Common Causes of Louisiana Motorcycle Crashes

The motorcycle accident rate in Louisiana is increased by poor road conditions and unsafe driving practices. Southern Louisiana in particular sees a large number of traffic accidents resulting in property damages, injuries, and fatalities. According to a study featured by Research Gate, the decision to repeal the mandatory motorcycle helmet law didn’t help.

The Link Between Louisiana Crashes and National Motorcycle Injury Rates

National motorcycle injury rates also remain higher than injuries in passenger vehicles because of daredevil driving and a lack of safety protection. However, what we can do and should do is raise awareness and understanding that fun and safety are not mutually exclusive.

Statistics show that motorcycle deaths regularly increase an average of 10% each year, despite educational programs, new safety devices, and the national encouragement to wear a helmet, which is the single most effective safety measure you can take.

Common Causes of Louisiana Motorcycle Injuries

Motorcycles are more dangerous than passenger vehicles. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Louisiana include:

• Speeding
• Performing daredevil stunts and showing off
• Failure to respond quickly enough to sudden stops
• Lane splitting
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Riding without a valid motorcycle license
• Failing to wear a helmet
• Riding at night
• Motorcycle equipment defects
• Trying to force non-compatible equipment to function
• Inexperienced drivers who panic, make mistakes and create unsafe driving conditions for other drivers
• Left-turn accidents that occur because of poorly judged distance estimates
• Dangerous road conditions, including potholes, cracked concrete, castoff mechanical debris, and even snakes and alligators in the swamps of South Louisiana

One long-term study of non-fatal accident rates in the U.S. showed that more severe injuries happened to motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Non-fatal injuries were the highest among motorcyclists. Injury rates were also higher among men and adolescents.

Talk to an Attorney if You’ve Been in a Motorcycle Accident

The most important safeguard is wearing a helmet. Discuss your case with a Lafayette LA motorcycle accident attorney if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident. A lawyer can also protect your rights if you get into an accident.

Remember that Louisiana is an at-fault state. This means that if you cause a collision, your insurance policy will pay for the other driver’s losses.

A Few Words on Safety

Motorcycle riders can strike a balance between safety and being rebels. Certain accessories can showcase your commitment to the open road while keeping you safe at the same time. You can play your tunes exceptionally loud and dress in motorcycle style without taking genuine risks. It’s more a question of attitude that sells your commitment instead of taking unnecessary risks. For example, who notices you’re riding safely when you pop a wheelie wearing a helmet shaped like a skull? Riding safely means you might get to live for another fun ride tomorrow or stay out of trouble with the law.

If you feel inclined to perform daredevil stunts and imitate “Easy Rider” feats, at least wear your helmet and your protective gear. Refrain from such endeavors on heavy-traffic roads or highways, as you don’t only risk your life but the lives of other motorists. What you consider “just showing off a little” can suddenly turn into a tragic injury case and legal shenanigans for the ages.

As a last word of advice, remember to follow the law and heed all road signs and rules. Motorcycle accidents, when not deadly, quickly turn into a battle with insurance companies and other traffic victims’ lawyers. Louisiana is an amazing place for motorcyclists, but it can also be very dangerous. So stay alert, try to protect others, and enjoy your rides safely!