Do economic factors lead to more fatal motorcycle accidents? At first glance, it might sound odd. How can the rising gas prices affect the number of deaths due to road accidents? How is the gas price linked to motorcycle accidents in the first place? It might come as a surprise, but gasoline prices and road accidents are co-related. Of course, there are several factors affecting car and bike accidents on the road, but one of the less-known yet possible factors is the gas price. In this post, we will walk you through the connection between rising gas prices and the number of motorcycle accidents. Let’s take a look.
We all know that motorcycles are relatively more fuel-efficient than a four-wheeler. As the gas price increases, people switch to this fuel-efficient mode of transport. They use their motorcycles to save money on transport. As a result, more motorcycles are on the road, increasing your risk of getting involved in a serious road accident. Here’s what happens.
Rising Gas Cost and Increased Number of Bike Accidents — What’s the Connection?
Your car comes equipped with an extensive range of safety tools, including but not limited to, airbags, seatbelts, anti-lock brakes, and collision prevention devices. Modern cars also feature a built-in navigation system that allows you to track the current traffic and find a less-crowded and shortest route to your destination. Motorcycles, on the other hand, do not feature any safety tools. The only thing that keeps you safe on a motorbike is the helmet. So, it leaves you exposed.
It’s surprising to say that the risk of death occurring from a road accident is 26 times higher for a person riding a bike than for someone sitting in the front or back seat of a car. The same report shows that countries where the government has not implemented strict helmet laws yet report 10 times more deaths due to motorcycle accidents than other states.
What better example than Pennsylvania? The state has not made it mandatory for motorcyclists to wear a helmet. If you are above 21 years and are riding a bike, it is up to you whether you’d like to wear a helmet. It is made optional. Although the state does recommend bikers to have the helmet on when they are riding a bike, there is no law that makes it compulsory. The only requirement is that the rider should be 21 years or above and have a license. You can find more information about Motorcycle helmet use laws by state at Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
How do Rising Gas Prices Cause More Motorcycle Accidents?
The gas prices increased drastically between 2008 and 2012. This inflation not only made transportation costly but also increased the number of motorcycle accidents. Between 2002 and 2011, 800 accidents and more than 10,000 injuries occurred due to the accidents. These accidents were linked to the increased cost of gasoline. With hundreds of thousands of people looking for fuel-efficient and cost-effective modes of transportation, it’s obvious how the roads are crowded with hundreds of motorcycles. The risk of injuries increases significantly when the riders do not follow the necessary safety precautions.
As mentioned above, the risk of fatal accidents is higher in areas where people drive without helmets. At the same time, the number of motorbikes found on the road is reduced drastically when the gasoline prices decline. As a responsible citizen, it is your duty to take steps to ensure your protection. However, that does not guarantee your safety. Unfortunately, there is always a risk of people getting involved in a motorbike accident even if they follow safety protocols.
Another motorcyclist colliding with your bike or a four-wheeler hitting your bike are a few inevitable things. Ask any best motorcycle accident lawyer, and they will most likely tell you how the gasoline prices affect the number of bike accidents. Even if these accidents do not result in death, the injuries the rider sustains from these accidents are pretty serious. To name a few, there is a high risk of traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord misalignment from a bike accident. You might also end up breaking your bones.
So, does that mean you should abandon motorbikes altogether?
While the risk of fatal injuries and deaths is higher in people riding a bike than those traveling in cars, you can avoid accidents by following simple safety precautions. Here are a few things that will keep you safe.
- Never drive without a helmet
- Buy a motorbike equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS) for added security
- Get a license
- Practice riding for at least two years before you drive a motorbike in crowded areas
- Follow your state’s motorbike safety regulations.
- Wear bright clothes so that you are visible to other drivers at night or in dim lights.
- Keep the speed slow, especially on bumpy terrains.
- Wear other protective gear
- Do not tailgate. There should be sufficient distance between your motorbike and the car or any vehicle driving ahead of you.
- Avoid riding in bad weather or keep the speed to the lowest
There is nothing you can do about the rising gasoline prices and the increasing number of motorbike accidents. But, a few safety measures will go a long way in protecting you from such accidents.
These steps will reduce your risk of getting involved in a crash. In addition to the above steps, make sure you don’t drive when drunk.
Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Accidents are quite inevitable. They become more common when gasoline prices surge drastically. If you or someone you know gets into a crash, hire a motorcycle accident attorney in Orange County, CA, immediately. Whether the accident occurred because of your negligence or somebody else is responsible, work with a legal team specializing in motorcycle accident cases. A professional and experienced lawyer will represent you in court and help you get compensation for the property damages and injuries you have sustained. Get in touch with a specialized motorcycle accident lawyer in Orange County and discuss your case.
