Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents happen. According to data provided by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), there were 2,086 motorcycle crashes reported in the state in 2022. As riders are inherently exposed, a crash can lead to serious injuries. Defensive driving as a motorcyclist in South Carolina is a must. Here, our Charleston motorcycle accident attorney provides an overview of the main risks for motorcyclists.
Know the Data: Most Motorcycle Crashes Cause Rider Injuries
To start, motorcyclists in South Carolina should know the inherent risks that they face. According to data cited by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), 81 percent of all motorcycle crashes reported nationwide resulted in injuries to the rider. A motorcyclist is nearly 25 times more likely to be severely injured or killed than is the occupant of a full-sized passenger vehicle.
An Overview of the Main Risks Facing Motorcyclists in South Carolina
Too Many Drivers Fail to Notice Motorcyclists
Many motorcycle crashes are caused by negligent drivers. The unfortunate reality is that motorcyclists are often at risk because their smaller size makes them less visible to other road users. Too many serious accidents happen because drivers fail to see motorcyclists. They may turn directly in front of them or merge right in their path.
Speeding (By the Motorcyclist or Other Drivers)
Speeding is dangerous. It is one of the leading causes of accidents in South Carolina. For motorcyclists, high speeds can be exceptionally dangerous. Whether a motorcyclist is speeding, or another driver is speeding, it increases the likelihood and, if one happens, the severity of a crash.
Hazardous Road Conditions
Unfortunately, South Carolina’s roads are not always as well-maintained as they should be. It is a big issue for motorcyclists. Potholes, uneven road surfaces, slippery conditions due to weather, and other road hazards can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs poses significant risks for everyone on the road. They pose an especially high risk to motorcyclists. As a motorcyclist, you should never ride while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Along the same lines, you should be very careful around any motorist that you suspect might be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The Limited Use of Protective Gear
Despite the known benefits of helmets and protective clothing, some motorcyclists in South Carolina choose not to wear adequate protection. As a motorcyclist, you need to proactively protect your own health and well-being. Not wearing protective gear—particularly not wearing a helmet— increases your risk of severe injuries in an accident.
Contact Our Charleston Motorcycle Crash Attorney Today
At Query Sautter & Associates, LLC, our Charleston motorcycle accident attorney is a strong, experienced advocate for justice. If you or your loved one was hurt in a motorcycle wreck, we can help. Contact us today for a free, no-commitment case assessment. With an office in Charleston, our team represents motorcycle accident victims throughout the entire region in South Carolina.