Reckless Drivers and Motorcyclists in Fargo

Dangerous driving in downtown Fargo recently sparked increased efforts on the part of police to control exhibition driving. Accidents caused by this type of driving can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists, as a recent accident proved.

On June 14, 2024, the Fargo Police Department, the North Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Cass County Sheriff’s Office began targeting areas known for speeding and exhibition driving. Their effort led to 60 citations in under 12 hours—22 for speeding, six for red-light violations, three for exhibition driving, and two DUIs. Two motorcyclists were among those recklessly driving on Broadway. One crashed near the scene, and the other sped away from police but crashed into a parked car.

Why are speeding and reckless driving so dangerous?

Speeding and reckless driving are dangerous for many reasons, impacting not just the driver or motorcyclist but also passengers, other road users, and pedestrians. Here are some ways these driving habits negatively impact road safety:

• Greater risk for pedestrians and cyclists: Speeding and reckless driving put pedestrians and cyclists at higher risk, as these road users are more vulnerable and less protected in the event of a collision.
• Inability to navigate adverse conditions: Speeding increases the difficulty of safely navigating through adverse weather conditions, such as rain or fog, which can further compromise vehicle control and visibility.
• Increased stopping distance: The faster a vehicle is traveling, the longer it takes to come to a complete stop. This increases the likelihood of collisions, especially in situations requiring sudden braking.
• Loss of vehicle control: Reckless driving behaviors (weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, and making aggressive lane changes) increase the risk of losing control of the vehicle, leading to accidents.
• Poor decision-making: High speeds and reckless driving often involve risky maneuvers that can surprise other drivers, creating unpredictable situations and increasing the chances of collisions.
• Reduced reaction time: Higher speeds reduce the amount of time a driver has to react to unexpected situations, such as sudden stops by other vehicles, obstacles on the road, or changes in traffic signals.

Understanding and addressing these risks allows for more informed decisions to prioritize safety on the road.

Why these driving behaviors are even riskier for motorcyclists

In June 2024, three fatalities occurred related to motorcycle accidents in West Fargo, Grand Forks, and Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Law enforcement personnel estimate about one in five of their calls involve a reckless driver. Speeding and reckless driving are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists for several reasons, including:

• Aggressive interactions: Reckless driving can provoke aggressive responses from other drivers, creating a hostile and unpredictable environment on the road. This can lead to dangerous situations for motorcyclists trying to navigate through traffic.
• Cornering issues: High speeds make it more challenging to navigate turns safely. Motorcyclists may misjudge the curve or fail to lean properly, resulting in skidding or crashing.
• Greater vulnerability: Motorcyclists lack the protective structure of a car. In an accident, they are more exposed and more likely to suffer severe injuries or fatalities.
• Impact force: In a collision, the force of impact increases with speed, leading to more severe injuries. Motorcyclists are at higher risk of being thrown from their bikes in a crash, which can result in serious trauma.
• Increased stopping distance: Just like cars, motorcycles need more distance to stop safely at higher speeds. This can lead to collisions if the motorcyclist cannot stop in time.
• Reduced stability: Motorcycles are inherently less stable than four-wheeled vehicles. High speeds and sudden maneuvers can easily cause a motorcyclist to lose control, leading to accidents.
• Riding fatigue: Reckless driving often involves aggressive and strenuous maneuvers, which can lead to rider fatigue more quickly. A tired rider has slower reaction times and poorer judgment, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Visibility issues: Motorcycles are smaller and can be harder for other drivers to see. Reckless driving, such as weaving in and out of traffic or speeding, increases the risk of other drivers not seeing the motorcyclist in time to avoid a collision.

How do most motorcycle accidents happen?

Most motorcycle accidents happen due to a combination of factors. Common causes include:

• Cornering: Accidents frequently happen when motorcyclists take corners too fast, leading to loss of control. Misjudging a curve’s sharpness or road conditions can cause the bike to skid or crash.
• Distracted driving: Both motorcyclists and car drivers can be distracted by mobile devices, navigation systems, or other distractions, leading to accidents.
• Failure to yield: Accidents occur when other drivers fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists at intersections, stop signs, or when merging.
• Impairment: Operating a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment, reaction times, and motor skills, leading to a higher likelihood of accidents.
• Inexperience: Inexperienced riders are more likely to make errors in judgment, misjudge road conditions, or lack the skills needed to avoid accidents. This includes poor braking, improper turning, and inadequate situational awareness.
• Lane changes: Accidents often occur when a car changes lanes and collides with a motorcycle. Motorcycles can be harder to spot in blind spots, and drivers may not check thoroughly before switching lanes.
• Lane splitting: Riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic can be dangerous due to the proximity of other vehicles, the reduced space to maneuver, and the unexpected actions of drivers. Lane splitting is illegal in North Dakota.
• Left turns: The most common type of motorcycle accident involves another vehicle making a left-hand turn in front of a motorcycle. This often occurs because the driver of the car does not see the motorcycle or misjudges its speed.
• Road hazards: Potholes, gravel, wet surfaces, oil spills, and other road hazards are particularly dangerous for motorcycles, as they can easily cause a rider to lose control.
• Speeding and reckless driving: High speeds reduce the time a motorcyclist has to react to road hazards, increase stopping distances, and can lead to more severe accidents. Reckless behaviors, such as weaving in and out of traffic, further elevate the risk.

Were you seriously injured in a motorcycle accident that involved speeding or reckless driving? Call Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers or fill out our contact form to set up a free initial consultation today.