When it comes to hitting the open road on two wheels, motorcycle enthusiasts understand the thrill of it.
However, as the saying goes, "With great freedom comes great responsibility." Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, and riders must know when they happen.
When Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur?
One of the times when motorcycle accidents are more likely to happen is during rush hour traffic. The hours of 3 PM to midnight are a hotbed for crashes. Many people might wonder why that is.
It's no surprise that traffic congestion tends to peak during these hours. Motorcycles, while fragile, can be easily overlooked by other motorists.
The hustle and bustle of crowded streets can be tricky to get past. This increases the risk of motorcycle crashes. Other times when fatal motorcycle accidents occur are:
1. Evening to Midnight
Motorcycle accidents occur between 6 PM and midnight as well. This period accounted for more than 1,000 fatal motorcycle crashes in 2017.
Another time when most motorcycle accidents happen is during the dark hours of the night. Riding in low-light conditions, especially without visibility gear, can be a recipe for disaster.
Many fatal motorcycle accident cases happen when the sun has set. Driver impairment is a major concern between the hours of 3 PM and midnight. Motorcycle riders must be responsible for their safety and have working headlights.
2. Weekends
The end of the weekdays is synonymous with leisurely rides and getaways on bikes. However, they also see a spike in the number of single-vehicle accidents.
Some motorcycle riders might get too carried away with the sense of freedom. This can lead to risky behavior on the road. Bikers must ride safely and not let the weekend spirit compromise their well-being.
The Most Common Causes of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
Regardless of the time of day, motorcycle accidents can have tragic consequences. To address this issue, it's important for riders to understand the common causes behind the fatal crashes.
Speeding
Excessive speeding is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. Riding at high speeds reduces reaction time, making it challenging for bikers to react to unexpected obstacles on the roadway. The consequences of a high-speed motorcycle accident are severe, often resulting in death.
Impaired Riding
Operating any vehicle under the influence of substances increases the risk of a fatal accident. Impaired motorcyclists make poor judgments and show reduced coordination. They are also likely to engage in reckless behavior.
Distracted Driving
Most fatal motorcycle accidents happen due to distracted riding. Using mobile phones, adjusting controls, or any activity that diverts a biker's attention from the roadway can be deadly.
Reckless Riding
Weaving in and out of traffic, excessive lane changes, and performing stunts on the road can cause motor vehicle accidents. The behaviors also increase the chances of collisions with other motorists and fixed objects.
Key Motorcycle Crash Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
NHTSA's motorcycle accident statistics show that most fatal crashes happen during weekend evenings. The hours of 3 PM to midnight are the riskiest for bikers. This timeline also experiences a surge in car accidents. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also answer questions such as What age do most motorcycle accidents happen?
97% of motorcycle crashes occur in cloudy weather conditions. On the other hand, 39% of motorcycle accident cases happen in the dark (6 PM to midnight). Only 1% of such crashes happen during dawn.
Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Peak Between 3 PM and 9 PM?
The hours between 3 PM and 9 PM are known as the evening rush. This period experiences heightened traffic, increased stress, and, unfortunately, a peak in deadly motorcycle accidents.
To understand why crashes surge during this time of day, riders must consider several factors:
Rush Hour Congestion
During this timeline, the roads are congested with a mix of commuters, delivery vehicles, and motorcycles. The sheer volume makes it challenging for riders to navigate through traffic.
Reduced Visibility
Another critical factor is the changing light conditions. Natural lighting is scarce as the evening progresses.
Motorcycles, being smaller and less visible than larger vehicles, become particularly vulnerable during this time of day. The low-light conditions contribute to increased motorcycle fatalities.
Changing Weather Conditions
During the late afternoon and evening, weather conditions become more unpredictable. Sudden rain, thunderstorms, or other adverse events create hazardous weather conditions. Motorcyclists must be cautious during these hours to avoid slippery roads and impaired vision.
Fatigue and Commuting Stress
It's natural for all commuters to be stressed and tired after a long workday. The evening hours indicate a desire to reach home quickly.
This can result in aggressive driving behavior and impatience. On the other hand, fatigue can also impair reaction times and decision-making skills.
Alcohol Consumption
The hours between 3 PM and 9 PM also coincide with the post-work period. Many people engage in social activities, including alcohol consumption, during this time.
When Is the Most Dangerous Time of the Day for Riding a Motorcycle?
Knowing the most dangerous time of day for riding can be a life-saving piece of information. Still, there's no guarantee of complete safety on the road.
As highlighted above, 3 PM to 9 PM and midnight account for the highest rates of motorcyclists killed.
According to motorcycle accident statistics, over 21,000 non-fatal motorcycle accidents happen during the above-stated period on weekends.
Final Words
Riding under the open sky is one of the best feelings for bikers. Still, there's no denying the stark reality of motorcycle accident cases. Unfortunately, most of them result in fatal injuries, which continue to be an ever-present risk.
Understanding the times of day when such crashes are likely to happen is a step toward ensuring safety on two wheels. The motorcycle accident lawyers in Toledo OH at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys have more information on this.
The consequences of a motorcycle crash consist of pain and suffering, lost wages, and towering medical bills. Being informed of the inherent risks is the first line of defense against deadly motorcycle accidents.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys offers free case evaluation sessions to victims reeling from traffic accidents. With a slogan that says, "We Go to War for You," the lawyers of this firm can provide legal advice to clients who need help retaking control of their lives.