There’s nothing quite like the thrill of riding a motorcycle on a beautiful day: the wind in your face, the exhilarating speed, the open road stretching ahead. However, that freedom comes with serious risks. Motorcyclists and their passengers are especially vulnerable in crashes, with little protection from the impact. As a result, they are more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries or even death when they are involved in accidents. Scroll down to learn about the odds of getting in a motorcycle accident, as well as some steps you can take to reduce your risk and stay safer on the road.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
The Hurt Report was a study commissioned by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on more than 900 motorcycle crashes. The researchers found that 66 percent of these crashes were caused by the automobile driver’s failure to see the motorcycle rider before the collision occurred. The report identified the following causes as the most common:
- Motorist failing to notice the motorcycle
- Motorist violating the cyclist’s right-of-way
- Motorist making a left-hand turn across the motorcyclist’s pathway
- Driver or rider alcohol impairment
- Driver or rider speeding
- Road defects or debris
- Rider inexperience
- Inadequate maintenance
Since the Hurt Report was commissioned in 1981, the original study didn’t include information about distracted driving from cell phones. However, the introduction of smartphones and their widespread use today have also led to significant problems with distracted driving. Driver distraction is also a major contributing factor to all types of vehicle accidents, including those involving motorcycles.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics and Collision Odds
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in collisions in 2023, representing 15 percent of all traffic deaths during that year. This occurred despite the fact that the number of motorcycles registered in the US was just 3 percent of the number of registered vehicles overall. Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to be killed in a collision than vehicle occupants and five times more likely to sustain injuries.
To determine the odds of getting in a motorcycle accident, you can compare the number of registered motorcycles vs. the total number of accidents and injuries. In 2023, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported there were 8.8 million motorcycles registered in the US. The National Safety Council (NSC) reported there were 82,564 motorcycle accident injuries. When adding the number of fatalities, that means there were an estimated total number of accidents of at least 88,899 in 2023.
Taking 88,899 accidents divided by 8.8 million registered motorcycles, one percent of bikers were likely to be involved in motorcycle collisions in 2023. This means the odds of getting in a motorcycle accident in 2023 were 1 out of 100.
These odds may be concerning, but there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of being involved in a motorcycle crash.
How to Reduce Your Risk of an Accident
Both motorcyclists and other motorists must take steps to decrease the risk of causing or being involved in motorcycle crashes. Motorcyclists are much more likely to sustain serious or fatal injuries in collisions, making it imperative for everyone to drive or ride cautiously when sharing the road.
Use the following strategies to reduce your risk of motorcycle accidents:
- Walk around your bike and ensure everything is working properly before you take it out. If anything needs attention, have it repaired before riding.
- Always wear a helmet.
- Get plenty of practice riding before you take your motorcycle out on the road.
- Never ride your bike or drive your vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Follow the posted speed limit.
- Watch for vehicles on side streets that appear to be preparing for left turns.
- Check for motorcyclists before turning left or changing lanes.
- Follow all traffic laws.
- Drive defensively.
- Avoid risk-taking behaviors.
- Never drive distracted.
- Never assume other drivers can see you. Wear brightly colored, reflective clothing when riding your motorcycle.
Talk to Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle crash with another vehicle, you might be entitled to recover compensation. The talented motorcycle crash lawyers at Ellis & Associates can review your case and explain your legal options and rights. Contact us for a free consultation today by calling 800-MR-ELLIS or sending us a message online.