Insurance survey reveals animosity between cars and motorcycles
The Staff of
Clutch and Chrome
April 23rd 2008
With
motorcycle fatalities on the rise, how drivers view bikers
may have some insight to the increase. A recent online
survey of Connecticut drivers conducted by Directive
Analytics on behalf of
Allstate has some surprising results.
The study
reveals drivers wish they didn't have to share the road
with motorcycle riders and if they had their way, one in
four would ban bikes from highways and parkways. Nearly half
of drivers surveyed said riders shouldn't be allowed on
roadways at all during inclement weather.
Why the
animosity? Because Connecticut drivers consider
motorcycles unsafe. Eighty percent of respondents thought
motorcycles are more dangerous or much more dangerous than
other vehicles. One in five, in fact, said they have come
close to hitting a biker. Illustrating just how
anti-motorcycle they are, 75 percent of drivers said they
would not let their child ride one.
But concerns
aren't limited from drivers about bikers. Riders were
surveyed at the same time and they drivers to be more
careful on the road. Connecticut bikers overwhelmingly (80
percent) thought they were safer on the road than car
drivers, stating that car drivers are careless and don't pay
attention to what's going on around them. Bikers also found
car drivers to be aggressive, trying to cut riders off, as
well as impatient, tending to tailgate cyclists.
"Whether we prefer four wheels or two, we all have
preconceived notions, and perhaps even strong opinions,
about other drivers -- but these opinions should never get
the better of us while we are in our vehicles," said Andrea
Short, Allstate Field Product Manager. "Particularly now as
the warmer weather approaches and heavy traffic re-emerges,
all drivers should be careful and cognizant of fellow
drivers at all times so we may share the roadways safely
this spring season."
Regardless of opinions, fatal accident statistics are a grim
reminder that all drivers must remain vigilant about safety.
According to the most recent data from the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an average of 117
people died each day in motor vehicle crashes in 2006 -- one
every 12 minutes. Specifically, motorcycle rider fatalities
have increased by 89 percent from 1997 to 2004 and
fatalities continue to increase each year.
Allstate suggests bikers take a quick glance at whom they
are riding next to. According to the survey, nearly 60
percent of men said they have come close to hitting a
motorcycle while driving.
In terms of location, bikers might want to stay clear of
Hartford. Hartford was the city with the most drivers who
have admitted to coming close to hitting a motorcycle (one
in four). New Haven was number two, followed by Bridgeport,
Waterbury, Danbury and Stamford.
'Do As I Say, Not
As I Do'
But bikers seem to take a 'do as I say, not as I do'
position on riding. One in three of those polled who
wouldn't want their child to ride a motorcycle are actually
motorcycle riders themselves. Furthermore, half of bikers
actually think motorcycles are dangerous. Although most
bikers consider themselves safer than car drivers, the
survey shows that about one in three never received training
on how to ride a motorcycle safely.
"To ensure everyone keeps an eye on safety, we recommend
that all drivers know the basics of sharing the road with
motorcycles," said Short. "But even with the best
preparation, accidents do occur. Purchasing motorcycle
insurance can help protect you and your family's way of life
-- not just for today, but down the road as well."
Allstate and the NHTSA have compiled these highway safety
tips;
- Protect
yourself -- Choose gear that will increase your
visibility in addition to providing protection in the
event of a crash. Always wear a helmet that fits right.
Pick one that has the DOT label, which shows that it
meets federal safety standards.
- Keep
control -- Know your bike's limits. Stick to the speed
limit. Use your signals. Brake smart by using both
brakes at the same time, slow and steady.
- Know
the road -- Watch for hazardous road conditions such as
potholes, wet leaves, railroad tracks and other road
obstructions.
- Make
sure other drivers can see you -- Never share a lane
with a car.
- Don't
ride in blind spots or tailgate, and always use your
headlights.
- Be
respectful of other drivers -- Don't weave through
traffic or drive on the shoulder.
Additional
information came out of Allstate Motorcycle Survey;
- Men
Versus Women
According to the survey, of those who ride motorcycles
in Connecticut, 30 percent are women. This is compared
to the national average of only 9 percent (American
Motorcyclist Association).
- The
survey revealed women were much more likely than men to
become nervous near a biker.
-
Difficulty for Car Drivers Seeing Bikers
Two out of three drivers say they have the most
difficulty seeing bikers in heavy traffic, as well as on
highways; one in three drivers said it's most difficult
to see bikers at dusk.
-
Reckless
The poll reveals that more than one in five respondents
thought bikers
cause more accidents than other vehicles. The majority
of these people
said bikers' recklessness was the main reason they
caused more
accidents.
- No
Insurance
Although motorcycle insurance is mandatory in
Connecticut, not optional, nearly 13 percent of bikers
said they do NOT have a
motorcycle insurance policy. The overwhelming reason
bikers said they don't have insurance was that they do
not ride the bike often enough.
About Allstate
The
Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) is the nation's largest
publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through
the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate(R)" slogan, Allstate
helps individuals in approximately 17 million households
protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow
through approximately 14,900 exclusive agencies and
financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada. Customers
can access Allstate products and services such as auto
insurance and homeowners insurance through Allstate
agencies, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800
Allstate(R). Encompass(R) and Deerbrook(R) Insurance brand
property and casualty products are sold exclusively through
independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides
life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance,
annuity, banking and retirement products designed for
individual, institutional and worksite customers that are
distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies,
financial institutions and broker-dealers. |
