Understanding the Role of Motorcyclist behaviour in Motorcycle Accidents: A Comprehensive Analysis

Role of motorcyclist behavior in motorcycle accidents 

A vast majority of people own a motorcycle and use it for their daily commute. Motorcycle accidents are 30 times higher than car accidents due to higher chances of sliding and slipping off the bike. Several studies have indicated that motorcyclist behavior is one of the chief reasons for a higher number of accidents.

Importance of Studying Motorcyclist Behavior in Motorcycle Accidents

The second line of this post might be enough to indicate the significance of studying Role of motorcyclist behaviour in motorcycle accidents. Distinct personalities of motorcycle riders contribute greatly to motorcycle accidents on the road. The riders’ behavior that becomes the cause of motorcycle accidents coming from human error is a famous topic of psychological studies these days. 

The psychological traits and their impact on the risk-taking behavior of motorcyclists, whether it is while overtaking illegally, speeding over inappropriately, or non-compliance with the traffic signals and road signs, etc. underline the importance of studying motorcyclist behavior in road accidents. Almost in every country, not following traffic rules is one of the biggest risk-taking behavior and a prominent behavioral issue of motorcyclists. 

Hence, the importance of studying motorcyclist behaviour in motorcycle accidents becomes massive. When more than half of the population is suffering from the behavioral problem itself, it needs enormous rectification for the safety of pedestrians and even for the sake of motorcyclists’ own lives. They must be aware that it has severe repercussions on their family members as well. 

Factors Contributing to Motorcycle Accidents 

Before we understand the role of motorcyclist behaviour in motorcycle accidents, we should be knowledgeable of the factors contributing to motorcycle accidents. The factors affecting motorcycle accidents are categorized into two distinctions. They are as follows: 

Human Factors

• Motorcyclist behavior: Here it is, the very much highlighted cause of motorcycle accidents- motorcyclist behavior. The riding experience and self-trained bikers who use motorcycles for the daily commute, especially the younger bikers show different psychological attributes when it comes to driving bikes. Choosing speed based on their everyday experience explains the motorcyclist’s behavior on the road on a daily basis. 
• Rider experience: It is the same factor that is just discussed above alongside motorcyclist behavior. 
• Speeding: Speed becomes excitement for those who are not only risk-takers but also sensation seekers. It does not remain a reason anymore for time-saving but also for the thrill on the road that motorcyclists think only comes from fast driving. 
• Intoxication: Drunk driving and cigarette smoking while driving is another rash cause of motorcycle accidents. 

Environmental Factors

• Weather conditions: Weather conditions like rain, snow, storms, etc. are notable factors affecting motorcycle accidents as the rate of road slipping increases. Since a motorcycle is a two-wheel vehicle as compared to cars and trucks, it has a higher risk of skidding on wet surfaces, especially while taking turns and T-curves. 
• Road hazards: Road hazards like road gravel, rough roads, slick surfaces, open bridge joints, edge breaks, and expansion joints, etc. are some of the concerns that motorcyclists should stay vigilant about. Speeding on these hazards is highly risky for motorcyclists. 

Analysis of Motorcyclist Behavior in Motorcycle Accidents 

In this section, we would discuss some positive aptitudes or behavioral issues of motorcyclists that contribute to either safety from an accident or a higher rate of road accidents. 

1. Helmet usage: Some studies have noted that motorcyclists who have a license have a higher tendency of wearing helmets, people who want to go longer distances have again a higher tendency of wearing helmets, and personal perception of road fear is a strong indication of wearing helmets on the road. It could be due to the fact that license holders gain training in road sense and prioritize safe riding. 
2. Lane splitting: If the motorcyclist is in a habit of moving between two lanes frequently to overcome slow or stopping traffic, then this risky behavior might land him in trouble. 
3. Defensive driving: If you are a motorcyclist who keeps his and his fellow riders’ safety a priority, then you would certainly know defensive driving tactics. These are the tricks that keep you and other drivers safe on the road, such as staying alert, keeping a strong foresight, having knowledge of the road rules and traffic signs, etc. 
4. Impact of education and training: As mentioned earlier, licensed drivers are more educated when they are going through the process of getting their driving licenses which impacts their risk-taking behavior on the road. They are less impulsive and give great importance to road safety with their positive judgments and skills that they have gained through extensive education. 

Impact of Rider’s Behavior over Higher Number of Accidents and Motorcycle Insurance

It is evident from the above discussion that the stronger the risk-taking behavior of the motorcyclist, the higher are chances that he would get himself into a motorcycle accident. Therefore, the higher the risk of the driver getting involved in an accident, the higher the insurance premium and its relevant charges. 

We have also explained in our previous post (Driving Down Costs: Exploring the Impact of Car Safety Technologies on Insurance Premiums) that the higher the decline in the risk of the person or vehicle getting into a road accident, the greater the reduction would be in insurance premiums. Better safety features, which now involve motorcyclist behavior as well, come at the lesser expense of your premium as you would be better equipped with sophisticated knowledge and positive road behavior for taking lesser or no risks at all. 

Conclusion

The role of motorcyclist behavior in motorcycle accidents has never been deemed primacy a few years ago. Research studies have shown that most motorcycle accidents occur due to rider error, such as speeding, reckless driving, and alcohol or drug use. The lack of protective equipment and poor visibility in traffic also contribute to the severity of accidents. Consequently, it is essential for motorcyclists to practice safe riding behaviors and follow traffic rules to reduce the risk of accidents. Moreover, educating motorcyclists on safe riding practices and providing adequate training can help improve their skills and reduce the number of accidents. By promoting responsible riding behaviors and implementing appropriate safety measures, we can ensure the safety of motorcyclists and reduce the incidence of motorcycle accidents.