Roads were built for more than just cars. Drivers behind the wheels of passenger vans, pickup trucks, buses, tractor trailers and motorcycles all use the road in Minnesota, but they face different risks of injury. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable. Motorcycle accidents are often severe and can cause long-term or even permanent injuries.
Unique dangers
Unlike passengers in larger motor vehicles, motorcyclists do not have any meaningful protective barriers between themselves and the roadway. There are no seatbelts, airbags or other safety features that are commonly found in cars. Instead, most motorcyclists are prepared to protect themselves by wearing helmets and protective clothing.
Outside factors
Right-of-way violations account for around 66% of motorcycle accidents that also involve another vehicle. A typical right-of-way accident involves a driver of a larger motor vehicle making a left-hand turn in front of a motorcycle. This is because many drivers simply do not look for motorcyclists on the road and are instead only watching for other larger vehicles. This kind of mentality helps contribute to some startling statistics for motorcycle riders:
- Crashes are 26 times more likely to kill motorcyclists than car passengers
- Crashes are five times more likely to injure motorcyclists
- Motorcycle fatalities have doubled since 1999
Motorcyclists should be able to travel Minnesota roads as safely as possible. Unfortunately, negligent drivers — including those on their phones — put men and women who enjoy riding motorcycles at risk for serious injury or even death. Victims of motorcycle accidents typically face long roads to recovery too, and many find that compensation for their injuries is often essential for the process.
