How Many People Die Each Year From Motorcycle Accidents?
Statistically speaking, motorcycles are among the most dangerous types of vehicles on the road, with fatalities almost 29 times greater than those of cars. If you consider that motorcyclists are also more vulnerable to injury than other types of road users, you can see why motorcycles are such a deadly choice for drivers.
(Looking for a Collision Lawyer? Contact us Today! Click here: Water Truck Accident Attorneys)
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tracks motorcycle fatalities and injuries in the U.S. to help prevent fatalities and save lives. Using this information, motorcycle manufacturers can make changes to their products to improve safety. These changes can include new equipment and safety features. Despite these changes, motorcycles still represent a dangerous choice for drivers.
Motorcycles are more susceptible to injuries than other vehicles, mainly because they lack the protection of enclosed vehicles like cars. In addition to that, they are less stable than other vehicles. The rider’s chances of being injured are four times greater than a passenger in a car or truck. Motorcycles are also more likely to be involved in crashes that do not involve another vehicle.
Despite all of these hazards, motorcycles have become more popular in recent years. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there are 7.1 million motorcycles on the road in the U.S. Some states have mandatory helmet laws for all riders. In addition, the use of helmets is associated with a 67 percent reduction in the risk of brain injuries.
Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is speeding. Speeding reduces the motorcyclist’s reaction time, which can lead to a fatal crash. Almost one-third of fatal motorcycle crashes involved speeding.
A high percentage of motorcycle accidents involve other vehicles. Over seventy-five percent of motorcycle accidents are head-on collisions. During a head-on crash, the motorcyclist will often be struck by another vehicle that failed to see the motorcycle. This can lead to fatal injuries, particularly head injuries. The majority of fatal motorcycle crashes also involve the motorcyclist going straight ahead.
Drivers over 50 are also at a higher risk of fatal crashes. The proportion of motorcyclists who were over the age of 50 increased from three percent in 1975 to fourteen percent in 1997. In 2020, motorcyclists over the age of 50 made up 36 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes.
Another important factor that impacts motorcycle crashes is the weather. During the spring, fall, and winter, motorcycle riders are more likely to be injured and killed. However, riders in cooler weather states like Alaska don’t experience as many motorcycle accident fatalities as riders in warmer states like Florida.
According to NHTSA, motorcyclists are more likely to be struck by other vehicles than passenger vehicles. This can include other vehicles turning left in front of the motorcyclist. It is also more common for motorcycle riders to be struck by other vehicles in urban areas. As a result, urban areas have higher rates of motorcycle accidents than rural areas. Moreover, urban areas tend to have densely populated roads, making it difficult for drivers to avoid a crash.