Where Do Most Motorcycle Crashes Happen?
While it is true that motorcycle accidents can occur almost anywhere, there are certain areas where motorcyclists are more prone to experience crashes. Therefore, when you are riding near these areas, it is suggested that you take the necessary precautions, such as paying close attention, using a turn signal, driving the speed limit, and remaining vigilant. Even though you may be unable to control the actions of other drivers, you may be able to prevent yourself from experiencing severe and life-threatening injuries by proceeding carefully and cautiously in the areas across Maryland where most motorcycle accidents happen.
The 3 areas where most motorcycle crashes happen
One of the most common reasons why motorcycle crashes happen more in certain areas than others is because motorcycles are a lot smaller than other types of vehicles. Other drivers may find it difficult to see or notice a motorcyclist behind them, beside them, or even riding toward them. If these drivers are not careful, focused on the road, and do not check their blind spots frequently, they can cause a devastating and catastrophic accident to occur. Here are three areas where most motorcycle crashes happen:
- Urban areas: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 67 percent of motorcycle fatalities happened in urban areas, and 33 percent happened in rural areas in 2021. This means that motorcycle crashes are likely to occur in city-like areas where there is a high population density, a lot of traffic, commercial buildings and businesses, pedestrians and bicyclists, and more. There are many urban areas across Maryland, such as Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown, Frederick, Waldorf, Silver Spring, Ellicott City, and more. Therefore, when motorcyclists are riding through these areas, they may be at higher risk of severe and deadly accidents.
- Local and non-interstate roadways: The NHTSA also reported that 92 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes occurred on non-interstate roadways, while only eight percent occurred on interstates. This makes sense as many motorcyclists typically choose to ride their motorcycles for pleasure purposes. Therefore, motorcyclists may be more likely to take a scenic or local route. However, when doing this, they may assume that they do not need to use the same level of caution as they would on highways and interstates, which can quickly lead to a dangerous or deadly accident.
- Intersections: Although the data from the NHTSA states that 35 percent of motorcycle fatalities occurred at intersections and 66 percent occurred in other areas, intersections still tend to be one of the most common areas for motorcycle crashes overall. The reason why there may be fewer fatalities at intersections than other areas is because motorcycle riders are usually at slower speeds when near stop lights or stop signs. Therefore, severe motorcycle accidents are known to still happen at intersections, but most of the time, the motorcyclist is slowing down, stopping, or preparing to make a turn. The most common motorcycle accidents that occur at intersections are rear-end accidents, left-turn accidents, and sideswipe accidents. A few of the most dangerous intersections that motorcycle riders should know about in Baltimore are Orleans Street and North Linwood Avenue, North Avenue and Howard Street, and East Cold Spring Lane and York Road. In Columbia, the most dangerous intersections are Ridge Road and Route 40, Route 32 and Broken Land Parkway, and Dobbin Road and Dobbin Center.
Regardless of where your motorcycle crash occurred, the motorcycle accident attorneys at Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. are here to legally assist you. Our team knows and understands that no matter how carefully or cautiously you drive in certain areas or places, accidents may still happen. Therefore, if you were injured in a motorcycle accident that was another driver’s fault, we do not believe that you should be held responsible for the damage. Our attorneys can look over the details of your accident and help you determine what options you may have to secure the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, property damage, lost income, and more. Please call our office or complete our contact form to schedule a free case review at one of our multiple offices throughout Maryland today.
David Muncy is a partner at Plaxen Adler Muncy. He focuses on personal injury, workers’ compensation, and Social Security Disability cases. For more information, please visit his bio.