Safety researchers have long studied the causes of motorcycle accidents, but a European group has published a study it claims is the most comprehensive to date. Notably, the research incorporated data about riders who did not crash, which allowed researchers to examine how crashing riders differ from riders who do not and to identify significant risk factors in motorcycle accidents.
The study looked at 921 motorcycle accidents in five European countries using the widely accepted Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) methodology for on-scene and comprehensive motorcycle investigations. This allowed the researchers to compare their findings with those of other studies employing the same methodology.
Their findings are relevant to American riders and could assist them in learning how to avoid accidents. Some of the findings include:
- The majority of collisions were with passenger vehicles. Seventy percent of these collision accidents were caused by the motorist, not the rider.
- Curbs and barriers intended to control vehicles that spin out of control accounted for the second-most common point of impact.
- Excess speed was only a minor factor in accidents. About 70 percent of collisions involved motorcycles that were travelling at 30 miles per hour or slower.
- Protective gear and helmets – including light colored clothing – are essential to minimizing the severity and incidence of injuries.
- More than 50 percent of accidents occurred at intersections where motorists failed to perceive the riders.
- Experienced riders and those with proper licenses crashed less often than inexperienced riders and those lacking licenses or with improper licenses.
An Experienced Attorney Can Help
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney. A lawyer can assess your case and help you get the compensation you deserve. For more information, contact an attorney today.
