8 Motorcycle Accident Statistics Every Rider Should Know

Are you gearing up to ride your motorcycle? Are you leaving the extra-protective gear in the closet? Be careful. Motorcycles are dangerous vehicles that often lead to the most unexpected accidents, no matter how experienced the rider is.There's certainly no denying that. Luckily, you can stay safe on the road by understanding various motorcycle accident statistics and taking the proper precautions. If you're interested, please continue reading this article from Sandel Law Firm. We compiled eight motorcycle accident statistics every rider should know. 

Nearly 70% of Motorcycle Accidents Happen at Intersections

That's mainly due to two reasons. Other motorists often don't see motorcycles, especially in large vehicles, and they may misjudge how fast a motorcyclist is traveling. Either way, it's bad news for the rider. So how do you stay safe? The best way to avoid a serious accident on the road is to never ride under the assumption that other drivers will see you. That means being extra cautious when changing lanes, coming to a stop in traffic or navigating an intersection. Remember, in order for this advice to be effective, you must always abide by it. Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, so it's always better to be safe than sorry. To learn more about this, visit NHTSA. 

Motorcycle Riders Are More Likely To Be Killed in an Accident Than Car Passengers

Motorcycle riders and passengers are far more likely to be killed or injured in an accident than people in cars. In fact, studies indicate that people on motorcycles are about 30 times more likely to die in an accident. Their likelihood of being injured is also quadruple of those in larger vehicles. Overall in 2019, 25 percent of motorcyclists died in accidents, compared to only 1.5 percent of people in cars. These statistics are a startling reminder of how important it is to be careful when on a motorcycle. Wearing proper safety gear, obeying the speed limit and being aware of your surroundings can help. However, you must remember even those precautions reduce the risk of an accident or at least significant injury.

Before Motorcycle Accidents, the Average Median Speed Was 29.8 Mph

The truth is that a motorcycle accident can happen at any speed, including hardly moving speeds. Another NHTSA study discovered that 29 mph was the median pre-accident speed of 900 motorcycle accidents studied. That reveals motorcyclists often have accidents at speeds under 30 mph, despite the public's belief that every motorcyclist speeds. Still, don't let this fool you. There is still plenty of data that leads us to believe that speeding does cause accidents. According to another study, "Thirty-two percent of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal accidents in 2017 were speeding." So as a motorcycle rider, remember to drive safely and be aware of your surroundings no matter how fast you are going. 

Cruisers Are the Type of Motorcycle With the Most Accidents

You may assume that the fastest motorcycles or the ones popularly used for tricks have the most accidents. However, in reality, it's the simple cruisers. As many as 50 percent of the motorcycles on the road are technically cruiser models. Naturally, that means that they are connected with a large number of accidents. And unfortunately, riders on cruisers tend to wear less protective gear to preserve their look.

Are Motorcycles Statistically Safer Than Cars?

Unfortunately, no. Motorcycles are statistically much more dangerous than cars. For every 100,000 motorcycle accidents, 72 prove to be fatal compared to cars at just 13 per 100 thousand. That's a startling difference, to be sure. 

Dangerous Road Conditions Are the Number 1 Cause of Motorcycle Deaths

Motorcycles are incredibly vulnerable to abnormal or dangerous road conditions. It isn't easy to maintain control with only two wheels and hardly any weight compared to other vehicles. That means motorcycle riders are especially prone to accidents in rain or snow. And other dangers, such as sand on the road. 

Mississippi Is the State With the Most Motorcycle Accidents

When the weather is warm, motorcycles hit the road. Consequently, that means states with consistently warm weather have the most riders on the road and suffer more accidents. Among those warm-weather states, Mississippi ranks the highest for motorcycle accidents. 

Other Drivers Who Violate a Motorcycle’s Right of Way Cause Two-Thirds of All Motorcycle Accidents

In two-thirds of all accidents involving a car and motorcycle, the car violated the motorcyclist's right of way. Often, that is because of the driver's poor visibility.If you suffer from a motorcycle accident, contact Sandel Law Firm, so we can help you get your proper compensation. Click here today for a free consultation.