Riding a motorcycle offers freedom, but it also carries risks.
On the road, riders are more vulnerable than people in vehicles. Thousands of motorcyclists die or suffer major injuries in crashes each year. Knowledge of important statistics will enable motorcyclists to make wise judgments and enhance safety.
Understanding the statistics behind motorcycle accidents is one of the most crucial actions one can take to remain safe. You should consult motorcycle accident lawyers to understand your rights if you find yourself in an accident.
Many accidents are a combination of factors such as speed, alcohol, and inexperience. Below are key statistics that motorcycle riders should be aware of.
Helmets are thought to be roughly 37% successful in stopping fatal injuries to riders. Every year, helmets save almost 2,000 lives. Motorcycle passengers also benefit from helmets since helmets help to reduce fatal injuries by 41%. One easy step that greatly improves safety is selecting a DOT-approved helmet.
More than half of the bikers involved in accidents had less than five months of experience riding a motorcycle. Of the riders in accidents, almost 92% lacked official motorcycling training or were self-taught. Taking a motorcycle safety course will help you drastically lower your risk of an accident. Proper training helps riders handle varying road conditions and prevent common errors.
5,934 motorcyclists in 2022 were killed in traffic accidents. Out of all the motorbike riders, 1,705 (29%) were drunk. Of all the motorcycle deaths in single-vehicle collisions, alcohol-impaired riders accounted for 43%. This figure leaps to 61% on weekend nights, proving how dangerous impaired driving is.
Of fatal motorcycle accidents, speeding accounted for 37%. In contrast, in just 18% of fatal accidents, passenger car drivers were speeding. Riding fast reduces reaction time and increases stopping distance. Following speed limits reduces the possibility of major accidents and deaths.
In fatal crashes, about one-third of motorcyclists lacked a valid motorcycle license. Riders lacking a valid license are more likely to have previous suspensions or violations. Licensed riders have to show knowledge of road safety and pass tests. Making sure you have the right license increases road safety for yourself and everyone else as well.
Despite making up only 3% of all road traffic, motorcyclists accounted for 14% of total highway crash deaths. Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely than drivers to die in a crash per mile traveled. Representing 11% of all fatal motorcycle accidents in the United States, 600 motorcyclists perished just in Florida. These figures show the increased risks motorcyclists face.
Contrary to common assumption, 97% of motorcycle deaths happened during either clear or cloudy weather. Just a tiny fraction of accidents occurred during rain or other severe storms. Riders should remain vigilant always, and not only during bad weather. In any road condition, safe riding practices are required.
Of all the motorcycle incidents, over 75% involved another vehicle, usually a car. Many of these collisions result from an automobile changing lanes without spotting a cyclist or failing to yield at an intersection. Among the most often occurring collisions between bikes and cars are front-end ones. At crossroads, riders should be wary and assume that drivers may not see them.
