Motorcycle Accident Information & Motorcycle Accident Lawyers In Oklahoma

Oklahoma is a beautiful state in which to ride a motorcycle. There are many wide open spaces that allow you to experience the thrill of the road. Like driving most other motorized vehicles, there are certain rules and laws that must be followed which help cut down on the number of motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle accident statistics in Oklahoma match, or are a little lower than, national numbers. In 2005 9.6 percent of accidents that ended in fatality involved a motorcycle, compared to 10.5 percent nationally. In 2006 the national percentage was 11.3, while Oklahoma’s number dropped to 8.4 percent. It is important to note that the number of motorcycle accidents in America have gone up every year for the past nine years. This is the case, even though the total number of vehicle accident deaths decreased by 2,668 in 2006.

There are many, many different factors involved in motorcycle accidents. About three percent can be attributed to some sort of vehicle failure, such as a flat tire or stalled engine, usually resulting from poor bike maintenance. Another three percent are caused by problems with the road. Things like potholes, crumbling pavement and animals in the road, dead or alive, can throw a motorcycle. Weather appears to be a major contributing factor in only about two percent of the accidents. Unfortunately, alcohol use is still present in over fifty percent of the accidents in question.

About 25 percent of the accidents only involve the biker. Under training and inexperience, combined with some of the above mentioned factors, cause a lot of riders to hit the pavement, so to speak. A common situation for these types of accident is completely attributable to rider error. When riding a motorcycle, you do not turn the wheel, in most cases, to turn the bike. When you approach a curve or corner, you lean the bike to one side or the other to navigate the turn. If your speed is too high for the corner, you may not be able to lean far enough and will under steer the corner. If this happens, you may leave the roadway or enter lanes of oncoming traffic. It is also possible to lean too far and have the tires of the bike kick out from under you. If this happens you and the bike and any passengers will likely slide some distance, out of control. Depending on the actual speed of the bike, injuries could be very severe in either situation.

The other 75 percent of the accidents involve at least one other vehicle. Most situations involve a passenger vehicle that has violated the right-of-way of the biker. The majority of the drivers of these other vehicle say that they did not see the bike coming. It takes a very small distraction to make a biker invisible to another driver. A motorcycle, especially one coming right at you, provides a very slim profile. The sun glaring off a window or street sign can completely mask the bike. According to Oklahoma law, a motorcycle’s headlight must be on at all times while riding. This, coupled with brighter clothing and a louder bike, will make you more noticeable, but a rider must always be aware of the road and other drivers.

Helmets are required by Oklahoma law for all riders under the age of eighteen. All other riders may choose to wear a helmet or not. Eye protection must be worn by all bikers unless their motorcycle is equipped with a windshield. Rules are slightly different for minor riders, but all of those over the age of eighteen must have a valid driver’s license to gain a motorcycle endorsement. You must first pass a vision test and state approved written knowledge test. You will then receive a permit that is good for thirty days and allows you to ride with some restrictions. Finally, you may go to a state testing site and prove your road skills in a test. If you pass, you will receive your endorsement. You may also attend a state approved riding course. If you complete and pass the rider course, your road skills test may be waived.

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