When are the Most Dangerous Times to Ride a Motorcycle?

Motor vehicle safety is an important topic, especially when you consider how many drivers are on the road consistently. These are dangerous machines that weigh thousands of pounds, and in many cases, there are only a few feet of space between cars that are moving at high speeds. This could be a recipe for fatal crashes if the drivers involved are not careful.

One of the more dangerous vehicles that you can operate on the roads is a motorcycle. Though there is often a stigma that motorcycle drivers are more reckless than others, this is often the opposite of the truth. Due to the exposed nature of motorcycles, riders often have to be even more careful than drivers of other vehicles. It is much easier for them to be hidden in a driver’s blind spot due to the size of the bike compared to most cars.

Motorcycle Safety Tips

There are plenty of ways that motorcyclists can stay safe while on the roads. First, you must wear the necessary safety gear, including a helmet and leather clothing to protect against road rash. The right gear can keep you safer in the event of a motorcycle accident.

Second, you should be alert when passing or being passed by other cars. As mentioned before, you are likely to occupy blind spots for a longer period than larger vehicles, so drivers may not be aware of your presence nearby. Proceed with caution and keep an eye on their turn signals while passing.

Third, you need to be aware of the most dangerous times to ride your bike.

When do Most Fatal Motorcycle Accidents Occur?

According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, certain times of day and days of the week are more dangerous for a motorcycle driver to be on the road. Let’s take a look at a couple of the time slots that motorcyclists may want to avoid to stay safe.

3-6 PM on Weekdays

This study conducted by the United States Department of Transportation in 2020 demonstrates that the most dangerous time to ride a motorcycle is during rush hour on weekdays. The period between 3 PM and 6 PM saw the highest percentage of motorcyclists killed during the span of an entire weekday at 25.9%. Many accidents happen at this time for all kinds of vehicles due to the traffic conditions associated with the afternoon commute.

Since other motorists have trouble spotting a motorcycle rider, they can easily miss them when making lane changes, which can cause an accident. Plus, when moving through intersections, oncoming traffic could miss a motorcyclist that is making a left turn.

6-9 PM on Weekends

The next highest percentage according to the study for riders killed in motorcycle crashes occurs on weekend evenings. 24.1% of motorcyclists killed on a weekend day were involved in crashes between 6 PM and 9 PM on those days. Weekend traffic can be dense and sometimes just as dangerous as rush hour traffic.

Motorcycle riders who venture out on weekend nights should be twice as cautious due to the number of motorcycle fatalities that happen during this period.

Adverse Weather Conditions

Motorcycles are designed differently than other vehicles. While those driving cars have to be more cautious when the weather turns ugly, motorcyclists may not be able to ride at all. Rain and snow can make the road conditions especially slippery, which can be one of the most dangerous times to ride a motorcycle. These two-wheeled vehicles have far less control and grip on the road surface than a standard four-wheel car. Motorcycle crash risks are increased when the weather is bad, so make sure you avoid riding conditions that are slippery or wet due to precipitation.

What to do After a Motorcycle Accident

There are a few steps that you need to be aware of if you are a rider involved in a motorcycle accident.

Get to Safety

Your priority is your well-being. Motorcycle crashes are dangerous, but so are roadways. If possible, try to get off the road after the collision so no other drivers will hit you.

Contact Emergency Services

When motorcycle accidents happen, you should always call emergency services as quickly as possible. they can tend to any injuries you may have experienced and investigate the crash scene.

Collect Information

Try to gather as much data as possible after the accident. If negligent drivers caused the collision, make sure you record their information and insurance card. Take pictures of the accident to help with your claim later on.

Call a Lawyer Who Specializes in Motorcycle Crashes

Perhaps the most important step you can take after motorcycle accidents happen is to get in touch with an attorney. You may have suffered severe injuries in the crash that led to high medical bills, lost wages, or other types of damages. A lawyer can help you navigate the claims process so that you are fairly compensated.

How Can Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Help?

Fatal motorcycle accidents are common, unfortunately, because riders are extremely exposed to the elements. When motorcycle crashes happen, the riders do not have the same level of protection as others, even with protective gear.

Injuries are likely to occur, and if the accident was not your fault, then you may need legal representation to help build your case against the negligent driver. Did they fail to check their blind spot before making a turn or lane switch? Was there blood alcohol concentration level safe for driving? These answers could determine whether or not you could win a settlement, and lawyers know what questions to ask and what evidence to gather.

Focusing on Motorcycle Safety

Motorcycle accident lawyers exist to make the roads safer for bikers by holding other drivers accountable for their actions. However, motorcycle safety often comes down to the practices of the rider. Control what you can by approaching stop signs cautiously. Drive defensively and be on the lookout for reckless or careless drivers. Try to avoid the most dangerous days and times to ride that will put you at a higher risk. Choose a safe time to ride to avoid those higher fatality rate numbers. Do not take the vehicle out if you are alcohol-impaired. If all motorcyclists follow these steps, then most motorcycle accidents may be avoided.