Motorcycle Accidents - Accident Statistics
Motorcycle accidents are not rare on national highways. Small bikes with powerful engines and little protection for the rider spell out a recipe for disaster. Even though motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than most other motor vehicles, motorcycle accident statistics are still surprising and tragic:
Motorcycle Facts
- In the past year, 2,284 motorcyclists died and approximately 49,000 were injured in highway crashes in the United States.
- Per mile traveled, a motorcyclist is approximately 16 times more likely to die in a crash than an automobile occupant and 3 times as likely to be injured.
- Head injury is a primary cause of death after motorcycle accidents.
- 46% of fatally injured motorcycle drivers were not wearing helmets at the time of the accident.
- The NHTSA estimates that motorcycle helmets reduce the likelihood of a fatality by 29% in a crash.
- 41% of all motorcycle drivers involved in fatal crashes were speeding.
- Nearly one out of five motorcycle drivers (18%) involved in a fatal crash was operating with an invalid license at the time of the collision.
- Motorcycle drivers involved in fatal crashes have a 31% intoxication rate, higher than any other type of motor vehicle driver.
- 500 motorcyclists' lives were saved over the past year due to helmet usage; 307 could have been saved.
Motorcycle Fatality Statistics
- Helmet use among fatally injured motorcyclists is below 50 percent.
- A majority of fatal motorcycle accidents occur on rural roads.
- High blood alcohol levels present in motorcyclists is a major cause of motorcycle accidents.
- Approximately half of motorcycle fatalities are related to negotiating a curve prior to the crash.
- Over eighty percent of motorcycle fatalities occur off of a roadway.
- Undivided roadways are a factor in a majority of motorcycle fatalities.
- Almost two thirds of motorcycle fatalities are associated with speeding.
- Almost sixty percent of motorcyclist fatalities occur at night.
- Collision with a fixed object is a significant factor in over half of motorcycle accident fatalities.
- Braking and steering maneuvers possibly contribute to nearly one fourth of motorcycle fatalities.
- Motorcycle operators over the age of 40 are more likely to be killed than those under 40.
Almost one third of the fatally injured motorcyclists were not properly licensed.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, permanent damage or death in a motorcycle accident, call VanDerGinst Law at 1-866-843-7367 or click here for a FREE online case evaluation. The initial consultation is free of charge. If we agree to handle your injury case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if, and when, there is a money recovery for you. In many cases a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. So please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.
