There are more motorcycle accidents in California than in most other states. There are often many opinions about why this is and what can be done to reverse this trend. While it is always worth looking at ways to reduce serious accidents and their aftermath, it is also important to understand that in the case of California’s motorcycle accidents, many of the reasons they are higher than average are simpler than you may immediately assume.
A Significant Increase in Motorcycle Accidents is Concerning
First, let us look at a report by Southern California Public Radio. They found that in a ten-year period, motorcycle accidents went up by nearly 25%. Even more concerning, the highest increase was in Los Angeles County, which saw a boost of almost 50%. Injuries and fatalities in motorcycle accidents also increased significantly in Orange County and San Diego county too.
General Increases in Motorcycle Accidents
Before we look at the reasons for increases in motorcycle accidents in California in particular, let us look at the increases throughout the country. One reason for so many fatalities is that not enough people wear helmets. Studies have repeatedly shown that a person who is wearing a helmet during a motorcycle accident has a 69% lower chance of suffering a head injury compared to someone who is not wearing one.
A person who is wearing a helmet during a car accident also has a 37% lower chance of suffering a head injury at all. There are other reasons for the general increase in motorcycle accident injuries include more distracted driving, motorcycle drivers who are not experienced, and speeding.
Surprisingly Obvious Reasons There Are More Accidents in California than Other States
All of the issues described above are true in every state. There are some causes that are not true in every state that apply specifically to California. First, lane splitting is legal for motorcycle riders here and not in any other state. Second, there is temperate weather here all year. Other states may only have six months that are appropriate for riding while California may have 12, depending on where you are. It stands to reason that states with longer riding seasons would have more accidents.
Finally, consider that more and more people are choosing California as a place to retire. Why does this matter? Because it has increased the average age of motorcycle drivers in California. On one hand, this is good news because these tend to be experienced riders. On the other hand, the older a driver is, the lower their reaction time is. Their overall chances of being in an accident can increase as well.
Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney if You Are Involved in a Motorcycle Accident
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident then you should contact a motorcycle accident attorney. Reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
