Speeding increases motorcycle drivers’ risk of getting into traffic crashes that can severely injure or kill other motorists. Speeding also affects the motorcycle driver’s ability to react in time to avoid having an accident. If they drive too fast, they might not be able to slow down or stop in time to prevent a deadly crash.
This can especially be the case for motorcyclists, who have little to protect them from their external environment compared to drivers of enclosed motor vehicles.
Why Drivers Speed
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 9,000 people were killed due to a driver speeding in 2018.
Several factors contribute to the increase in drivers speeding on our roads, as noted by the NHTSA.
These include:
- Traffic congestion – With traffic increasing on our roads and highways, some drivers may get frustrated and respond by speeding, passing other cars frequently and recklessly, and become enraged at whoever they believe impedes their progress.
- Running behind schedule – Some drivers speed because they are running late for work or school. They also might be late in picking up the kids or getting to an appointment. Still, speeding putting other motorists at risk around drivers who are in a hurry.
- Ability to be anonymous – When you are driving alone in your car, you are insulated from the rest of the world. This may allow some drivers to develop a sense of detachment, which can encourage them to feel less constrained and act recklessly because no one is witnessing their dangerous behavior.
While a traffic ticket is one consequence of speeding, the act can lead to other unfavorable outcomes with far-reaching implications, including:
- Higher risk of losing control of the vehicle
- Less ability to brake or stop in time if pending danger ahead
- Increased risk of crashing resulting in injuries to one or all parties involved
- Economic impact caused by speed-related accident
All these points illustrate how speeding can affect motorcycle accidents. If the driver of the motorcycle is not able to stop in time or have enough room to stop, they can make a mistake by overcorrecting and causing a crash.
Speeding is also viewed as a form of aggressive driving, particularly when a driver:
- Fails to obey the posted speed limit
- Follows vehicles too closely
- Passes illegally or where it is prohibited
- Changes lanes erratically
- Does use signals
- Engages in racing
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, resulting in severe injuries or even death. If the other motorist is speeding and crashes into a motorcycle rider, that rider could be ejected from their bike onto the road. That kind of catastrophic impact could result in serious injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – A TBI is more likely to result if a motorcyclist is not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash but can occur even if the individual is wearing a helmet.
- Spinal cord injury – If the spinal cord is injured in a crash, the result can be paralysis and permanent disability, leading to the need for long-term care and rehabilitation.
- Internal injuries – The impact from a motorcycle accident can result in internal bleeding and organ damage.
- Fractures and broken bones – Motorcycles often fall over in an accident, and the weight of the bike can lead to broken bones and fractures.
- Road rash – This condition happens when the rider’s body comes into contact with the road, causing a severe skin abrasion. This can lead to infections and permanent scarring.
The injuries you or a loved one has suffered in a motorcycle accident can take months or years to recover from through surgeries and rehabilitation. The road to recovery can be a long and painful one physically, emotionally, and financially.
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, Today
Motorcycle crashes cost billions of dollars every year in emergency services, medical and rehabilitative expenses, loss of productivity, including lost wages, property damage, and insurance costs.
If you or a loved one is recovering from a motorcycle accident caused by another driver speeding on the road, you might be able to seek compensation for your injuries, losses, and pain and suffering.
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today at 800-959-1444, for a free case evaluation. A member of our team can discuss the details of your case and further steps.
