According to the latest report of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, as many as 1,55,622 people lost their lives due to road accidents in 2022. Out of these, nearly 70,000 people were killed in bike accidents, accounting for 44.5% of total road accidental deaths.
In this blog post, we will look at the 10 top bike accident causes in India and how to prevent them.
Methodology: Our process for writing the article on the top 10 bike accident causes in India began with extensive research, examining a wide information online, offline in newspapers.
Short Summary of the top 10 bike accident causes in India
- Overspeeding
- Failure to maintain lane
- Drunken driving
- Poor road conditions
- Defective vehicles
- Bad weather
- Fatigue
- Distractions
- Violation of traffic rules
1. Overspeeding
Overspeeding is the biggest killer on Indian roads. Bike riders often speed to save time, overtake other vehicles, or enjoy the thrill of riding fast.
- According to the latest report (2022) from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), 71.2% of all road accident fatalities in India were attributed to overspeeding. This translates to a massive 168,491 deaths out of a total of 236,030.
- The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data on Accidental Deaths in India (2021) shows that road accidents involving motorcycles (likely including bikes) comprised 26.2% of all reported accidents. These resulted in 26.5% of total fatalities and 21.6% of total injuries.
It was responsible for 59.7% of the total number of accidents that occurred in 2021.
However, speeding reduces the reaction time, increases the braking distance, and makes it harder to control the bike. It also increases the severity of injuries in case of a crash.
2. Failure to maintain lane
Failure to maintain lane or yield to oncoming traffic when turning are prime causes of accidents on four-lane, non-access controlled National Highways. These highways account for 30.3% of total road accidents in India.
Bike riders often change lanes abruptly, cut across traffic, or turn without giving proper signals or checking for blind spots. This can lead to collisions with other vehicles, especially trucks or buses that have a larger turning radius and blind spots.
To prevent lane changing or turning accidents, bike riders should stay in their lane, use indicators or hand signals, check mirrors and blind spots, and yield to oncoming traffic when turning.
3. Drunken driving
Drunken driving is another major cause of bike accidents in India, causing 2.6% of total road accidents in 2021.
A 2015 study by the IIT Mumbai estimated that 10-25% of road accidents in India involve alcohol as a contributing factor.
A 2019 report by the World Bank attributed around 8% of India’s road fatalities to alcohol, although it doesn’t specify motorcycle accidents.
Alcohol impairs the judgment, vision, coordination, and reflexes of bike riders, making them more prone to errors and crashes. It also reduces their ability to handle emergencies and increases their risk-taking behavior.
4. Poor road conditions
The NCRB reported that 34.1% of road accidents in India in 2021 were attributed to faulty or bad roads.
Poor road conditions such as potholes, bumps, cracks, loose gravel, oil spills, or waterlogging can cause bike accidents by making the bike skid, lose balance, or damage its parts.
Poor road conditions are more common on rural roads or during monsoon season in India. They can also worsen the impact of other factors such as speeding or braking.
To prevent poor road condition accidents, bike riders should slow down, avoid sudden braking or steering, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and report any road defects to the authorities.
5. Defective vehicles
Defective vehicles such as those with faulty brakes, tyres, lights or horns can cause bike accidents by reducing the performance and safety of the bike. Defective vehicles are more likely to break down, malfunction or catch fire on the road. They can also make it harder for bike riders to avoid or respond to hazards.
To prevent defective vehicle accidents, bike riders should regularly service and maintain their bikes, check their tires, brakes, lights, and horns before riding, and replace any worn-out or damaged parts.
6. Bad weather
MoRTH report mentions that adverse weather conditions contributed to 3.8% of road accidents in 2022.
Bad weather such as rain, fog, dust or smoke can cause bike accidents by reducing the visibility and traction of the bike. Bad weather can also make the road slippery or flooded, increasing the chances of skidding or hydroplaning. Bad weather can also affect the mood and alertness of bike riders.
7. Fatigue
Studies suggest that driver fatigue contributes to 10-20% of crashes globally. Applying this range to India’s scenario, fatigue could be a factor in up to 20% of bike accidents.
Fatigue is a state of physical or mental exhaustion that can impair the ability and concentration of bike riders. Fatigue can be caused by lack of sleep, long hours of riding, stress, or illness. Fatigue can make bike riders more susceptible to distractions, errors, and crashes.
As per a report by the Times of India, a crucial problem that causes numerous car accidents annually is driver fatigue
8. Distractions
Reports and news articles in India frequently mention distracted driving as a potential factor in bike accidents. Examples include using mobile phones, talking on the phone, negligence, talking to the passengers etc.
Distractions are anything that takes the attention of bike riders away from the road and the traffic. Distractions can be internal or external, such as using a mobile phone, listening to music, talking to a pillion rider, looking at billboards, or daydreaming. Distractions can reduce the awareness, reaction time, and decision-making of bike riders, leading to accidents.
9. Violation of traffic rules
The NCRB’s 2021 data shows that traffic rule violations were noted in 61.2% of road accidents. While not specific to bikes, it indicates the prevalence of rule-breaking behavior on Indian roads.
Violation of traffic rules such as jumping red lights, ignoring stop signs, riding on the wrong side of the road, or overtaking from the left can cause bike accidents by creating confusion and conflict among road users.
10. Lack of protective gear
Lack of protective gear such as helmets, gloves, jackets, or boots can cause bike accidents by exposing the bike riders to injuries in case of a crash. Protective gear can reduce the impact of a crash and prevent or minimize head injuries, which are the leading cause of death and disability among bike riders.
To prevent a lack of protective gear accidents, bike riders should always wear a good quality helmet that fits well and has a clear visor,
wear gloves, jackets, and boots that are comfortable and suitable for the weather,
and avoid wearing loose or flowing clothes that can get caught in the bike parts.
Conclusion
Bike accidents are a serious problem in India that can be prevented by following some simple tips and precautions. Bike riders should be aware of the common causes of bike accidents and how to avoid them.
