Did you know that more motorcycle accidents happen in the summer than during any other time of year, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS)? Keep reading to learn why that might be, how to prevent motorcycle crashes, and steps to take if you or someone you know is hurt in a motorcycle collision this summer.
Understanding the Rise in Motorcycle Crashes in the Summer
In 2022, the IIHS estimated that 60% of all motorcycle fatalities occurred between May and September. Only 10% of deaths occurred during December, January, and February. This clearly indicates that motorcycle accidents follow a seasonal pattern. But why?
Why Does Warm Weather Increase the Risk of Motorcycle Accidents?
There are multiple reasons why motorcycle collisions occur more frequently in the summer, like:
An Influx of Riders on the Road
When the warm weather hits, all motorcyclists have the same idea to get out and enjoy the open road after a long winter. This means more motorcycles are on the road. and therefore more opportunities to get into a wreck. Summer traffic is also a concern, since there are more motor vehicle drivers traveling on road trips or to vacation destinations.
Rider Inexperience
Not only are there more motorcycles on the road when the weather is nice, some riders may be inexperienced. If riders are new, rusty, or didn’t maintain their bikes during the winter, the chances of a collision are higher.
Reckless Driving Behaviors
Warm weather also coincides with an uptick in drunk and distracted driving, which can be dangerous for motorcyclists who are more difficult to see on the road than other vehicle drivers. Furthermore, tourist traffic around Boston, teen drivers fresh out of school, and road construction compound this problem and make accidents more likely.
Not Wearing Protective Gear
When it’s hot out, wearing thick riding clothes and a helmet may be uncomfortable. Riders are more likely to wear shorts and t-shirts, which leave body parts exposed in the event of an accident.
How to Prevent Motorcycle Collisions
While it’s impossible to control the behavior of other drivers, there are some things you can do to lower your own risk of getting into an accident. This includes wearing a DOT-approved helmet, abrasion-resistant riding clothes, and using reflective tape on your motorcycle.
You should also check your motorcycle before every trip to look for causes of potential mechanical failures and avoid peak traffic times or heavily congested roads. Fewer cars on the road means fewer chances for accidents.
What to Do If There’s a Crash
If you or someone you love is involved in a motorcycle accident this summer, here are some key steps to take:
Get Medical Treatment
Anyone who is involved in a motorcycle crash should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible, even if there are no apparent injuries. Common accident-related issues like concussions or internal bleeding can go unnoticed at first but will worsen without treatment.
Collect Evidence
If you can, get as much evidence as you can at the scene of the accident. This includes photos, witness statements or contact information, and anything else you think may be relevant. The more time that passes, the harder this data will be to obtain, so it’s best to get it sooner rather than later.
Get in Touch with a Veteran Personal Injury Lawyer
Finally, it’s crucial to get a qualified personal injury attorney on board who can prove fault, communicate with insurance companies, and help you get fair compensation for your injuries and any other damages you suffered.
At Mazow | McCullough, PC, we know how devastating it is to be in a crash or to watch a family member go through it. We’re here to advocate for the rights of the injured and can help you get the justice and financial compensation you deserve.
Contact us for more information about motorcycle collisions or to set up a free case consultation with a Salem accident attorney at (978) 744-8000 or toll-free at (855) 693-9084.
Kevin J. McCullough, Partner
Kevin McCullough is a founding partner of Mazow | McCullough, PC, where he focuses on serious personal injury, wrongful death, and consumer class action litigation. Kevin’s background includes working inside the insurance industry as both an adjuster and defense attorney, giving him deep insight into insurance claims and bad-faith practices. He also served as a prosecutor in the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, where he gained extensive trial experience. Kevin lives in Danvers, Massachusetts, with his wife and five children. Kevin enjoys all outdoor activities and spending time with his family.
