By Marcus Fernandez
As exhilarating and enjoyable as driving a motorcycle may be, crash statistics prove that it’s also a dangerous activity. Of the total number of fatalities from traffic accidents, 14% of them involved a motorcycle. A rider’s ability to control a motorcycle in all types of situations, along with knowing how to recognize risky or dangerous situations, can reduce the chance of injury. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys have seen firsthand the benefit of prioritizing safety when choosing your motorcycle. As we explore motorcycle accident causes, we’ll also discuss features to look for when shopping for the safest motorcycle brands.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
A number of studies conducted over the years identify the following as some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents.
- Excessive speed.
- Alcohol or drug impairment.
- Motorists turning at intersections without yielding to motorcyclists.
- Motorcyclists passing other vehicles.
- Lane splitting, which is a motorcycle riding between lanes occupied by stopped or slow-moving vehicles.
- Motorcyclists losing control of their vehicle and crashing to the ground or into objects.
A comprehensive analysis of motorcycle crashes undertaken by the NHTSA revealed that a lack of experience on the part of the operator of a motorcycle was a contributing factor in many of the accidents it studied.
What are the Safest Motorcycle Brands to Buy?
The last thing any rider wants is for the motorcycle’s brakes or tires to malfunction at a critical moment. Four of the safest motorcycle brands according to Consumer Reports are Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki.
Why are these brands believed to be the safest? Here is a list of safety features for models from these four motorcycle makers.
- Yamaha YZF-R3 is a sport bike with dual anti-lock brakes, anti-wheelie traction control, and a 320cc engine.
- Honda Rebel is lighter and more compact than other bikes. This makes it easier to handle for entry-level riders particularly for those who are shorter and weigh less.
- Suzuki SV650 has front- and rear-wheel ABS braking, assist-and-slipper clutch that won’t throw you off the bike should you accidentally jerk the clutch when shifting, and agile yet forgiving handling. These features make it a safe bike for riders at all skill levels.
- Kawasaki Z400 and Z650 offer standard features to keep you out of trouble. Front and rear anti-lock brakes, clutch technology that prevents you from being thrown if you jerk the clutch, and a road hugging suspension that maintains control when cornering.
As a new motorcyclist, Florida makes it easy for you to receive the skills training needed to safely operate a motorcycle by requiring completion of a riding course in order to add a motorcycle endorsement to your driver’s license.
Motorcycle Helmets Reduce the Risk of Injuries
If you are at least 21 years of age, Florida law leaves it up to you whether to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, but you must have an insurance policy with at least $10,000 in medical benefits coverage.
When making the decision about wearing a helmet, know that motorcycle crash data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shows that 550 motorcycle operators or their passengers lost their lives in almost 9,000 crashes occurring on state roads in 2019 while another 2072 people suffered incapacitating injuries. Of the people killed or suffering incapacitating injuries, fewer than half of them wore a certified motorcycle helmet.
The NHTSA found the leading cause of deaths and serious injuries in motorcycle accidents to be head trauma. Although they cannot prevent injuries and deaths all the time, the study found that helmets make a significant difference in the outcome by reducing fatalities by 29% and serious injury to the brain by 67%.
Get Advice From a Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
When a motorcycle accident is caused by the negligent conduct of another party, you may be entitled to recover compensation. Learn more about your rights and options during a free consultation with a Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer. Contact us at Kinney, Fernandez and Boire today.
