California is an ideal place for motorcycle enthusiasts with its great weather and scenic routes. However, accidents can and often do happen. According to 2021 data from the National Safety Council, 83% of motorcycle accidents that year happened in good weather, which underscores the dangerous nature of these vehicles.
If you’re in a motorcycle accident in Thousand Oaks, our experienced lawyers at Quirk Accident and Injury Attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation.
How Many Motorcycles Are There in California?
California has a number of things that make motorcycle riding an attractive option for many people:
- Scenic routes
- Great weather
- Thriving biker community
- Proximity to large cities and tourist attractions
- Motorcycle-friendly laws and support
Still, any understanding of the dangerous nature of these vehicles has to start with the actual number of registered motorcycles there are in the state. 2021 data from TitleMax found that California has:
- 952,977 registered motorcycles
- 39,237,836 people
- 2,428.72 motorcycles per every 1,000 citizens
Source: TitleMax
Obviously, the more motorcycles there are in California and Thousand Oaks, the higher the chances of there being accidents. As it particularly relates to motorcycles, though, there are a number of different causes of these accidents:
- Neglecting blind spots and unsafe lane changes
- Speeding in adverse road conditions
- Failing to yield to motorcyclists
- Impaired driving from alcohol or drugs
- Distractions while driving
- Disregarding stop signs or red lights
Some motorcycle accidents don’t directly involve other vehicles but may result from poorly maintained roads or the negligence of pedestrians and drivers. Regardless of the cause, motorcycle accidents can lead to injuries and overwhelming damages.
How Many Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Thousand Oaks?
According to the California Highway Patrol’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), Thousand Oaks sees a fair amount of motorcycle accidents every year. In fact, over the last five years, the city has averaged:
- 2 motorcycle accidents per year that resulted in fatalities and injuries.
Diving deeper, 2022 in Thousand Oaks saw the following in terms of motorcycle accidents:
- 37 motorcycle accidents
- 35 “serious” injuries
- 2 fatalities
Source: TIMS
This data underscore the serious nature of most of these accidents, but as a motorcycle rider, it’s important to understand how you can protect yourself in these situations:
- Wear the right gear – Always wear a DOT-approved helmet and protective clothing such as leather jackets, pants, gloves, and boots.
- Boost your visibility – Make yourself more visible to others by donning bright or reflective clothing and using your headlights and turn signals.
- Follow traffic laws – Follow all traffic rules, including speed limits and using turn signals. Stay in your lane and stay aware of your surroundings.
- Stay alert – Be vigilant and look out for potential hazards. Keep an eye out for left-turning vehicles and use caution when passing or being overtaken.
- Keep your motorcycle in good condition – Regularly check your motorcycle, including tires, brakes, lights, and fluids, to ensure it’s in good working order.
- Avoid riding while impaired – Never ride when under the influence of alcohol or drugs for your safety and that of others on the road.
How Often Does Alcohol Play a Part in Thousand Oaks Motorcycle Accidents?
If you spend any amount of time on the road in Thousand Oaks, whether that be in a car or motorcycle, you know how impactful alcohol can be on safe driving. This is especially true for motorcycles, which are sometimes difficult to maneuver and control even at full capacity.
Still, according to TIMS, of the 33 motorcycle accidents throughout the city in 2022:
- 5 involved alcohol, which equates to 15% of crashes
Source: TIMS
It’s not complicated to understand how alcohol plays a part in motorcycle accidents, as impaired driving frequently results in:
- Poor decision-making – Alcohol makes drivers more likely to take risks, like changing lanes without looking for motorcycles or misjudging their speed.
- Decreased awareness – Alcohol reduces attention, causing drivers to overlook motorcycles or important road signs.
- Slower reactions – Alcohol impairs reaction times, which can be crucial in avoiding motorcycle collisions.
- Distorted depth perception – Alcohol affects the ability to judge the distance and speed of oncoming motorcycles accurately.
- Erratic driving – Impaired drivers may weave between lanes or make unpredictable moves, posing a danger to motorcyclists.
- Disregard for right of way – Drivers under the influence may ignore rules, not yielding to motorcycles when required, leading to accidents.
- Increased aggression – Alcohol can intensify aggressive behaviors, potentially resulting in road rage or dangerous actions that threaten motorcyclists.
Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Thousand Oaks?
Of the many factors that go into motorcycle accidents in Thousand Oaks, a big indicator is certain areas of the city where these accidents are more likely to happen. As you might expect, more crowded areas and roads in Thousand Oaks see more motorcycle accidents. In fact, over the last two years according to TIMS data, the following areas have seen the most motorcycle accidents throughout the city:
- US-101 – 19 accidents
- Moorpark Drive – 9 accidents
- Thousand Oaks Boulevard – 6 accidents
- Hillcrest Road – 3 accidents
Source: TIMS
Obviously, these areas of Thousand Oaks are more prone to motorcycle accidents. But looking further, it’s often why these areas are more prone to these accidents that really tells the story:
- Traffic density – Areas with higher traffic density are more likely to witness accidents, including motorcycle accidents. Congested roads can reduce visibility and increase the risk of collisions.
- Road conditions – Poor road conditions, such as potholes, uneven surfaces, or lack of proper signage, can make certain areas more accident-prone.
- Terrain – Thousand Oaks is known for its scenic, hilly terrain. Curvy or hilly roads can pose challenges for motorcyclists, especially if they are not familiar with the area or the road conditions.
- Weather – Weather conditions, such as rain or fog, can impact visibility and road grip, making accidents more likely in certain areas during adverse weather.
- More intersections – Intersections are common locations for accidents. Areas with complex or poorly designed intersections may see more motorcycle accidents.
- Speed limits – Areas with higher speed limits may experience more accidents, especially if motorists, including motorcyclists, exceed these limits.
- Distracted driving – Areas with a high prevalence of distracted drivers can be more prone to accidents. Distracted drivers may not see motorcycles or react in time.
Contact Quirk Accident and Injury Attorneys Today
Regardless of where and when it happens, a motorcycle accident can severely impact your life moving forward. That’s why our team of experienced Thousand Oaks motorcycle accident lawyers at Quirk Accident and Injury Attorneys takes pride in our ability to get you compensation and support for your medical bills, lost wages at work, and overall decreased quality of life through the legal system.
Contact us today for a free consultation if you’ve been in a Thousand Oaks motorcycle accident.