The Five Most Common Risks for Motorcycle Riders — And How to Stay Safe on Iowa Roads

Central Iowa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycles offer freedom, efficiency, and the pure joy of open-road riding — but they also expose riders to far greater risks than drivers in enclosed vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger-vehicle occupants, per mile traveled.

Whether you’re cruising I-80 through Polk County or winding along county roads in Madison or Dallas County, understanding the five most common risks motorcycle riders face can help save lives — and guide injury claims if tragedy strikes.

Motorcycles offer freedom, efficiency, and the pure joy of open-road riding — but they also expose riders to far greater risks than drivers in enclosed vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger-vehicle occupants, per mile traveled.

Whether you’re cruising I-80 through Polk County or winding along county roads in Madison or Dallas County, understanding the five most common risks motorcycle riders face can help save lives — and guide injury claims if tragedy strikes.

1️⃣ Left-Turning Vehicles

The Risk:
The single most common and deadly motorcycle crash scenario happens when a car turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle.

Drivers often misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or fail to see it at all due to its smaller profile — a classic “looked but didn’t see” situation.

Legal Implications:

• Left-turn collisions typically establish fault on the turning driver, who must yield the right of way.
• In Iowa, failure to yield while turning left violates Iowa Code § 321.320, which supports negligence per se claims in civil suits.

Safety Tips:

• Ride defensively at intersections.
• Assume cars will pull out — slow slightly, cover your brakes, and maintain a visible lane position.
• Consider using modulating headlights during the day.

2️⃣ Distracted Drivers

The Risk:
Smartphones are the new drunk driver. A texting or scrolling driver can travel the length of a football field without looking up — enough to completely miss a motorcycle.

Legal Implications:

• Distracted driving violates Iowa Code § 321.276, banning texting and using electronic devices while driving.
• In civil litigation, distracted behavior can justify punitive damages if it shows reckless disregard for others’ safety.

Safety Tips:

• Keep distance from vehicles drifting in their lanes or braking erratically.
• Use lane positioning that maximizes your visibility in mirrors.
• Equip your helmet or jacket with reflective materials.

3️⃣ Excessive Speed — From Either Vehicle

The Risk:
Speeding amplifies danger exponentially. A high-speed crash between a car and a motorcycle is rarely survivable. Even moderate excess speed reduces reaction time and magnifies force on impact.

Legal Implications:

• Under Iowa’s comparative fault rule (Iowa Code § 668.3), if a motorcyclist is found more than 50% at fault, they may be barred from recovering damages.
• Insurance adjusters often argue “contributory speed” — so evidence like skid marks, ECM data, and eyewitness accounts become crucial.

Safety Tips:

• Ride within speed limits and match conditions (rain, curves, gravel).
• Consider advanced rider training to improve emergency braking and cornering.

4️⃣ Poor Road Conditions

The Risk:
Gravel, potholes, uneven pavement, and construction debris are nuisances for cars but deadly for motorcycles. A small patch of gravel can cause a loss of traction leading to a slide or high-side crash.

Legal Implications:

• Claims against governmental entities (like the Iowa DOT or county engineers) for poor maintenance must follow Iowa Tort Claims Act notice rules.
• Deadlines are short — typically within two years, and sometimes less for municipal claims.

Safety Tips:

• Scan ahead and reduce speed entering construction zones.
• Avoid riding on the painted lines or tar snakes when roads are wet.
• Always use proper tire inflation and tread depth for maximum grip.

5️⃣ Impaired Driving — Alcohol or Drugs

The Risk:
Riding or driving under the influence remains a leading cause of fatal motorcycle crashes. Impaired reaction times, poor judgment, and slowed coordination can be deadly on two wheels.

Legal Implications:

• Iowa’s Dram Shop Act (Iowa Code § 123.92) allows victims to sue bars or establishments that served an obviously intoxicated driver.
• DUI offenders face both criminal and civil exposure, including punitive damages for reckless disregard.

Safety Tips:

• Never ride impaired — even “just a few beers” affects reaction time.
• If another driver appears impaired, stay clear and report via 911.
• Consider ride-sharing or designating a sober rider for group rides.

Bonus Risk: Lack of Proper Insurance Coverage

Many riders carry only minimal coverage — a serious mistake. Hospitalization, surgery, and lost wages can easily exceed policy limits. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is vital for protecting yourself from drivers who carry the state minimum ($20,000/$40,000).

🧭 Takeaways for Riders and Injury Victims

✅ Ride Defensively: Expect mistakes from others.
✅ Be Visible: Bright gear and active positioning save lives.
✅ Preserve Evidence After a Crash: Photos, witness names, helmet cam footage, and the police report matter.
✅ Get Legal Help Early: A personal injury lawyer can help preserve black-box data, request DOT records, and manage insurer negotiations.
✅ Know Your Rights: Comparative fault and insurance subrogation are complex — don’t face them alone.