe riding opportunities.
Left-hand turns are dangerous for everyone on the roadway, but this is particularly true for motorcyclists. When a motorcyclist or another motorist is making a left-hand turn, this could result in oncoming traffic slamming into the vehicle making the turn. These accidents often occur when a motorcycle is just going straight through an intersection in is hit by a motorist turning left. They also occur when a motorcyclist is making a left-hand turn and is struck by oncoming traffic.
Anytime a person is distracted behind the wheel, they are much less likely to pay attention to the roadway. If a motorcyclist is in the vicinity of a distracted driver, this significantly increases the risk to the motorcyclist. Some of the most common driver distractions include using a mobile device, eating or drinking while driving, reaching for objects in the vehicle, adjusting the radio or GPS, etc.
Lane splitting refers to a motorcyclist driving down the white center line between lanes of vehicles moving in the same direction. This often occurs when lanes of traffic are stopped or moving slowly. It needs to be understood that lane splitting is illegal in Arizona. Accidents can occur due to lane splitting because of the close proximity between the motorcyclist and other vehicles as well as a lack of visibility when other motorists do not anticipate or see the motorcyclist coming up the lane.
Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs is dangerous for any motorist, including those driving a traditional vehicle and those operating a motorcycle. Alcohol-impaired driving is a leading cause of traffic deaths and injuries in Arizona. This type of driving can affect a driver by delaying reaction time, impairing judgment, lowering inhibition, and increasing the likelihood of engaging in reckless driving behaviors.
Speeding affects everybody on the roadway. If a vehicle driver is operating too fast for conditions, this reduces the time that they have to react and increases the likelihood that an accident will result in severe injuries.
Motorcyclists do not have much protection from the force of the vehicle slamming into them. Even when a motorcyclist is wearing a helmet, it is not uncommon for victims to sustain the following injuries in the event an accident occurs:
Any motorcyclist injured due to the careless or negligent actions of other drivers on the roadway should seek assistance from a skilled attorney as soon as possible. An Arizona motorcycle accident lawyer can use their resources to fully investigate these claims and negotiate with aggressive insurance carriers in an effort to secure full compensation for their client.