Motorcycle riding has become more popular in recent years. Older and more affluent riders are taking up the thrill, adventure and enjoyment that motorcycles offer. The younger riders are attracted to the speed, power and adrenaline rush. During a recent year, 1,158,000 motorcycles, dirt bikes and other two wheeled machines were sold, figures not seen in over 30 years. According to recent data supplied by the Federal Highway Administration, there were 6.7 million motorcycles on the roads in the U.S during 2006.
Unfortunately, motorcycles and dirt bikes pose dangerous risks to its riders and passengers. According to U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics, a record 5,154 people died in motorcycle crashes, in a recent year. This marked the tenth consecutive year of record deaths. An additional 103,000 motorcyclists were injured in accidents. A large jump in the number of reported fatalities for riders 40 and older in recent years has emerged. You are 35 times more likely to die in a motorcycle accident than a car accident.
Motorcycle and dirt bike helmets help save lives. In the state of Florida helmets are required without exception if you are 20 or younger. The most dangerous time of day and day of week for motorcycle riders is 3 pm to 6 pm on weekdays and 6pm to 9pm on weekends. Due to the fact that motorcycle riders are practically unprotected while riding, 98% of all motorcycle accidents cause injuries with 45% producing catastrophic type injuries, including numerous life-threatening injuries and death.
Drunk driving and speeding were the leading causes of motorcycle and dirt bike related injuries and deaths.
Common causes of injuries due to motorcycle and dirt bike accidents include:
- Aggressive Driving
- Bad Weather Conditions
- Careless Driving
- Cell Phone Use
- Dangerous Dirt Bike Recalls
- Dangerous Motorcycle Recalls
- Defective Motorcycle or Parts
- Defective Product
- Defective Tire Blowout
- Driving Too Slow
- Drunk Driving - DUI
- Failing to Obey Traffic Signals or Signs
- Falling Asleep While Driving
- Faulty Highway Design
- Faulty Motorcycle Service Repair
- Head-On Collisions
- Illegal Drug Use
- Improper Street Design
- Malfunctioning Traffic Signals
- Mechanical Problems - Brake Failure
- Missing Traffic Signs
- Motorcycle Manufacturer Negligence
- Negligent Contractor
- Negligent Roadside Contractor
- Negligent Street Engineering
- New Highway or Roadway Contractor
- Over the Counter Drug Use
- Poor Visibility
- Poorly Maintained Roads
- Prescription Drug Use
- Rear-End Collisions
- Reckless Driving
- Road Rage Incidents
- Side-Impact Collisions
- Speeding
