The risks of riding a two wheeled machine on roads and highways filled with larger passenger vehicles and trucks is well known. Simply put, it can be downright dangerous. How dangerous, however, is a something researchers have long attempted to study, analyze, and report in hopes of reducing preventable accidents and the harm motorcycle riders can suffer.

Although safety experts and officials are constantly reviewing crash data and studying new makes and models of motorcycles, a lot of what we know about motorcycle accidents comes from older studies. One study in particular, The Hurt Report, was significant in advancing our knowledge about what causes these accidents and other important elements of rider safety.

Some of the major findings in The Hurt Report include:

• The major cause of motorcycle accidents involves vehicle drivers who failed to see approaching riders and caused crashes by violating the rider’s right of way.
• Intersections are most commonly the scene of motorcycle accidents.
• Roughly ¾ of all motorcycle crashes involve collisions between a motorcycle and another vehicle.
• Close to half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve alcohol.
• Riders face extremely high risks of injury in crashes – 98% in crashes involving multiple vehicle crashes and 96% in single vehicle crashes. Almost half result in riders suffering more than minor injuries.

The Hurt Report was published in 1981 after it was initiated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the USC Traffic Safety Center. Although the data may be over 30 years old, it is still incredibly valuable in helping officials, medical experts, and even legal professionals when investigating crashes. The study also found that the use of helmets substantially reduced risks of injury and death, and helped influence the passing of laws that require riders to wear helmets – though there currently is no such law in Texas.

At The Daspit Law Firm, our Austin injury lawyers have worked with many injured riders after they were involved in crashes. Our knowledge gained from working directly with victims and from information learned via reports and data like The Hurt Report help us as we work to determine the cause of a crash and who can be held accountable for our client’s damages, including their medical bills and lost work wages. While this data doesn’t provide us with answers, it can be incredibly valuable in helping us arrive at them.

If you have questions about a motorcycle accident involving yourself or a loved one, our legal team is available 24/7 to help you understand your rights and how you may be entitled to compensation. For a FREE consultation, contact The Daspit Law Firm today.