The Most Dangerous Motorcycles

From zero to 60 in two seconds: that’s pretty impressive, and is one of the big selling points for sports motorcycles. The statistics on accidents shows that over 40 percent of Florida motorcycle accidents in the past eight years involved these bikes, which explains why the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) calls sports bikes the most dangerous type of motorcycle.

What Makes Them So Dangerous? 

Sports bikes are devised for performance and speed. People who purchase them are not usually looking for a long, comfortable road trip; they’re looking for thrills. But between their formidable engines and lightweight frames, they can be tough to control at high speeds, which makes them more likely to be involved in accidents. And, since they lack the protective features of other motor vehicles, riders are much more likely to experience serious injuries than passengers in a car or truck might be exposed to. Other factors contributing to the hazards of these bikes include:

• They are designed for riders to lean forward in an aggressive riding stance, putting quick reaction time at risk in the event of an emergency.
• Loss of control is more likely due to the less stable nature of these bikes at high speeds.
• Since they are designed for speed, riders frequently push the bikes to their limits.
• Sports bike riders often like to perform stunts on their bikes, increasing the chances of accidents.
• Sports bikes are often smaller than other motorcycles, decreasing their visibility to other motorists.

Vehicle/Motorcycle Accidents 

Motorcyclists of all stripes are at high risk of injury or death in a collision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that roughly six in ten motorcycle fatalities occur in urban areas where there is significantly more traffic. 35 percent of those accidents occur in intersections and the rest involved head-on collisions, sideswipes, and other types of accidents.  In terms of two-vehicle collisions, about three-fourths of fatalities were the result of a collision with the front of the bike, while just seven percent were rear-end collisions.

Determining Fault in a Crash 

Law enforcement looks at a number of elements to determine who was at fault in a motorcycle/vehicle accident. Witness statements, footage from traffic cameras or elsewhere, evidence of speeding, inebriation, or other violations, in addition to the actual damage are all examined after an accident. All too often, motorcyclists are the victims of others’ distractions and negligence.

After a Serious Accident 

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in an accident, the experienced Kissimmee motorcycle accident attorneys at Salazar & Kelly Law Group can help. We know the law, the statute of limitations, and how to pursue damages on your behalf. To discuss, schedule a confidential consultation in our Kissimmee office today.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.736.html

wptv.com/wptv-investigates/sport-bikes-account-for-most-motorcycle-crashes-in-8-year-period-says-fdot