Speeding drivers pose a significant risk to motorcyclists on the road. Their reckless behavior increases the likelihood of accidents and serious injuries. Drivers and motorcyclists need to understand the dangers associated with speeding and how it can impact motorcycle collisions.
Serious injuries
When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to unexpected situations. This is crucial to bikers because a tailgating car may not be able to stop in time if the motorcyclist has to change speeds or adjust to traffic. Speeding reduces reaction time and puts both motorcyclists and cars at risk of injury. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 180,000 motorcyclists received emergency treatment for accident injuries in 2020. The time it takes to stop from 60 miles per hour for an average car is roughly 4.5 seconds, and the distance to stop is almost the length of a football field. Cars driving too closely behind motorcycles will not be able to brake in time to avoid rear-ending or colliding with a bike that has to slow down for road hazards or other traffic incidents.
Motorcycle accidents involving speeding drivers can result in severe injuries for motorcyclists due to the lack of protection provided by a motorcycle compared to a car. In a collision, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to sustaining serious injuries, such as head trauma, spinal cord injuries, broken bones and road rash, which can have ongoing health effects long after an accident.
The impact of high speeds
Speeding drivers increase the severity of motorcycle accidents by amplifying the force of impact during a collision. The higher the speed at which a driver travels, the greater the impact energy transferred to the motorcyclist in the event of a crash. This can result in more severe injuries and a higher likelihood of fatalities. To promote road safety and reduce the risk of motorcycle accidents caused by speeding drivers, all road users must follow set speed limits and exercise caution while driving.
People can prevent motorcycle accidents by understanding the dangers associated with speeding and promoting safe driving practices. In the event of an accident involving a speeding driver, injured motorcyclists must understand their rights and options. These injuries can not only keep bikers off the road for months or years, but their effects can linger much longer. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, talk to an experienced personal injury attorney to hold a negligent driver accountable. The Law Office of Aman N. Shah is always available for a free consultation to discuss your options after a motorcycle accident.
