Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration), motorcyclists statistically are more likely to die from a crash than typical motor vehicle accidents. NHTSA estimated that a death from a motorcycle accident occurred twenty seven (27) times more frequently than deaths resulting of a driver or passenger in another type of vehicle. This figure was calculated in part by using a per mile traveled statistic. Whatever the statistics, it is clear that the operation and use of a motorcycle can be quite dangerous; however, it should be noted that the ownership and use of a motorcycle is a choice that we, as Americans, in the spirit of freedom and liberty that so many motorcyclists greatly treasure, respect, and honor.

A review of 10 years of statistics with NHTSA show a range of 4,000 to 6,000 deaths every year as a result of a motorcycle accident. Many of these deaths could have been avoided with slower speeds, less distracted driving, less impaired driving, and other factors that affect by motor skills and cognitive skills during the operation of a motor vehicle.

The leading states for motorcycle rider fatalities are Florida, California, and Texas. Each of these states has weather that allows for riding year round. Motorcycles are popular and plentiful in each of these states as well. In addition, each state is quite large with large population centers and traffic congestion. These factors and others contribute to the high number of deaths for motorcycle riders as compared to other states.

Unfortunately, the statistics are quite alarming as to alcohol use as well when evaluating deaths resulting from motorcycle accidents. It is estimated that approximately 30 % of the motorcycle fatalities involved a BAC (Blood Alcohol Level) of .08 or higher for the motorcycle riders.

With respect to personal injuries, the national estimate for the number of motorcyclist and riders / passengers injured is somewhere in the range of 80,000 to 100,000 people. The statistics show that motorcyclists account for a majority of these people as compared to passengers on motorcycles. It should be noted that most accidents involve a motorcycle with just one occupant - the motorcyclist.

The statistics are also interesting as to the type of crash. While a large percentage of motor vehicle accidents involve a rear end crash, over 70 % of the motorcycle accidents with another motor vehicle involve a frontal collision while approximately 5 percent were caused by a rear end collision.

Due to the risks and dangers to motorcyclists and their riders, other motorists on the road should watch out for motorcycles. A motorcycle is no match (size, volume, weight, or force) to passenger vehicles. Certainly, a heavy truck or commercial vehicle could crush a motorcycle in certain accidents. A passenger vehicle can also do the same. Safer driving can help bring down some of these statistics.

When a person is injured or dies in a motorcycle accident, the truth is that the statistics are a bit irrelevant. From a legal and claim standpoint, the only facts that matters are the ones particular to the case or incident at hand. If a motorcyclist or passenger on a motorcycle is injured as a result of the negligence or carelessness of others, a claim or case should be pursued to protect and enforce the legal rights of the personal injury victim and family. Contact David A. Wolf - Florida Motorcycle Personal Injury Attorney - for a free consultation. Get D Wolf On Your Side - At Your Side.