Operating a motorcycle in Kansas, Missouri, or any other part of the country is a dangerous activity. Motorcycle crashes commonly result in catastrophic injuries because riders have less protection than motor vehicle operators and motorcyclists often face visibility issues. Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, motorcycle crashes have increased sharply. 5,458 motorcycle fatalities occurred in 2020, marking a 9% increase from 2019. The percentage of motorcyclists who die in crashes each year is substantially higher than the number of people who died in motor vehicle crashes.
Fortunately, strategies exist for motorcyclists to reduce their chances of ending up in deadly crashes. An experienced motorcyclist can take the necessary steps to avoid deadly accidents. This risk, however, is increased for motorcyclists who decide to drive their motorcycles on highways.
Dangers of the Highway for Motorcyclists: Missouri and Kansas Highways are More Dangerous Than Other Roadways
Highways are more deadly than regular roads in Missouri and Kansas regardless of whether a person is operating a motor vehicle or a motorcycle. With faster speeds, more vehicles on the road, and the likelihood that drivers are traveling long distances, highways in Missouri and Kansas present a substantial danger to even the safest drivers.
Why Highways Increase the Likelihood of Motorcycle Crashes
Due to the risks that highways present to the drivers of all motorized vehicles, highways present some substantial dangers to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists must follow different laws than motor vehicle drivers, and highways function in a way that elevates the danger in these techniques. Consider some of the following features that make highways particularly dangerous for motorcyclists:
- Traffic congestion can result in motorcycle crashes.
Congested traffic is one of the primary causes of highway crashes. In situations involving motorcycles, traffic can be even more deadly. With the increased number of bigger vehicles on highways, motorcyclists sometimes get lost. Motorcycles are small vehicles, particularly when compared to semi-trucks. In situations involving traffic congestion, motorcyclists can be hard to spot in a sea of cars and trucks. - Lane shifts are a common cause of motorcycle crashes.
It is unsafe for motorcyclists to operate in the same way that motor vehicle drivers do. Motorcyclists cannot simply go with the flow of traffic. Due to the speed at which motorcycles move, the required shifting between lanes can be deadly. - Motorcyclists can lose control of their vehicles at higher speeds and end up in crashes.
Missouri and Kansas highways have high-speed limits, which are particularly risky for motorcycles. Motorcycles have less control than motor vehicles, and going fast makes it even more challenging to maintain control of a motorcycle.
Dangers of the Highway for Motorcyclists: Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash, you should not hesitate to speak with a compassionate accident lawyer. Contact House Law LLC today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Tags: Accident Attorney, motorcycle crash, personal injury
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