What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Died in Accidents in 2019?
In the past decade, the number of motorcycle accidents has remained consistent at approximately 81,000 in all states. However, the number of fatalities is not the same in every state. The more darkly populated states, for instance, have higher numbers of motorcycle accident fatalities. In addition, the causes of motorcycle accidents vary from state to state.
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2,811 fatalities
There were 2,811 fatalities among motorcycle riders in 2019. In the United States, about half of all fatal crashes occurred during the week and a half occurred on weekends. The number of weekday motorcycle fatalities rose by 16 percent between 2010 and 2019. In 2019, 107 percent of motorcycle fatalities occurred between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The majority of these motorcycle crashes involved another vehicle. In 2017, there were over 64,000 crashes involving motorcycles and motor vehicles, resulting in 2,811 fatalities. Of those crashes involving other motor vehicles, the survivors’ rate was ninety percent, while the fatality rate was 2.8%.
Non-interstate roads
Most fatal motorcycle accidents occur on major non-interstate roads. These roads are often less busy than interstates, but they are still dangerous for motorcycles. Major surface roads that lead to interstates are typically more dangerous for motorcycles, as they tend to carry more traffic. In addition, urban surface streets are also more hazardous than back roads, making them the most dangerous roads for motorcycles.
Motorcycle fatalities occurred in all states and the District of Columbia, but many crashes occurred on non-interstate roads. In 2010, for example, more motorcycle fatalities occurred on non-interstate roads than on interstate roads. According to the Federal Highway Administration, 34% of fatal crashes involved a motorcycle and another vehicle, while 66% occurred at an intersection. Motorcycle fatalities are often fatal because of speeding and following too closely.
Alcohol-impaired drivers
Alcohol-impaired drivers kill a high percentage of motorcycle riders in accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2016, over one-quarter of motorcycle fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver. Of those, nearly two-thirds had a BAC of 0.08 or higher.
The percentage of motorcycle riders killed by alcohol-impaired drivers is much higher than the percentage of other vehicle types. For example, in 2011, alcohol-impaired drivers killed almost half of motorcycle riders in single-vehicle accidents. In 2020, the percentage of fatal motorcycle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver will reach nearly 40%. This is nearly three times higher than the percentage for other vehicle types.
Speeding
Speeding is a primary cause of motorcycle fatalities. Speeding accounts for approximately one in three motorcycle crashes, and it is particularly dangerous at night and on weekends when visibility is low. In addition, the risk of crashing into another vehicle is significantly higher at those times of the day. It is therefore essential for motorcyclists to be especially vigilant, particularly in areas where there is heavy traffic.
In a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2016, more than twenty percent of motorcycle accidents involved a speeding motorist. The proportion of motorcycle riders involved in these crashes was much higher than those involving other vehicles. According to the report, motorcycle riders aged 25 and 29 were most likely to be involved in a speeding accident.
Vehicle failure
Motorcycle accidents are typically caused by a variety of factors, but the most common are caused by driver errors. These errors can range from speeding to negotiating a curve at a high speed. As a result, it’s important to avoid riding in inclement weather, make sure you’re wearing the proper protection, and follow speed limits.
Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is a collision with fixed objects, such as a tree or fence. A crash with a stationary object accounts for about 25 percent of motorcycle fatalities compared to just 18 percent of fatal car crashes. This is largely due to the lack of protection a motorcyclist has compared to a larger car. Motorcyclists are also more likely to be ejected from their vehicles, which increases the risk of fatalities.