Four Dangers of Motorcycles
Springtime motorists see a resurgence of motorcycles on our streets. Because of nicer weather, the influx of motorcycle riders also means there is a dangerous growth of car accidents and motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than passenger cars on the road for four these main reasons:
Dangers Of Motorcycles
- First, they are less visible and therefore more likely to be struck by another motorist.
- Second, the two-wheeled configuration lacks the stability of a car’s four-wheel base and makes the crashes much more likely under conditions of slippery pavement.
- The third reason is the lack of protective compartment and seatbelts, putting the flesh and bone of the rider and passenger at the mercy of the pavement and other vehicles upon crashing. In the case of most riders, the law of supply and demand comes into effect. Strange as it may seem, the same principle that influences capitalist markets also guides riders of motorcycles: because the potential price of a crash is so expensive in terms of bodily injury, riders have little or no demand for having an accident, and therefore remain vigilant. In state after state, statistics centering on the implementation of seatbelt laws years ago demonstrated the inverse of this principle, and revealed an increase in accidents incurred by motorists who felt relatively safer while wearing a seatbelt.
- Lastly, some motorcyclists tend to be thrill seekers and are more apt to take risks of danger. While the majority of motorcyclists are safety-minded and are either commuters conserving gas costs or recreationists responsibly enjoying a ride, some inevitably will be thrill seekers whose quest for excitement puts others at risk. The most common type of motorcycle ridden recklessly is the sport bike, designed for speed and maneuverability. These vehicles are capable of dramatic and unforgiving acceleration, often with 0 to 60 times under four seconds, and almost always exceed the capabilities of the rider. It is an unfortunate reality that this class of bike is often the choice of beginners who lack the skills to safely master the vehicle.
Reckless Riders
Perhaps the greatest danger is presented by those riders who have cultivated a highly tuned skill set, and perform stunts on public roadways including speeding at well over 100 miles per hour, weaving among traffic lanes, and riding on one wheel. Some of these riders utilize cameras atop their helmets to capture their riding exploits.
K.S.A. 8-1566 provides that any “person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.” Sanctions for this offense can include up to 90 days in jail for a first offense, up to 6 months for a second offense, and fines up to $500 for each.
The spirit of the Kansas reckless driving law is to protect persons and property. It is the reckless riders who highlight the fourth and most insidious reason why motorcycles are dangerous. Those who ride recklessly put not only themselves and any passenger riding with them at risk, but also fellow motorists. Once a motorcycle loses control, it becomes a danger to others. The bike, itself might strike another vehicle or pedestrian. Also, an out of control motorcycle might startle a driver and induce evasive maneuvers that in turn, become dangerous to other, nearby cars.
Get Legal Help
If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a motorcycle accident, causation might have been more than mere human error. Learn your rights to receive just compensation for injuries and property damage. Contact the office of Neustrom & Associates at (785) 825-1505 for a free and confidential initial consultation.