Riding motorcycles is popular with many types of people. Long summer days and pleasant weather mean people get their motorcycles out of the garage and onto the roads. However, not all motorcycles are weekend pleasure vehicles. Many young people buy motorcycles for their daily commutes because of their low initial cost and fuel economy. According to worldatlas.com, in 2017, there were 113,315 motorcycles registered in South Carolina, the 27th highest number of motorcycles in the US by state. The top three states for motorcycle registrations were California, Florida, and Texas. 

If you are interested in reducing accident risk on the road, a motorcycle safety course is a great way to learn necessary skills and understand how to operate a motorcycle safely and skillfully.  If you haven’t taken one, consider enrolling in one. Upon completion, you may be eligible for specific insurance discounts. Below are some other ways you can avoid some of the common factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents. 

Avoiding Speed-Related Crashes 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that racing, driving too fast for road conditions, or driving more than the posted speed limit is a factor in 33 percent of all fatal motorcycle accidents (compared to 19 percent for passenger vehicle accidents). If you operate a motorcycle, you can prevent being in a speed-related crash by safely operating your motorcycle at or below posted speed limits, and taking into account weather and road conditions. 

Avoiding Alcohol-Related Crashes 

Despite much public awareness, drinking and operating a motorcycle continues to be a problem. The NHTSA reported that 25% (1,259) of the 4,950 motorcycle fatalities in 2016 involved an alcohol-impaired (BAC of .08 g/dL or higher) motorcycle operator. Don’t drink and drive a car,  and if you operate a motorcycle, don’t drink and ride. Leave the motorcycle behind and take a rideshare vehicle, or call a friend or family member to pick you up. 

Understanding Motorcycle Accident Rates 

The NHTSA reports that motorcycles make up just 3 percent of all registered vehicles. However, the fatality rate for a motorcyclist is six times the fatality rate for passenger car accidents. Per motorcycle miles traveled in 2016, motorcyclist crash fatalities occurred nearly 28 times more frequently than passenger car occupant crash fatalities. What does this mean? Although there are a lot fewer motorcycles on the road than passenger vehicles, if you are involved in a crash in a motorcycle, you are much more likely to be seriously injured or killed than if you are in a car. 

Protecting Your Rights Following a South Carolina Car Accident

If you or a loved one have been involved in a serious injury motorcycle accident, contact the law firm of The Law Offices of Steven M Krause PA for a free consultation. We work with the top investigators and expert witnesses in the state to determine the cause of your accident and reconstruct it, to fight for the maximum, full and fair compensation that you are entitled to. We look forward to answering your questions and providing resources for your case.

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Steven M. Krause

Steven Krause is a personal injury, auto accident, and workers’ compensation lawyer who practices in Anderson, SC. He graduated form the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law and has been practicing law for 40 years now. Steven Krause believes in fighting for the injured. Learn more about his experience here.