How Many People Die in Motorcycle Accidents Each Year?
It’s difficult to know how many people die in motorcycle accidents each year. The number varies greatly by state. In New York alone, there are 2,811 motorcycle-related fatalities each year. Speeding is a major factor. But there are ways to reduce the fatalities.
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2,811 fatalities
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half of all fatal motorcycle accidents occur on weekdays. The other half occurs on weekends. However, it is important to note that most motorcyclists do survive these accidents, despite the high fatality rate. The most common fatality among motorcycle riders is loss of control while making a sharp turn on the road.
More than 1% of all motor vehicle crashes involve a motorcycle
According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 1% of all motor vehicle crashes involve motorcycles. These accidents are often the result of driver error, and they can involve many different factors. The most common of these are speeding and making wide turns, but other factors can also cause motorcycles to collide with cars.
Most fatalities occur in New York City
Every year, around 5,000 motorcycle accidents occur in New York City. Of those, 143 are fatal. A significant percentage of these crashes occur in the city, which is why the state commissioned a 2015 study to find out why this is so. The study showed that while motorcycles make up just two percent of city street vehicles, they are responsible for 14 percent of fatal crashes.
Speeding is a major factor
According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding accounts for nearly one-quarter of all traffic accidents that result in injury or death. This is because excessive speeding reduces the driver’s reaction time and increases vehicle stopping distance. Furthermore, excessive speeding impedes the ability of roads and roadways to protect people in vehicles.
Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69%
Helmets are an important safety item. They have been shown to reduce the risk of brain injuries by 45 percent, facial injuries by 27 percent, and fatal injuries by 29 percent. Children in wheeled sports like bicycle riding and skateboarding must wear helmets. In states with comprehensive bicycle helmet laws, helmet usage among children is more than double that of non-helmeted riders.
Left-turn crashes are the most common
Motorcyclists must obey traffic laws and observe the proper signals to avoid collisions. Left-turn crashes are one of the most common types of motorcycle accidents and often cause severe injuries. These accidents usually result from a driver’s failure to recognize an oncoming motorcycle. The driver may think he or she has seen the motorcycle, but the driver may not have seen the motorcycle at all. The result is a crash that may lead to severe injuries, including a broken arm or a broken leg.