Fatal motorcycle accidents occur so many times on the Nashville highways that it can sometimes feel like there is no safe time frame to use a motorcycle.
However, data gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests that there are certain times of the day when fatal motorcycle accidents are more likely to occur.
By looking at the reasons why fatal motorcycle accidents occur in the first place, a clear picture begins to emerge, which highlights certain times of the day as having more accidents than others.
While this data will be helpful to those who wish to avoid riding their bikes during peak times when most motorcycle accidents occur, it does not guarantee rider safety. Even when riding conditions are perfect and the road ahead is clear, a motorcycle accident can still occur. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can answer questions like, "At what speed do most motorcycle deaths occur?"
It is, therefore, important for riders to be careful at all times to avoid motorcycle accidents. However, when motorcycle accidents occur, hiring a good lawyer to assist victims fight for fair compensation is the next best thing.
Fatal Motorcycle Accidents Occur at Any Time
It is important to note that fatal motorcycle accidents occur for several reasons that may have nothing to do with the time of day. If the time of day was the only contributing factor in a motorcycle crash, it would be simple enough to stay home until it is safe to go riding.
In Tennessee, most fatal motorcycle accidents happen due to the following reasons:
Car drivers making a left-hand turn
Speeding
Riding/driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Motorcycle lane splitting
Road hazards
Distracted driving
Driver error
Ignoring road rules
Inexperienced drivers and riders
What Time of Day Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
While accidents involving motorcyclists occur at any time, the data points to the hours between 3 pm and midnight as being particularly risky for riders to be on the roadway.
High numbers of both fatal and non-fatal motorcycle accidents occur during this time frame for many reasons that can be attributed to either the riders or automobile drivers. can also advise on what different types of motorcycle accidents are.
The following are three reasons that can help explain why so many motorcyclist injuries and fatalities are reported during this time of day:
Rush Hour Traffic
During this time of day, hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists and vehicle drivers hit the road as they all try to get home as quickly as possible. This often results in massive traffic jams across the country, which often causes:
Increased driver aggression
Impatience and frustration
Poor decision making
Dangerous road behaviors
With so many motorcyclists and other vehicles on the roadway, it also means collisions are more likely to happen. To avoid serious injury or even death, motorcyclists should try as much as possible to avoid being on the roadway at this time of day.
Rider/Driver Impairment
As the day progresses, the number of intoxicated riders and motorists begins to climb. Data from the NHTSA shows a massive spike in the number of alcohol-related accidents between 3 pm and 6 pm, making this a very dangerous time to be on the roadways.
The number of riders and other drivers who are impaired continues to rise until around midnight, and this also coincides with the time when most fatal motorcycle accidents happen.
Riding Conditions and Visibility
The late afternoon brings unique challenges to road users in the form of poor riding conditions and decreased levels of visibility. The setting of the sun causes temperature drops that are known to increase the chances of rain, fog, and snow.
It is also that time of the day when the light levels are dropping but it is not yet dark enough for headlights to be effective. This is part of the reason why head-on collisions are also common during this time.
Weekends Have the Most Motorcycle Crashes
The motorcycle accident statistics gathered by the NHTSA also suggest that weekend evenings experience a lot more accidents involving motorcyclists than during the week. In many cases, the number of accidents during a two-day weekend is nearly as high as the accidents that occur during the entire week.
Increases in driver impairment and general reckless driving on the roadways may be one of the major factors behind these higher numbers of accidents on weekend nights.
How Can Bikers Avoid Experiencing a Motorcycle Accident?
By looking at the four reasons why most motorcycle accidents happen during these dangerous times, motorcyclists can take steps to ensure their safety, such as:
Wearing proper protective safety equipment
Reducing speed and exercising caution
Giving right of way according to the traffic rules
Keeping the headlight on all-day
Wearing bright-colored and reflective clothing
Adding reflective strips on the motorcycle
Avoiding riding in blind spots of cars or trucks
Using proper turn signals or hand signals when turning
What Damages Can Motorcycle Accident Victims Win?
In the aftermath of a bike accident, most motorcyclists face the uphill fight of recovering from the serious injuries they sustained. However, if they approach a good lawyer and ask for a free consultation, they can get the compensation they deserve.
If the accident was due to the negligence of other motorists, the motorcycle accident victim can be awarded damages to cover medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and wrongful death.
Victims of Motorcycle Accidents Need To Hire a Good Personal Injury Lawyer Today
There are many personal injury law firms in Tennessee, but not all of them have the right combination of experience, compassion, determination, and knowledge to win motorcycle accident claims at all costs.
Victims of motorcycle accidents faced with the prospect of going against large insurance companies will need a good motorcycle accident attorney on their side. Calling Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys at +1 629-217-0096 to schedule a no-obligation consultation is a step in the right direction.
With millions of dollars in damages won for motorcycle riders, motorists, and other victims of road accidents, Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys is a top-rated law firm in Tennessee.
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