Motorcycle collisions occur for a host of reasons and there are a lot of factors that require examination, from weather conditions to the use of alcohol and distracted driving. However, speed plays a role in many motorcycle collisions, whether someone driving a passenger vehicle is traveling at a high rate of speed or a motorcyclist reaches dangerous speeds and loses control.
Aside from increasing the odds of an accident, speed can also lead to a more disastrous outcome and increase the chances of a motorcyclist passing away in a collision.
Average speeds, limits and motorcycle collisions
The Federal Highway Administration published insightful information on hundreds of motorcycle wrecks that were closely evaluated, providing a better understanding of many different risk factors, including the speed at which vehicles are traveling. Among the motorcycle collisions that were studied, speeds in excess of 50 miles per hour were associated with a higher likelihood of fatality with single-vehicle wrecks. However, a majority of collisions occurred at lower speeds, with an average speed of 35 miles per hour. Moreover, the FHWA report also notes that most of the motorcycle collisions occurred in areas with a posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour.
Speed and motorcyclist safety
Drivers and motorcyclists need to pay close attention to the speed at which they are traveling on the road. Unfortunately, some people neglect this issue and increase the odds of a collision by going over posted speed limits. Speeding around sharp turns and during periods of inclement weather is especially dangerous and the victims of these accidents deserve justice.