5 Reasons Motorcycle Riders Get Killed By Other Drivers on the Freeway

In 2019, 84,000 motorcycle riders were injured, and 5,014 were killed in motorcycle crashes.

Riding a motorcycle poses more danger than driving a car. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to spot, and they provide less protection for riders when an accident occurs. However, the main causes of motorcycle collisions are not what you would expect. The majority of motorcycle accidents occur because of other drivers on the road being inattentive and failing to spot a motorcycle rider nearby.

Being informed about what causes freeway motorcycle accidents in Las Vegas is the first step to preventing the catastrophic injuries that can occur from them. Keep reading to learn the top 5 reasons motorcycle riders get killed by other drivers on the freeway.

1. Merging and Passing

Las Vegas accidents can occur on the freeway when a car is merging or changing lanes and does not see the motorcycle or has misjudged the motorcyclist’s speed.

Motorcycles are small and can be hard to notice, making it easier for them to end up in a car’s blind spot without the driver noticing.

When a crash occurs from a car merging and passing, it is generally the car that is at fault for failing to notice the presence of the motorcycle. However, if the motorcycle rider was speeding in an attempt to overtake a car or was using the same lane as another car to pass, the motorcycle rider may be considered partially at fault for the accident.

No matter who is at fault, it is best to contact legal services and find a motorcycle injury lawyer, especially if you sustain injuries or if your vehicle is damaged.

2. Aggressive Driving: A Leading Cause of Accidents

Aggressive driving remains one of the primary contributors to both motorcycle and car accidents. Whether it’s speeding, tailgating, or exhibiting road rage, aggressive or inattentive behavior behind the wheel significantly heightens the risk and severity of collisions.

Understanding Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving encompasses a range of unsafe driving behaviors, including reckless speeding, erratic lane changes, and hostile interactions with other drivers. When either a motorcycle rider or a car driver engages in such conduct, the likelihood of an accident increases dramatically. According to ABC7, aggressive driving accounts for a substantial percentage of road incidents nationwide.

The Impact on Motorcyclists and Car Drivers

Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable on the road due to their smaller size and lack of physical protection compared to cars. An aggressive driver may not notice a motorcycle as easily, leading to dangerous overtakes or insufficient reaction times in emergency situations. Similarly, motorcyclists exhibiting aggressive behavior, such as weaving through traffic or speeding, can create hazardous conditions for all road users.

Statistics Highlighting the Issue

Recent studies have shown a worrying trend in aggressive driving behaviors. NBC Los Angeles reports that aggressive driving incidents have increased by 15% over the past year, correlating with a rise in traffic accidents and fatalities. These statistics underscore the urgent need for awareness and intervention strategies to curb aggressive driving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are common signs of aggressive driving?
A: Common indicators include excessive speeding, frequent lane changes, ignoring traffic signals, tailgating, and displaying aggressive gestures or language towards other drivers.

Q: How can drivers mitigate aggressive driving behaviors?
A: Practicing patience, avoiding confrontations, adhering to speed limits, and taking deep breaths during stressful driving situations can help reduce aggressive tendencies on the road.

Q: What are the legal consequences of aggressive driving?
A: Depending on the severity, aggressive driving can lead to hefty fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment in cases involving endangerment or injury.

Preventive Measures and Resources

To combat aggressive driving, various initiatives and resources are available. Educational campaigns, stricter law enforcement, and driver training programs aim to promote safer driving habits. For more insights and tips on avoiding aggressive driving, visit Fox 11 Los Angeles which offers comprehensive guides and expert advice.

The Dangers of Speeding for Motorcyclists

Speeding significantly increases the risks for motorcycle riders more than for drivers of other motor vehicles. According to recent statistics, over 30% of fatal motorcycle crashes involve a speeding vehicle. This alarming figure highlights the critical need for awareness and adherence to speed limits to ensure rider safety.

Why Speeding is More Dangerous for Motorcycles

Motorcycles inherently reach higher speeds compared to other vehicles and offer greater maneuverability, allowing riders to navigate around obstacles and traffic with ease. However, this advantage comes with significant drawbacks:

• Stability Issues: Unlike four-wheel vehicles, motorcycles are less stable, making them more susceptible to losing control, especially at high speeds.
• Limited Protection: Motorcyclists have minimal protection compared to car drivers. In the event of a crash, riders face a higher risk of severe injuries or fatalities.

In many collision scenarios, a motorcyclist has two seconds or less to react before impact. The faster the motorcycle is traveling, the less reaction time the rider has to avoid an accident, and the more severe the resulting injuries can be.

Understanding Lane Splitting: Risks and Legal Implications in Las Vegas

Lane splitting, the practice of motorcycles navigating between two lanes of traffic, is a contentious issue in many urban areas. In Las Vegas, Nevada, lane splitting is explicitly illegal, yet some motorcycle riders may still attempt it despite the regulations.

What is Lane Splitting?

Lane splitting involves a motorcycle riding between two lanes of moving or stationary cars, typically during heavy traffic congestion or slow-moving traffic jams. While it may seem like an efficient way to bypass traffic, lane splitting poses significant safety risks for both motorcyclists and other road users.

Why Lane Splitting is Dangerous

There are several reasons why lane splitting is considered hazardous:

1. Close Proximity to Vehicles: Motorcycles are in close quarters with cars, leaving little room for error. This proximity increases the likelihood of collisions, especially if a driver is unaware of a motorcycle’s presence.
2. Limited Maneuvering Space: With minimal space between lanes, motorcyclists have less room to maneuver in case of sudden stops or unexpected movements from other drivers.
3. Driver Unawareness: Most drivers do not anticipate motorcycles lane splitting, which can lead to sudden lane changes or door openings without warning.
4. Blind Spots: Cars may unintentionally change lanes when a motorcycle is in their blind spot, increasing the risk of side-impact collisions.
5. Dooring Hazards: If a passenger opens a car door while a motorcycle is passing, it can result in severe accidents, putting the motorcyclist at significant risk.

Legal Consequences of Lane Splitting in Las Vegas

In Las Vegas, engaging in lane splitting is against the law. Motorcyclists caught lane splitting can face fines and other legal repercussions. It’s essential for riders to adhere to traffic laws to ensure their safety and that of others on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is lane splitting legal in any part of Nevada?

As of the latest updates, lane splitting remains illegal throughout Nevada, including Las Vegas. Riders should consult local traffic laws to stay informed about any changes.

What are the safest practices for motorcyclists in heavy traffic?

Motorcyclists should maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, use designated lanes, wear protective gear, and stay vigilant to anticipate and react to potential hazards.

Are there any regions where lane splitting is legal?

Yes, some areas, such as California, allow lane splitting under specific conditions. However, regulations vary by state, so it’s crucial to understand local laws before attempting lane splitting.

Lack of Space

Motorcycles are less stable than cars.

Cars driving too close and too fast to a motorcycle can be dangerous. This can cause the motorcycle rider to experience turbulence. To avoid this, cars should try to give the rider plenty of space and should not tailgate a motorcycle on the freeway.

Another reason motorcycle riders should have extra space on the road is to maneuver around any obstructions like potholes and roadkill. These can pose a safety threat to motorcyclists, causing around 2% of accidents.

3. Impaired Driving

Driving while distracted or drunk is dangerous, especially when motorcycles are involved.

It is not unusual for cars to change lanes without realizing that a motorcyclist is riding next to them. As motorcycles are smaller and harder to see, it does not take much to miss one creeping into your blindspot or trying to pass you.

Drunk Driving

While drunk drivers pose a threat, if motorcycle riders have even a small amount of alcohol in their system, it has consequences. Alcohol is a very common cause of Las Vegas accidents, as it can cause motorcycle riders problems avoiding a collision.

In 2018, 33% of motorcycle riders involved in a fatal crash had a blood alcohol concentration of at least .01, and 25% had a blood alcohol concentration of at least .08, which is the general amount needed in Las Vegas, Nevada to be charged with a DUI.

As a motorcycle rider often needs to react in less than two seconds to avoid a collision, it is not surprising that even just a little bit of alcohol has such a high connection to motorcycle accidents.

Many riders who drink alcohol before riding tend to overbrake the rear wheel and underbrake the front wheel. This reduces the speed of deceleration and skids the rear wheel. The motorcycle rider’s ability to countersteer and swerve was also greatly decreased.

4. Lack of Training and Protective Equipment

There is a large number of motorcyclists with no formal training involved in motorcycle accidents in the Las Vegas, NV area.

Wearing the appropriate headgear and protective clothing can minimize the number of injuries received and reduce their severity when involved in a collision.

Formal Training

The vast majority of motorcyclists involved in collisions have never taken a motorcycle safety course. This means that a large portion of motorcycle riders have no formal training.

92% of riders in collisions are either self-taught or taught by a family member. What may be even more disturbing is that at least 30% of all motorcyclists involved in a fatal crash did not have any type of valid license.

Protective Equipment

Wearing a helmet and protective clothing can be beneficial for motorcyclists in helping prevent catastrophic injuries.

Motorcycle accidents tend to be more severe and deadly than car crashes. The same amount of force necessary to dent a car could throw a rider off a motorcycle.

While protective equipment cannot completely replace the safety features of a car, the motorcycle rider may receive less severe injuries by wearing protective clothing.

Wearing a helmet has been shown to be an effective way to minimize the severity of a head injury approximately 69% of the time in motorcycle accidents. Helmets also help prevent lacerations and scrapes on the face and reduce the number of neck injuries a motorcycle rider receives.

Protective equipment is not only useful to prevent scrapes, lacerations, and other injuries in a motorcycle collision, but it can also increase the visibility of motorcycle riders.

Potential Injuries

Motorcycle accident injuries occur about 45% of the time, causing accident victims a large amount of pain and suffering. This is especially true when you are a motorcycle rider on the freeway, riding at high speeds.

A fatal injury is more likely to occur when riding a motorcycle than in a car. It has been found that chest and head injuries are the most frequently occurring cause of death in motorcycle accidents.

If the motorcycle rider does survive the collision, there are several types of injuries that may cause the motorcyclist pain and suffering.

Broken bone injuries are common in motorcycle accidents and often occur in the arms or legs, though they can also occur in the neck, back, or pelvis. Motorcycle riders who have been in an accident may also receive traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, which can have devastating effects.

5. Type of Motorcycle

The type of motorcycle riders use also plays a factor in the rate of accidents and their severity.

Sport and supersport motorcycles tend to be involved in motorcycle collisions more often than other types. These high-performing motorcycle models are lightweight and have powerful engines, giving them the capability to reach high speeds.

Considering that the average motorcycle speed is only around 30 mph before a collision occurs, it is no surprise that sport and supersport motorcycles tend to be involved in a large portion of motorcycle accidents.

This is especially the case with supersport motorcycles, which can reach speeds up to 160 miles per hour. Even on the freeway, such speeds are far beyond the limit allowed. If a motorcycle rider travels at even half that speed, they are taking a large risk.

Have You Been in a Motorcycle Accident in Las Vegas?

Motorcycle accidents in Las Vegas can be severe, causing accident victims catastrophic injuries or death.

Recovering from the pain and suffering caused by a severe motorcycle accident can be difficult and overwhelming. This is even more true when you have to make injury claims with an insurance company and take medical bills into account.

Contact a motorcycle injury attorney at Heidari Law Group today for a free consultation to help you through this difficult time and get the full compensation you deserve.

***Disclaimer: This blog is created by Heidari Law Group for educational purposes. This article provides a general understanding of the law. It does not provide specific advice. By using this site and reading through this blog, there is no attorney-client relationship created between you and any member of Heidari Law. Further, due to the constant change of the law, some parts of the information above may no longer be good law.