Motorcycle accidents are an unfortunate reality on roadways across the United States and New Hampshire. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders are overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. For example, in 2022, 6,218 motorcyclists were killed nationwide, representing a shocking 15 percent of all traffic fatalities despite being only three percent of all registered vehicles.
Understanding where and why these accidents tend to occur can help motorcyclists, drivers, and authorities reduce risk and improve safety. While no road is free from danger, certain locations are more prone to motorcycle accidents than others.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in New Hampshire, contact the New Hampshire personal injury lawyers at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. Call us today at 888-332-5855 or online for a free consultation. We represent clients throughout New Hampshire, from Lancaster to Portsmouth, helping them receive the fair and full compensation they deserve.
Urban Areas
Motorcycle accidents are significantly more likely to occur in urban areas than in rural ones due to increased traffic congestion, more intersections, and a higher likelihood of distracted driving. According to the NHTSA, 67% of motorcycle fatalities in 2021 occurred in urban areas, compared to just 33% in rural settings. Urban environments typically have more hazards, including stop-and-go traffic, frequent lane changes, and multiple road users competing for space.
High-traffic urban areas offer a particular risk for motorcyclists. High-traffic zones often have many intersections and entrances to shopping centers or other business establishments. These added traffic patterns create more chances for motorcyclists to be involved in accidents as they try to navigate around other vehicles or avoid sudden changes in traffic flow.
Intersections
Intersections are a major risk factor for motorcyclists, with NHTSA data showing that 35 percent of motorcycle accidents occur at these points. Most intersection accidents occur because drivers fail to see or yield to motorcyclists, often thanks to the motorcycle’s smaller size and a lack of awareness on the part of the motorist. Drivers also frequently misjudge the speed and distance of motorcycles, increasing the likelihood of mistakenly turning into their path as they approach.
In New Hampshire, rural areas and smaller towns feature many two- or three-way intersections with poor visibility, which can be dangerous for motorcyclists. A driver may not anticipate a motorcycle coming from a hidden lane or road, especially at intersections where visibility is limited due to trees, buildings, or other obstacles. As a result, motorcycles can be at risk of being struck while entering or exiting an intersection, making these areas particularly hazardous. Motorcyclists who try to enter such intersections too quickly or without proper signaling are also at heightened risk of getting into a collision.
Non-Interstate Routes
Motorcycle accidents are far more likely to occur on non-interstate roads, where 92% of fatalities took place in 2021, compared to just 8% on interstates, according to the NHTSA. This is mainly due to increased intersections, driveways, and stoplights on non-interstate roads.
Local roads also often feature unpredictable hazards such as sudden stops, left-turning vehicles, and frequent merging traffic. Motorists on these roads are also more likely to be distracted, fail to yield, or misjudge a motorcycle’s speed. In addition, winding rural roads and poorly maintained urban streets may have sharp turns, potholes, and debris, increasing the risk of an accident. Such dangers are far less common on smooth, well-lit interstates.
Rural Areas
While motorcycle crashes are generally more likely to occur in urban areas, fatal motorcycle accidents are more likely to happen on rural roads. Sharp curves, elevation changes, and the narrowness of the roadways contribute to the heightened risk of fatalities. In addition, motorcyclists who travel at higher speeds on rural roads to take advantage of the open space and scenic vistas increase the likelihood of losing control on a sharp turn or in poor weather conditions.
Rural roads are also less frequently patrolled by law enforcement, meaning dangerous driving behaviors like speeding or improper lane changes can go unnoticed, contributing to accidents. Additionally, deer and other wildlife are common in these areas, which can create unexpected hazards for motorcyclists.
Experienced New Hampshire Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help
Even if you ride attentively and responsibly in high-risk areas, avoiding an accident is not always possible. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, call the experienced New Hampshire personal injury lawyers of Tenn And Tenn, P.A. We have helped countless injured New Hampshire residents fight for the compensation they deserve. We represent clients throughout the state, including Lebanon, Nashua, and Bedford. Contact us today at 888-332-5855 or online for your free evaluation.