Summer may be coming to a close, but the risks of motorcycle accidents are still be high. Riders are enjoying the roads before cooler weather sets in. Even though schools, universities, and regular work hours are returning, there are still high volumes or travelers on the roads. The percentage of crashes fluctuates every year, thousands of riders are involved in deadly accidents across the country.
The end of summer is just as dangerous as the beginning of summer. Labor Day is one of the deadliest holidays for motorcyclists for Connecticut. According to data from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), 95 people were killed in motorcycle related fatalities over Labor Day weekend in 2016. Six of those were in Connecticut.
Accidents can happen due to many factors such as weather conditions or traffic. Some of the most common causes in Connecticut include:
Distracted driving
Drivers can be distracted for many reason. With today’s technology, answer a phone call or text messages is more tempting than ever. Attempting to navigate radio stations or other people in a car are also common reasons for distractions. When a driver is distracted, they are less likely to see other vehicle, especially motorcyclists.
Dangerous intersections
There are many intersections in Connecticut that are known for being dangerous and a common place for accidents. A fatal accident in North Branford in April happened at an intersection known for collisions over the years and vehicles consistently running red lights during high traffic times.
There are always safety risks when driving any kind of vehicle on the road. Both car and motorcycle drivers must be alert and avoid distractions to minimize chances of an accident that could be deadly. These accidents are often more dangerous for motorcyclists since Connecticut does not have a law requiring riders to wear a helmet. Being aware of situations on the road that could cause a crash can help minimize the risks.
