Every ride on a motorcycle is an opportunity for disaster. Even the most attentive and experienced motorcycle operator is vulnerable if they cross paths with unsafe drivers.
Motorcycle riders can make choices that can reduce their likelihood of getting into a crash. They can choose to stay off the road after a rainstorm when the pavement might still be slick, for example. They may also need to learn about crash statistics to avoid being on the road when their risk is at its peak.
When are motorcycle riders most vulnerable to collisions?
Nighttime crashes are surprisingly common
When looking at the timing of motorcycle crashes, nighttime riding may not seem particularly dangerous. According to the National Safety Council, approximately 50.26% of motorcycle crashes occur at night, while 49.2% occur during the day.
However, when factoring in miles traveled and time spent on the road, the night represents an outsized risk. Many motorcycle riders do not ride after the sun sets or early in the morning. They understand that drivers may struggle to recognize them, that road hazards are hard to spot in the dark and that they are safer during the daytime.
The fact that so many motorcycle collisions occur after the sun sets, despite fewer motorcycle riders being on the road, makes it clear that the darkest hours of the day are a dangerous time for two-wheel transportation.
Regardless of when or where a motorcycle collision occurs, an injured rider may need support pursuing compensation. Holding a driver accountable for causing a motorcycle crash may require a complicated insurance claim or possibly a lawsuit. With appropriate support, injured riders can minimize their economic losses.