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Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in California

Older motorists, more powerful bikes and the refusal to wear helmets while riding – are the major factors that have contributed to high motorcycle crash fatality rates over the past decade.

In the year 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that motorcycle crash fatality rates had dropped for the first time in 11 years. Those numbers had been increasing since 1997 right through 2008. In 1998, 2,294 motorcyclists were killed in accidents. That number increased to 5,300 in 2008. It was a staggering increase of more than 200% in fatalities over a ten-year period. During the same period of time, highway safety actually increased in almost all parts of the country. Safer vehicles, safer roads, and increased crackdowns on reckless behaviors like drunk driving, ensured that the number of highway traffic fatalities across the country dropped to some of the lowest levels over the decade. In spite of this, motorcycle crash fatality rates continued their upward climb.

That’s why it was encouraging for California motorcycle accident lawyers to note a drop in motorcycle crash death rates in 2009. However, it may be too early to celebrate the fact that 10% fewer motorcycle riders died in 2009, compared to previous years. According to motorcycle safety experts, much of the decline could be attributed to the fact that many motorcyclists had clocked in fewer miles riding during the recession. With uncertain economic conditions, fewer motorcyclists were interested in indulging in recreational motorcycling. There were also fewer motorcycles sold during a recession. That meant fewer new and inexperienced motorcyclists, who are typically involved in some of the highest number of accidents on the highways.

There have been a few specific factors that have contributed to declining motorcycle safety in the country. For one, there are more numbers of older riders on the roads now than they were a couple of decades ago. Back in 1990, only one out of every 10 motorcyclists was aged above 50. Now, the number of motorcyclists above the age of 50 has increased by 100%.

These motorcyclists may be older, but many of them are inexperienced motorcycle riders. Many of these motorcyclists neglect to take a motorcycle safety training program before they begin riding again. The result is a lack of experience and skills. These motorcyclists may find it harder to respond or react appropriately to emergencies, and may have poor reflexes. Any accidents that involve serious injuries among senior motorcyclists, also take a longer time to heal.

It’s not just the motorcyclists, but also the size of the motorcycle engine that has also contributed to increasing crash fatality rates. Modern motorcycles are much faster and more powerful, and require great skill and experience for motorcyclists to handle. Bigger and more powerful motors contribute to dangerous driving behaviors, like excessive speed and stunts. According to the Department of Transportation, back in 1990, only 46% of motorcycles on US highways had engines greater than 749 cc. Today, these engines can be found in more than some 75 percent of all motorcycles.

The Reeves Law Group is a law firm with offices throughout California dedicated exclusively to the representation of personal injury victims, including victims of  motorcycle accidents. Please visit our website at trlglaw.com.If you desire a free consultation on a personal injury matter, please call us at (800) 644-8000 or email us.

The Reeves Law Group is not representing any party in the matters discussed in this posting.

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