Although there may not be more motorcycle crashes in Houston, in general, motorcycle wrecks are more deadly than any other highway accident. Nearly 62,000 motorcycle riders died in multivehicle motorcycle crashes between 1975 and 2005. And approximately every 16 minutes someone is killed on the road.
The majority of those killed in motorcycle crashes were involved in two-vehicle crashes. This means that motorcycle wreck deaths involved drivers of passenger or commercial trucks. Considering motorcycle riders are not protected by air bags, seat belts, or crumple zones, they are more likely to be killed when involved in a crash.
The major causes of traffic accidents involving motorcycles include:
- Driving at an unsafe speed
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Driving while drunk or intoxicated
- Disregarding traffic lights or stop signs or speeding through a yellow light as it changes
- Following too close
Regardless of the cause, traffic accidents involving motorcycle crashes can be deadly for those riding the motorcycle.
Driving Tired can cause Fatal Motorcycle Crashes
Fatigue can also contribute to motorcycle accidents. Driving while drowsy can be extremely dangerous, especially for those riding motorcycles. Since car drivers don’t always pay attention to or see motorcycles, those who operates motorcycles must stay alert. Driving drowsy:
- Slows your reaction time
- Makes you uncoordinated
- Causes of drowsy driving include the length of the trip, eating heavy meals before getting on the road, and even the amount of sleep that you had the night before.
50% of all highway accidents are caused by fatigued driving. If you feel yourself getting fatigued, take a break or drink a caffeinated drink. Also, pull over and stretch your legs a bit to wake up.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a Houston motorcycle crash, contact an experienced personal injury attorney for help. Finding insurance coverage in the event of a motorcycle crash can be tricky. Be sure to contact Chelsie King Garza for a free consultation today.
