While there were reports of increased car crashes during the worst of the pandemic in 2020, it appears that motorcycle crashes have trended down overall in the last four years in the Mid-Hudson Valley.
| County | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dutchess | 94 | 92 | 97 | 87 |
| Orange | 197 | 149 | 161 | 152 |
| Ulster | 58 | 73 | 56 | 63 |
| Total | 349 | 314 | 314 | 302 |
According to the data, roughly 75% of these crashes resulted in personal injuries and/or fatalities. In order to increase motorcycle safety, we have to understand what causes crashes. We have preliminary data from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research in Albany that compiled the contributing factors of accidents on police reports. It appears that the contributing factors include actions and behaviors by other drivers on the road, so these are not all necessarily the actions of motorcyclists.
What caused motorcycle crashes in Dutchess County in 2022?
Using compiled police report statistics, there were 87 times where factors contributed to cause motorcycle personal injury crashes in Dutchess County in 2022. Some of the most common factors include:
Unsafe Speed 26, Failure to Yield Right-of-Way 21, Passing/Lane Changing/Improper Use 12, Driver Inattention/Distraction 8, Driver Inexperience 6,
What caused motorcycle crashes in Orange County in 2022?
Using compiled police report statistics, there were 152 times where factors contributed to cause motorcycle personal injury crashes in Orange County in 2022. Those factors were:
Failure to Yield Right-of-Way 27, Unsafe Speed 19, Passing/Lane Changing/Improper Use 16, Following Too Closely 14, Driver Inexperience 10, Driver Inattention/Distraction 8
What caused motorcycle crashes in Ulster County in 2022?
Using compiled police report statistics, there were 63 times where factors contributed to cause motorcycle personal injury crashes in Ulster County in 2022. Those factors were:
Failure to Yield Right-of-Way 15, Unsafe Speed 10, Driver Inattention/Distraction 9, Passing/Lane Changing/Improper Use 7, Turning Improperly 7, Animal’s Action 7
Why are so many accidents caused by these factors?
From looking at this data, the three most common causes of motorcycle accidents in the Mid-Hudson Valley are:
Failure to yield right of way
These accidents occur when a car or truck driver fails to yield to a motorcyclist who has the right of way, resulting in a collision. Sometimes, a driver will fail to see the motorcyclist due to their smaller size, which can lead to a failure to yield. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injury than other motorists due to the lack of protection offered by their vehicles, and a failure to yield can lead to catastrophic injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
Unsafe speeds
Many accidents occur when motorcyclists travel at unsafe speeds, either because they are trying to keep up with traffic or because they are simply driving too fast. High speeds make it difficult for motorcyclists to react to changes in traffic or road conditions, and they increase the risk of losing control of the bike. When a motorcyclist is involved in an accident due to unsafe speeds, they are often blamed for the accident, even if the other driver was at fault.
Driver inattention or distraction
With the increasing use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving, distracted driving has become an epidemic on our roads. When a driver is distracted, they may not see a motorcyclist until it is too late to avoid a collision. Distracted drivers may also fail to obey traffic signals or signs, or fail to yield right of way to motorcyclists. Inattention can also play a role in motorcycle accidents, as drivers may not be paying enough attention to the road or their surroundings to notice a motorcyclist until it is too late.
Motorcyclists should take steps to reduce their risk of accidents. They should always wear helmets and other protective gear, including jackets, pants, and gloves, to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident. They should also be aware of their surroundings and drive defensively, anticipating the actions of other drivers and staying alert for potential hazards. Motorcyclists should also be aware of their own limitations, and should avoid riding at speeds that are beyond their abilities or the limits of their bikes.
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, there are many possible ways to receive compensation
As you can see, there are dozens of potential causes of crashes. If you were involved in a motorcycle crash in the Mid-Hudson Valley, give us a call at 845-600-0000 for a free personal injury consultation. We’ll go over what caused your accident and discuss the legal options that you have to get help paying for your medical expenses, lost enjoyment of life, loss of future earning potential, and more.