As the weather warms up and roads clear of snow and ice, motorcycle season kicks into full gear in Michigan. With so many beautiful biking routes/destinations and such a strong Motorcycle community, Michigan roads seem to be flooded with motorcycles the moment the weather permits. Even though motorcycle riding can be enjoyable, especially in Michigan, it also adds another layer of danger/difficulty on the roads not seen during the winter months. This blog is designed to raise awareness regarding motorcycle safety, provide important tips for drivers on how to safely share the road with motorcycles, and offer guidance on what to do if you or a loved one is involved in a motorcycle accident.
Statistics
Even though driving motorcycles on the roadway can be enjoyable, they have been proven to be extremely dangerous. Before purchasing/riding a motorcycle, it is important to be aware of this risk. Here are some stats you should know before hitting the road:
- When involved in a crash, motorcyclists are 22 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of passenger cars, per vehicle miles traveled.
- Over 80% of reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death, compared to about 20% of passenger vehicle crashes.
- More than 100 motorcyclists die annually in Michigan with over 2,000 injuries reported.
These are just some of the many stats that prove that the joy and excitement that comes with riding a motorcycle comes at a cost, a cost that may be life-altering.
Safety Tips
There are some ways to decrease the probability of injury or fatality when riding a motorcycle.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), helmets are 37% effective in preventing motorcycle deaths.
Wearing bright gear while riding a motorcycle can also reduce the risk of a crash as approximately 41% of motorcycle collisions happen because other vehicles didn’t see the motorcycle.
NHTSA also states that 34% of all motorcyclists involved in a crash were speeding, compared to 22% of passenger car drivers.
Lastly, it is extremely important to ride defensively and ensure that you have full control of your motorcycle at times. Taking safety courses can be very helpful in this respect.
Overall, riding motorcycles can be an extremely dangerous activity, but wearing the correct gear, taking the right classes, and driving accordingly can help to reduce the probability of injury/fatality significantly. Â
Common Causes for Motorcycle Accidents
By far the most common cause for motorcycle accidents in the US are left hand turns by another vehicle. Over 42% of fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle making a left-hand turn while the motorcycle was going straight, passing, or overtaking.
Another very common cause of motorcycle related crashes is cars failing to check blind spots or use signals, leading to sideswipe collisions with motorcyclists. This is so common because it is much harder to locate a motorcycle compared to a car, especially when in your blind spot.
As with any other car accident, speeding is another leading cause of motorcycle crashes as higher speeds reduce the reaction time, and increase the severity of the crashes.
Distracted driving is another very common cause for motorcycle crashes as locating motorcycles on the road is significantly harder than cars, especially when you aren’t paying full attention to the road.
Lastly, lane splitting is a common cause as it can be distracting and, at times, unexpected for other drivers.
All in all, most motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers not seeing or yielding to motorcyclists. Driving defensively, wearing visibility gear, and public awareness can help reduce these risks.
Motorcycle Law: Helmet Rules, Insurance, Liability
Michigan has specific laws in place to help protect motorcyclists and promote a safer road environment for everyone.
Some of these laws include that motorcyclists must have a valid motorcycle endorsement on their license, meaning you must pass a written and skills test to ride, motorcycles must be insured with proof of insurance on hand at all times, and riders must use shatterproof goggles, use a face shield, or have a windshield if traveling above 35 mph.
Also, riders under 21 are required to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. Riders over the age of 21 may forgo helmets if they’ve held a motorcycle endorsement for over two years, or completed a certified safety course and carry over $20,000 in medical insurance coverage. Passengers must also comply.
While Michigan law does not require no-fault insurance, motorcyclists are required to carry minimum liability coverage which is $50,000/$100,000.
Motorcyclists are not covered by Michigan’s no-fault system if they were to be involved in a crash. Therefore, if a motorcyclist is involved in a crash that does not involve a car, the injured rider must rely on their own health insurance or optional MedPay coverage for medical costs.
However, if a motorcyclist is injured due to another driver’s negligence, they can file a third party lawsuit for pain and suffering, lost wages, excess medical costs, etc.
Lastly, Michigan law prohibits lane splitting or riding in between lanes in traffic as it can be dangerous for the motorcyclist as well as the other drivers.
Sharing the Road with Motorcycles
Being able to share the road safely with motorcycles is an extremely important skill to have when driving during the summertime in Michigan as the warmer weather brings thousands of riders onto highways and local roads.
Some of the key tips for safely sharing the road with motorcyclists include:
- Checking blind spots carefully
- Using turn signals early
- Increasing following distance
- Practicing Patience
- Allowing space for the motorcycle
- Staying alert/minimizing distractions
All in all, in order to safely share the road with motorcycles, drivers must use all their usual driving skills, like the skills listed above, but with greater precision, attention, and care. This is why driving during the summertime brings more danger, and requires more attention to detail than any other time of year on the roads.
Involved in a Motorcycle Accident? Here are your rights:
If you’re involved in a motorcycle crash, you have a right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage caused by the other driver’s negligence.
As mentioned above, motorcyclists are not directly covered by their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or no-fault benefits. However, if another vehicle was involved, you may still be entitled to no-fault benefits, including medical care and wage loss.
If you are injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you also have the right to hire an attorney and file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party for pain and suffering.
As the warm weather rolls in and motorcycle season returns in Michigan, it’s essential for all drivers, whether two wheels or four, to prioritize safety, awareness, and mutual respect on the road. By practicing patience, eliminating distractions, and staying alert, we can all contribute to safer roadways, ensuring a safe, enjoyable summer for everyone.
Get David Get Paid
If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to call the experienced team of injury lawyers at Femminineo Law. With over 100 years of experience, we understand the unique challenges that motorcyclists face and will fight for every penny that you deserve so that you can focus on your recovery. Don’t face the aftermath of your accident alone. Call Femminineo at 855-65-CRASH or visit our website today at getdavidgetpaid.com.
