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Distracted driving-related crashes are often only viewed through the lens of single-vehicle crashes or collisions between two cars. However, a distracted driver can pose a threat to anyone on the road—especially motorcycle riders. With the limited protections riders have, the probability of sustaining an injury in a crash involving a distracted driver is high, so it's imperative to understand which actions taken behind the wheel may contribute to a crash.
What is Distracted Driving?
There are three main types of distracted driving: manual, visual, and cognitive. Manual distractions take a driver's hands off the wheel, visual distractions take a driver's eyes off the road, and cognitive distractions take a driver's focus away from the task of driving. All three types can be deadly for motorcycle riders.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), in 2019, there were approximately 2,872 people killed in crashes reportedly involving distracted drivers. Among these, nearly 14 percent were motorcyclists—despite motorcycles only making up three percent of all registered vehicles in the United States.
Why Are Motorcycle Riders At Risk?
There are many reasons why motorcycle riders might be more vulnerable to distracted drivers, but one of the most significant is the limited amount of protection that riders have. Motorcycles don't have seatbelts, airbags, or other safety features that can help protect riders in a crash. When a motorcycle collides with a car, the rider is often ejected from the bike and sustains serious injuries as a result.
Have You Been Injured in a Motorcycle Crash? Basch & Keegan LLP Can Help
In many cases, a distracted driver who causes a motorcycle crash may not even realize that they veered into a rider’s path or otherwise contributed to the incident. However, lack of awareness does not excuse the risk this has. At Basch & Keegan LLP, we help injured victims seek compensation for the injuries caused by negligent individuals. Schedule a free consultation with our team today by calling (845) 251-4545.