What Time of Day Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
Motorcycle accidents cause serious and often fatal injuries. In a collision between a vehicle and a motorcycle, the latter almost always loses. In 2016, 566 motorcyclists lost their lives in California traffic accidents. Although a motorcycle crash could happen any time of day, statistically, the odds of a motorcycle crash that causes motorcyclist injuries or death are higher on certain times and days of the week. Staying off the road during these dangerous times could potentially reduce your risk of ending up in the hospital as a motorcyclist in San Diego.
Motorcyclists Injuries & Fatalities Statistics
Cities and states need to collect motorcycle accident data to improve the safety of future road users. Most states require accident victims to report their crashes for this reason. Data collection and analysis can ultimately tell safety organizations when, where and why accidents happen – thus providing insights into how to potentially stop them from occurring.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a key collector of crash data and safety information. According to recent NHTSA statistics, specific times of day show higher rates of serious and deadly motorcycle accidents than others. A table from 2017, Motorcyclists Killed or Injured by Time of Day and Day of Week, demonstrates the statistical differences between times of day and weekdays versus weekends in terms of motorcycle accidents. It also organizes the data in terms of injury severity.
Most Common Time for Accidents
According to the data, the time of day most motorcycle accidents happen is from 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. In 2017, 1,079 motorcyclists lost their lives in traffic accidents during this time of day. In addition, 22,000 motorcyclists suffered injuries from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The second most dangerous time of day for motorcyclists is 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. statistically, with more deaths (1,109) but fewer serious injuries (17,000). The third most dangerous timeslot was noon to 3:00 p.m., with 827 motorcyclist deaths and 19,000 injuries.
The day of the week appears to impact motorcycle accident risk as well. Motorcyclists are more likely to get into serious accidents on weekdays compared to weekends. Comparatively, 52,000 motorcyclists suffered injuries on weekdays versus 36,000 on weekends. The same is true for the number of deaths (2,673 and 2,492, respectively). Based on this data, the most dangerous time for a motorcyclist in the U.S. is between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on a weekday.
Common Causes for Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle crash data only represent numbers. They cannot reveal the cause of a motorcycle accident or an explanation as to fault. It may take a lawyer to help you identify who or what caused your recent motorcycle crash in San Diego. A lawyer can visit where your accident occurred, analyze the scene, gather evidence, speak to witnesses and piece together how your crash most likely occurred.
- Driver error
- Drunk driving
- Drowsy driving
- Broken roadway rules
- Unsafe lane changes
- Unsafe left-hand turns
- Speeding
- Dangerous roadways
- Potholes, debris or other defects
- Motorcycle defects
Daytime motorcycle accidents on weekdays are likely common due to commuters. Commuters leaving work at 5:00 p.m. in San Diego can lead to crowded streets and busy freeways, as well as impatient or aggressive drivers who do not respect motorcyclists’ rights to the road. Distracted, negligent and reckless drivers around vulnerable motorcyclists can lead to preventable collisions. If you believe someone else caused or contributed to your motorcycle crash in San Diego, speak to an attorney for assistance moving forward with an injury claim.
Do You Have an Accident Lawsuit?
No matter what time of day your motorcycle crash occurred, you may have grounds to bring a motorcycle accident lawsuit against one or more at-fault parties in San Diego. Someone could owe you financial compensation for your damages, including pain and suffering, motorcycle repairs, lost wages, and medical bills. Find out if you have a case with help from a lawyer.