The 20th Annual Biketoberfest is just around the corner, happening Thursday, October 18th through Sunday, October 21st. Biketoberfest attracts more than 100,000 motorcyclists from around the world to the Daytona Beach area every year. Unfortunately, this influx of motorcyclists creates heavy traffic and therefore increases one’s chances of getting in an accident. We have put together some facts about motorcycle accidents to help you and your family to stay safe on the road during this heavy traffic event.
10 FACTS ABOUT MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS:
- Most of the motorcycle riders have no insurance of any kind;
- The failure of motorists to notice motorcycles in traffic is the main cause of motorcycle accidents since the view of the motorcycle is limited by glare or obstructed by other vehicles;
- Many motorcycle accidents involve riders that do not use eye protection, and it is likely that the wind on the unprotected eyes contributed in impairment of vision which delays hazard detection;
- Intersections are the most likely place for motorcycle accidents;
- More than half of the motorcycle accidents involve motorcyclists with less than 5 months experience – motorcycle rider training experience reduces accident involvement and is related to reduced injuries in the event of accidents;
- Many motorcyclists ride without a motorcycle license, without any license, or with revoked license;
- The most common motorcycle accident injuries are to the lower and upper extremities and head. Therefore, the use of heavy boots, gloves, jacket, helmet etc. is effective in preventing or reducing the severity of these injuries;
- Injury severity increases with speed, alcohol involvement and motorcycle size – almost half of the fatal accidents show alcohol involvement;
- The most deadly injuries to the motorcycle riders are injuries to the chest and head;
- The use of the safety helmet is the single most important factor in preventing or substantially reducing the severity of neck and head injuries; and the use of a full facial coverage helmet increases protection, and significantly reduces facial injuries.