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.
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.
It was responsible for 59.7% of the total number of accidents that occurred in 2021.
In 2020, over-speeding caused more than 60% of over 3.54 lakh road accidents
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.
To prevent overspeeding, bike riders should follow the speed limits, use speed governors or limiters, avoid distractions and peer pressure, and plan their trips ahead.
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.
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.
To prevent drunken driving, bike riders should avoid consuming alcohol before or during riding, use public transport or hire a cab if they have consumed alcohol, and report any suspected drunken drivers to the police.
4. Poor road conditions
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
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.
According to a report by News18, around three-fourths of the accident fatalities took place under sunny and clear weather — 1.19 lakh (71 percent) of the total 1.68 lakh accident deaths
To prevent bad weather accidents, bike riders should avoid riding in extreme weather conditions, use headlights and taillights, wear bright or reflective clothing, reduce speed and increase the following distance.
7. Fatigue
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
To prevent fatigue accidents, bike riders should get enough rest before riding,
take frequent breaks during long trips, stay hydrated, and eat healthy snacks,
and avoid riding if they feel tired or unwell.
8. Distractions
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.
To prevent distraction accidents, bike riders should avoid using any electronic devices while riding, keep their eyes and ears on the road and the traffic, and focus on their riding task.
9. Violation of traffic rules
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.
To prevent violation of traffic rules accidents, bike riders should follow the traffic rules and regulations, respect the rights and duties of other road users, and carry their valid driving license, registration certificate, insurance and pollution certificate.
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.
