Riding down an open road with the wind in your hair and the horizon spread out before you has become an iconic image in many Americans’ minds when they think about motorcycles. But sadly, the more tragic picture of a bike torn up on the side of the road and its driver being placed in an ambulance is all the more frequent.
In fact, South Carolina is rated as the 4th most dangerous state for motorcyclists in the United States, with a fatality rate of 11.2 deaths per 10,000 registered motorcycle owners in 2021. In a similar study that year by the SC Department of Public Safety, the Upstate accounted for 40 percent of the motorcycle fatalities in the entire state of South Carolina. Reports have shown that the three major predictors of motorcycle fatalities in a state are weather, alcohol, and not wearing helmets.
Alcohol
Driving under the influence is never a good idea, but driving a motorcycle impaired is especially dangerous. In almost forty percent of fatalities due to a wreck that involved a motorbike, alcohol was involved. Riding is inherently more dangerous than other modes of transportation, but it doesn’t need to be needlessly so.
Weather
Weather also plays a factor; states with warmer climates will obviously see more motorcyclists on the roads. However, hazardous weather conditions, such as roads slick from rainfall, are even more dangerous when on two wheels instead of four.
Helmets
Finally, helmets are a must to protect yourself when riding down our highways. Just the simple act of wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head injury by almost 70 percent and death in the event of an accident by 42%. While we mentioned earlier that many imagine the wind running through their hair as they ride their bikes down the highway, it’s much safer for your continued health to wear a full-face helmet to ensure you have many more rides ahead of you.
5 tips to help you stay safe
Motorcycles can be a fun mode of transportation but often can also be dangerous, but there are ways to reduce your risk when traveling. Whenever you’re out on the road, it’s always best to keep these five tips in mind:
- Wear a helmet and other protective gear
- Be mindful of the weather
- Take a safety course and abide by the rules of the road
- Be Visible
- Always inspect your bike before and after riding
Being involved in a motor vehicle accident can be a harrowing experience, especially if you are a motorcyclist in our Upstate area. With over forty percent of South Carolina’s motorcycle fatalities, it’s imperative that you protect yourself when enjoying a nice day for riding. Always be aware of your surroundings, abide by the laws of the road, and wear protective gear to mitigate any permanent consequences of a potential accident.
If you have been injured In a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation for damage to your bike and any injuries sustained. Contact the office of Smith & Beckey Injury Lawyers, and we’ll ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
