It is common knowledge that motorcycle riding is dangerous, although fun. Some of it has to do with the design of the vehicle, which does not provide protection in an accident. 

However, additional factors contribute to rates of accident, injury and death among bikers. A report from the Indiana University Public Policy Institute reveals what these are.

Age

Riders who are in their mid-sixties or higher suffer the most fatalities in Indiana. If you are in this age group, protective gear is a must to increase your chances of coming out of an accident alive and recovering from injuries.

Gender

Because more men ride motorcycles, they are involved in more accidents. However, females tend to be passengers and in this regard have higher rates of injury and death than male passengers do.

Helmet use

Those who do not wear helmets experience more injuries and fatalities. Decrease the risk by wearing a DOT-approved helmet whenever you ride, even if Indiana law does not require you to. Those aged 45 to 54 are least likely to take this safety measure.

Intoxication

Regular motorists are not the only ones guilty of driving while drunk or high on drugs; motorcyclists are too. Many factors affect BAC, such as age, gender, size, health and diet. The smartest move to make is not drink or use drugs at all before driving and arrange for other transportation when you do.

Other motorists

Bikers may get a bad rap, but other motorists are actually more dangerous on the road. In collisions between the two, the other vehicle driver is likelier to be responsible. Drivers are especially guilty of unsafe actions such as failure to yield the right of way, improper backing and turning, and going the wrong way on a one-way road. In these cases, you can probably sue for damages.

Motorcyclists

Although bikers tend to cause fewer accidents overall, they are likelier to cause crashes due to certain unsafe behaviors. These include speeding, improper passing and losing control. They are also more susceptible to environmental factors. Always go the speed limit and avoid riding in poor weather conditions.