Explore the key factors contributing to motorcycle collisions in Orange County to help promote everyone’s safety and navigate the legal landscape of the aftermath.
1. Alcohol use
Motorcycle accidents due to alcohol use are more likely to occur on roads near bars and nightlife districts, especially during late hours or on weekends, when alcohol consumption is higher.
In 2023, there were 30 alcohol-involved fatalities in Orange County alone, accounting for 4.2% of California’s total of 710. This highlights the critical need for awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement of drunk driving laws, and initiatives promoting responsible alcohol consumption, especially among motorcyclists.
2. Speeding
In 2023, California recorded 756 speeding-related fatalities, with Orange County ranking sixth in the state with 32 fatalities due to speeding. Speed-related motorcycle accidents are common on highways, open roads, and streets with high speed limits. Riders rushing to reach their destinations or trying to navigate through heavy traffic may also cause motorcycle accidents.
3. Not wearing a helmet
Motorcyclists often overlook this essential safety precaution. Accidents involving riders not wearing helmets can happen anywhere, but they are more prevalent in areas with relaxed helmet laws or during recreational rides on scenic routes. But when you are driving in Orange County, California, make sure to always wear a helmet because of the state’s CVC §27803. And, not just any helmet–it should meet the Department of Transportation’s standards.
4. Slippery and wet roads
The chance of motorcycle accidents increases in rainy conditions or along poorly drained roads like bridges and low areas prone to flooding. Tire traction is lower on wet roads, which makes it especially risky for motorcyclists. It doesn’t always rain in Orange County but during its brief rainy season from November to February, slowing down and maintaining a safe distance away from other vehicles, particularly in adverse weather, can decrease the risk.
5. Going the wrong way or into oncoming traffic
Everyone knows we’re supposed to stay in our lane. And when we don’t, head-on collisions can occur—these accidents happen when a driver goes the wrong way or crosses a double yellow line into oncoming traffic. These are more likely to occur on undivided highways, rural roads with narrow lanes, or at night when visibility is reduced and drivers may misjudge distances.
6. Left turn accidents
Left turns can disrupt traffic flow and lead to multiple hazardous collisions due to limited visibility and increased acceleration compared to right turns.
The size and space taken by motorcycles make them hard to miss, especially when other drivers aren’t paying attention at intersections or junctions where vehicles are turning left across oncoming traffic. They are common during Orange County’s rush hours or in areas with heavy traffic flow.
7. Lane-splitting
Lane-splitting accidents can occur on congested highways or in slow-moving traffic, especially during peak commuting hours when motorcyclists maneuver between lanes to bypass traffic jams.
Motorcyclists think they’re small enough to fit through narrow gaps or between lanes. While lane splitting is not illegal in the roads of Orange County, keep in mind that doing this can disrupt traffic and, in unfortunate circumstances, lead to severe accidents if larger vehicles do not notice them due to their small size.
8. Road hazards
Speeding can reduce the visibility of road hazards, causing accidents. Potholes, debris, loose gravel, or oil spills can easily make the rider lose control or balance of the motorcycle. Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, or areas with heavy traffic can also lead to motorcycle accidents.
