Motorcycle accidents are a serious concern for both motorcycle riders and the drivers of other vehicles. In New Mexico, more than 5000 motorcyclists died in 2019 following motorcycle accidents in the State. 94% of the victims were drivers, while 6 percent were passengers. This is according to NCSA (National Center for Statistics and Analysis). New Mexico is an affected State as far as motorcycle accidents are concerned. But if you ever get involved in a motorcycle accident, reach out to a New Mexico motorcycle accident lawyer for guidance. Here are reasons of causes of motorcycle accidents and why these accidents have increased in our State.
The main causes of motorcycle accidents are:
Speeding: It is very important for a motorcycle rider to follow the speed limit. Most drivers do not pay attention when near motorcycles, leading to a high number of accidents. This also means that riders must avoid driving on highways during traffic jam times between 12 pm and 11 pm in order to avoid congested roads, which lead to speeding
Driver error (including speeding, following too closely and failure to yield)- accounting for 71% of all motorcycle accidents
Alcohol: About 30 percent of fatal crashes are alcohol-related. Excessive alcohol consumption impairs the mind and body, leading to poor decision making and dangerous riding habits
Helmets: Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of death in a motorcycle accident by 37%. However, only 19 states have a universal helmet law. In New Mexico, only riders under 18 years old are required to wear helmets
Lane Splitting: This is when a motorcycle rider drives between two lanes of stopped or slower moving vehicles on the highway. In most cases, this is dangerous as it leaves a lot to chance and does not give drivers enough time to react
Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement account for about 25 percent of single-vehicle accidents.
Vehicle Defects: Only about two percent of all motorcycle accidents are due to defective vehicles. However, vehicle defects can cause accidents as the motorcycle rider is usually unprotected
Inexperienced riders– These riders are very dangerous as they do not know how to handle their motorcycles. To perfect your riding skills, consider taking motorcycle courses
Riding under the influence– You should not ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol to avoid being involved in accidents.
Drivers who are distracted while driving – This can lead to a motorcycle accident as drivers do not see motorcycles coming up behind them and sometimes cut into their lanes without even noticing
Ignoring Road Signals– Motorcycle riders should obey all traffic signals to avoid accidents.
Weather Conditions– Poor weather conditions can lead to motorcycle accidents. For example, rain makes the roads slippery, and wind can make it difficult for the rider to stay on the bike
Motorcycle accidents are rising in New Mexico because of poor road conditions, speeding, alcohol consumption and motorcycle defects. However, riders must ride responsibly to avoid being involved in serious accidents. All drivers should be aware of motorcycles when they are on the roads at all times, even if this means slowing down or changing lanes. Drivers can also take a motorcycle safety course to learn how to drive safely near motorcycles. Riders should also avoid driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol because this is a major cause of accidents in New Mexico.