How Many Motorcyclists Are Really on Illinois Roads?
Whether they’re driving a commercial truck, regular-sized vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, or walking through a crosswalk, Illinois roads have all kinds of drivers and people using them. Of the population using our roads, one of the most vulnerable is the motorcyclist population.
Motorcycles are a fun and freeing way to get around in our state. Plenty of people choose to ride a motorcycle as their form of transportation. In fact, as of 2020, there are over 300,000 licensed motorcyclists on Illinois’ roads, and that number is constantly growing.
Unfortunately, with that many riders on the road, accidents are bound to happen. In 2018, there were over 2,000 motorcyclists injured in accidents in Illinois, according to the state crash report from that year. Nearly half of those motorcyclists suffered from serious injuries, and about five percent of those who were injured in a motorcycle accident that year died.
While the amount of motorcycle accidents that occurred on urban roads compared to rural roads is about the same, the specific kind of roads where these wrecks occurred most were city streets. Many factors contribute to motorcycle accidents, like cars not watching for motorcycles, cutting motorcyclists off during turns, and distracted driving.
Cities can have serious traffic, especially large Illinois cities, like Chicago. Sometimes motorcyclists choose to weave through the lanes, lane share, or motor vehicles whip around the city without regard for other vehicles. This can cause serious accidents with motorcyclists. Even motorcyclists who drive safely can get into wrecks where inattentive or distracted drivers fail to see them. Let’s take a look at why motorcycle accidents are so dangerous.
The Dangers of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are more deadly than collisions between two regular sized motor vehicles. When two cars collide, they are often roughly the same size and weight. The drivers of enclosed motor vehicles have more protection from the airbags and other safety features. When a car collides with a motorcycle, though, it’s more dangerous because there is a significant size and weight difference, and the motorcyclist is exposed and more vulnerable when an accident occurs.
Even when motorcyclists wear helmets and protective clothing, they can still suffer serious injuries in a motorcycle accident. Depending on where the car collides with the motorcyclist, their head could hit the hood of the car or the windshield. The blow to the body could cause serious internal injuries and broken bones.
When on the road, it’s important for motorcyclists to remain vigilant, drive safely, and always try to be as visible as possible. Drivers of motor vehicles should always watch for motorcycles, avoid distractions, and drive safely to avoid motorcycle accidents.
Our Lawyers Can Help You with Your Claim
Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries that require long stays in the hospital, long-term treatment, and missed work that can lead to lost wages. If you’ve been seriously injured in a wreck and believe you have legal options, the lawyers at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP in Illinois may be able to help. Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation to learn more.
