What Is the Number One Reason Vehicles and Motorcycles Crash?

Traffic accidents happen daily, and while many factors contribute to collisions, one cause stands out: driver error.

Among the many types of mistakes drivers make, distracted driving is the number one reason for vehicle and motorcycle accidents. Whether it is a quick glance at a phone, adjusting the radio, or talking to a passenger, distractions take attention away from the road and increase the likelihood of an accident.

Being aware of how even minor distractions impact driving and how to minimize risks can help prevent crashes and save lives.

How Distracted Driving Leads to Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that, in 2022, 3,308 died, and many thousands more were injured in distracted driving-related vehicle accidents.

Distracted driving affects motorists in multiple ways. It slows reaction times, reduces situational awareness, and increases the likelihood of missing critical hazards. Driving requires constant attention, but distractions break that focus, leaving drivers unprepared for sudden changes in traffic conditions.

Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable to distracted drivers. A momentary lapse in attention can cause a driver to fail to see a motorcyclist in a blind spot, misjudge distance, or drift into another lane.

Since motorcycles lack the protective structure of a car, even minor collisions can have devastating consequences.

Common Types of Distracted Driving

Distractions come in different forms, and all of them pose a danger to drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians alike.

• Visual distractions pull a driver’s eyes away from the road. This includes looking at a phone, checking GPS directions, or reading billboards. Even glancing at a passenger or reaching for an object can be enough to cause a crash.
• Manual distractions make drivers take their hands off the wheel. Eating, drinking, adjusting stereos or vehicle controls, or handling a phone all reduce a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic.
• Cognitive distractions take a driver’s mind off the task of driving. Daydreaming, talking on the phone, or driving while fatigued can cause a driver to miss crucial details, such as brake lights ahead or a merging vehicle.

Many crashes involve a combination of these distractions. For instance, texting while driving involves all three—taking eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and attention away from driving.

This makes texting one of the most dangerous activities behind the wheel.

Distracted Driving and Motorcycle Safety

Motorcycles are less visible than other vehicles and rely on drivers being fully aware of their surroundings. When a driver is distracted, the risk of missing a motorcycle in traffic increases.

Left-turn accidents are another one of the most common reasons for motorcycle crashes, often caused by a distracted driver failing to see an oncoming motorcyclist.

Lane changes also pose a serious threat. A driver who glances at their phone may not check their blind spot thoroughly, leading to a dangerous collision with a motorcycle. In heavy traffic, even a brief distraction can allow an unaware driver to drift into another lane, putting motorcyclists and other drivers at significant risk.

Preventing Distracted Driving Accidents

Reducing distracted driving requires a conscious effort from everyone on the road. Awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement of distracted driving laws, and taking personal responsibility for safety all play a role.

For drivers, putting the phone away, setting up GPS directions before starting a trip, and keeping hands on the wheel can reduce the chances of a crash. Avoid multitasking and stay focused on the road and your surroundings to help prevent the split-second mistakes that lead to accidents.

Motorcyclists can take steps to protect themselves as well. Wearing bright or reflective clothing increases visibility, and defensive riding techniques can help anticipate the actions of distracted drivers. Staying out of blind spots, making eye contact with drivers at intersections, and assuming that some drivers may not see them can reduce the risk of collisions.

At Hendrickson & Long, PLLC, we believe that despite advances in vehicle safety and stricter laws, preventing accidents ultimately comes down to driver awareness. As drivers, each of us is responsible for staying focused, avoiding distractions, and watching for motorcyclists on the road.

A moment of inattention can have lifelong consequences for everyone involved.

Distracted driving is the leading cause of vehicle and motorcycle crashes. The good news is that it’s a preventable issue. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you seek justice.