What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

In 1981, using funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, researcher Harry Hurt published a ground-breaking report on the causes and effects of motorcycle accidents. More than 20 years later, the study still offers insight into the statistics regarding motorcycle accidents. The following statistics and conclusions are taken from the Hurt Study: • Three-fourths of motorcycle accidents resulted from a collision with another vehicle (usually a passenger automobile). • In two-thirds of these accidents, the driver of the other vehicle violated the motorcycle’s right-of-way, causing the accident. • The failure of motorists to detect motorcycles in traffic is the most common cause of motorcycle accidents. • Most motorcycle accidents are caused by a motor vehicle making a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. • Intersections are the most likely location for motorcycle accidents. • The view of the motorcycle or other vehicle’s driver is limited by glare or obstructed ... more