Motorcycle riders are at increased risk of severe injury and death when compared with people riding in four-wheeled vehicles. The lack of safety systems on motorcycles is one factor that contributes to injury risk.
Motorcycle riders are also more vulnerable to minor road safety issues that might not have much impact on larger vehicles. Road hazards can lead to a motorcycle rider losing control and sustaining major injuries, which is why surveillance is so important for motorcycle safety.
What types of hazards are riskier for motorcycle riders than drivers operating enclosed vehicles?
Potholes and crumbled pavement
Drivers and passengers in four-wheeled vehicles may feel it when the vehicle hits a pothole or a crumbled section of pavement. The shocks and struts can only absorb so much motion. However, motorcycle riders can lose control of their vehicles or end up tipping over because they hit a pothole or a section of damaged pavement.
Leaves and other debris
Autumn leaves are a source of traffic risk for two reasons. The first is that they may cover potholes or more dangerous debris. The second is that they create slipping risk for vehicles. Motorcycle riders who can not avoid debris or fallen leaves in the road can lose control and end up sliding or worse.
The increased risk motorcycle riders face when encountering road issues makes careful surveillance critical. Many motorcycle riders avoid going out at night because they cannot spot hazards until they are perilously close.
Learning more about what contributes to motorcycle crash risk can help riders increase their overall safety. Riders injured in motorcycle collisions caused by other drivers may need to hold those motorists accountable for their property damage and injury-related losses.