It is no secret that motorcycle riders and drivers are more likely to be in a crash that results in injury or death than operators of automobiles. This is true in San Antonio, as well as other large cities in the country. So, why do these accidents occur? Is there something that a motorcycle accident lawyer can identify that will help lower these risks?
Every year, thousands of people are injured while riding motorcycles in the San Antonio area. Hundreds die. San Antonio is second only to Houston in motorcycle accidents in Texas. Let’s take a look at the reasons behind these accidents.
Why Do People Ride Motorcycles?
One reason why there are so many motorcycle accidents in San Antonio is that there is a large population of people who ride motorcycles. The reasons given are as follows:
- Motorcycles require less fuel, therefore saving the driver money while keeping the planet healthy.
- Motorcycles are fun to ride.
- Motorcycles can maneuver easier and get through congested areas.
- Riding a motorcycle is good for your brain. It increases the endorphins in the brain leading to a feeling of well-being and mental clarity.
- It gives one the feeling of being part of a large group and having freedom.
Factors That Affect The Number Of Motorcycle Crashes In San Antonio
The age of the driver
Motorcycle drivers who have the most accidents usually fall into one of these two age groups. The young rider, age 29 or younger, or the older driver 50-years or older.
The younger drivers are more likely to take risks and are more likely to ride a crotch-rocket (a very fast motorcycle designed for speed). The young driver is more prone to let a friend drive their bike, thus adding an unskilled driver to the streets. They are also more prone to ride without protective gear.
The driver aged 50 years or older is more likely to invest in a large motorcycle. This means they have more bulk and weight to handle. They may have been experienced motorcyclists when they were younger, but it has been a long time. They fail to take into consideration that as we age, your reflexes slow and your muscles are not as strong.
Population
San Antonio is the second most populated city in the state of Texas. This equates to a lot of traffic. Motorcycle riders maneuvering and lane splitting in rush hour traffic can because of a motorcycle accident.
Unless and until the laws are changed to require a motorcyclist to be more responsible and the automobile driver to be held accountable for not watching out for those sharing the roads with them, it is unlikely that the numbers of accidents, injuries, and motorcycle related deaths will change for the better.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in San Antonio, you need a motorcycle accident attorney that is experienced in dealing with motorcycles and the issues they face. If a cyclist is injured because of a negligent automobile driver, they deserve the same compensation as an automobile accident victim.
