How Many People Are Killed in Motorcycle Accidents Each Year?
Each year in the United States, about 89,000 motorcyclists are involved in some sort of accident. This number includes both minor and severe crashes.
Despite the fact that they only account for about 3% of the registered vehicles on our roads, motorcycles are responsible for 14% of all traffic fatalities.
This is because they are by nature less stable, less visible, and more vulnerable than other types of vehicles. Moreover, they aren’t covered by an insurance policy like cars, so they can be much more expensive to repair and replace after a crash.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that per mile traveled, a person riding a motorcycle is nearly 29 times more likely to die in a crash than someone driving a car. This makes the road a hazardous place for riders and their passengers, especially in adverse weather conditions or poor visibility.
In order to help prevent motorcycle accident deaths, it is important for motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets that meet DOT standards. The government estimates that helmets reduce the severity of injuries to riders and passengers by 37%.
There are many different reasons why a motorcycle accident occurs. The majority of these accidents are caused by driver error, but a few other factors can also contribute to the crash.
For example, a driver may be speeding or distracted. Other common causes of motorcycle crashes include a lack of experience or a lack of knowledge about riding techniques and equipment.
Moreover, drivers who are drunk can also be a factor in a motorcycle crash. Alcohol is a contributing factor in one-third of all motorcycle accidents, and a significant percentage of these accidents involve younger riders.
Other factors that contribute to motorcycle crashes include left-turning crashes, riding without a license and riding with a small engine. In addition, riders can be at risk for sustaining fatal head and facial injuries when they fail to use full-face helmets.
A lot of accidents happen when the rider isn’t wearing a helmet, so this should be a top priority for everyone who rides a motorcycle. Luckily, most states require helmets to be worn by all riders.
These laws are especially crucial for young riders, but even adults can be at risk when they don’t wear a helmet. Some of the states that have the highest motorcycle fatality rates are Florida, California, Texas and Ohio.
The biggest cause of motorcycle crashes is the driver’s failure to maintain control of their vehicle, as they attempt to speed up or accelerate. This is particularly common when driving around high-speed intersections or in busy urban areas.
Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is a crash involving multiple vehicles. This can happen when a motorcyclist is traveling in front of another vehicle, or when two vehicles crash into each other at the same time.
A motorcycle is by nature a smaller vehicle, so it requires a different skill set to operate than a car. These skills can be difficult to acquire and they can make driving a motorcycle dangerous, particularly in bad weather or on slippery surfaces. This is why it is vital for every biker to practice safe driving techniques and always follow safety rules, such as never riding with a passenger or driving while under the influence of alcohol.