How Many Motorcycle Accidents Happen Every Year?

People love motorcycles for various reasons – some like to commute using motorcycles while others use them for recreational purposes, such as cruising. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that in 2018 over 8.3 million motorcyclists were registered in the United States, which proves just how popular these vehicles have become in recent times.

Nonetheless, motorcycle usage can raise some safety concerns. Some motorists feel that many motorcyclists do not ride safely, while others feel that other motorists are not sensitive to the concerns of motorcyclists on the road.  Every situation is unique, and it is difficult if not impossible, to make generalizations, but here are some statistics to consider.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in America

The National Highway Transport Safety and Authority (NHTSA) cannot pinpoint the exact number of motorcycle accidents that occur in America since not all are officially reported. 

However, statistics compiled demonstrate that the number of fatal motorcycle accidents per 100 miles traveled in 2019 was 25.47 compared to 0.89 for passenger cars during that same time period. This means that motorcycle riders wereoverrepresented among motorists who sustain fatal injuries on the road.

Motorcycle Accident Injury Statistics

According to the NHTSA, motorcyclists are almost four times more likely to develop injuries after an accident than passengers or drivers in any vehicle. As of 2019, the NHTSA put the number of injured motorcyclists at 84,000 annually, an uptick of 2,000 from the previous year.. 

Possible injuries reported by motorcyclists  may include:

• Severe injuries to the lower abdomen
• Severe injuries to the upper abdomen
• Head injuries
• Chest injuries
• Spine injuries
• Abdomen injuries

Motorcycle Accident Death Statistics

Although motorcycles are fun and economical, per miles traveled, motorcycle riders are 29 times more likely to die after a motorcycle accident than passenger car occupants. NHTSA reports that the number of fatalities stood at 5,014 by the end of 2019.

How Do Motorcycle Crashes Happen?

How do accidents involving these motorcycles–including  cruisers, sport bikes, and sport models–occur? LIke most accidents, the majority of motorcycle accidents involve a collision with an object or another vehicle.

What Are Some Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

The increased number of motorcycle accidents on the open roads can be attributed to several reasons. According to the NHTSA, causes of motorcycle accidents in 2019 included:

Speeding

Among motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2019, speeding played a role in 33% of the crashes. According to the NHTSA, a crash is considered “speeding-related” if the driver was charged with a speeding-related offense of the investigating police officer believed that racing, driving too fast for the conditions, or speed limit violations contributed to the crash.

Intoxicated Riding or Driving 

According to the NHTSA, 29% of fatal motorcycle accidents in 2019 occurred when someone rode a motorcycle while impaired by alcohol. The highest percentage of rider fatalities arising from alcohol impairment were in the 40 to 44 year old age group (comprising 40% of such fatal accidents).  

Distracted Riding or Driving 

Texting or taking calls while riding can also potentially result in a motorcycle accident. Distracted vehicle drivers may not see motorcycle riders until it’s too late, which can result in a serious, and potentially fatal, accident.

Protect Yourself While Riding a Motorcycle

The roads can be dangerous for motorcycle riders.Motorcyclists can do a variety of things to protect themselves and reduce the risk of serious injury, but sometimes despite the best of precautions, accidents happen. If you are injured in a serious motorcycle accident and are looking for legal representation so you can make a claim for pain and suffering and lost wages/medical expenses, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our experienced attorneys have the knowledge and experience to help you obtain maximum compensation.