What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Get in Accidents?

Whether you are a recreational motorcycle rider or use your bike as an economical form of transportation, you should be aware of the risks involved with riding your bike. Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to be killed in a crash and four times more likely to suffer injuries than other motorists. When you know the statistics involved in motorcycle crashes, you can take steps to protect yourself and reduce your risk. What percentage of motorcycle riders get in accidents? Scroll down to find out.

Understanding the Motorcycle Collision Rate

Statista reports that an estimated 8.8 million motorcycles were registered in the U.S. as of January 2023, which represented an increase from 8.7 million in 2022 and 8.3 million in 2018. However, the number of motorcycles registered in the U.S. represents a fraction of all registered vehicles. In 2022, slightly more than 283.4 million vehicles were registered in the U.S. This means that only 2.8 percent of registered vehicles are motorcycles. Despite this, motorcycle riders suffered 14.6 percent of all traffic deaths in 2022 even though they represent only a small percentage of the vehicles on the roads.

What percentage of motorcycle riders get in accidents? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports an average of 89,000 motorcycle collisions are reported in the U.S. annually. Compared to the number of registered motorcycles, approximately 1.01 percent of motorcycle riders will have an accident in a year. However, since many accidents are not reported, this percentage is likely too low.

In 2022, the NHTSA reported that 6,218 motorcyclists were killed in crashes. An estimated 82,687 cyclists suffered injuries in motorcycle collisions that year.

A few factors increased the risk of accidents, including alcohol or drug impairment, speeding, and lack of helmet use. In states that did not have universal helmet laws, the NHTSA found that 54 percent of the motorcyclists who were killed were not wearing helmets.

How to Reduce Your Risk

You can take action to reduce your risk of being involved in a motorcycle collision by taking the following steps:

1. Check your bike before you ride. Always walk around your bike and inspect it before you take it out on the road. Make sure the lights and signals work. Check the brakes and tires to make sure they are operating correctly. Make sure to take your bike in for regular maintenance to keep it in good working condition.

2. Wear appropriate motorcycle gear. Always wear safety gear when you ride, including a helmet, motorcycle boots, motorcycle jacket, gloves, and pants. Wearing appropriate gear can help to minimize your injuries if you’re involved in a crash.

3. Never ride while impaired. If you have anything to drink or use any substances, don’t ride your motorcycle. Take a rideshare to get home if necessary, but don’t risk your safety and that of others.

4. Follow posted speed limits. When you ride, obey the posted speed limits so that you’ll have enough time to react when you encounter a road hazard.

5. Keep your focus on the road. Always pay attention to other drivers while you ride. Watch for hazards ahead of your bike to give yourself time to react.

6. Make lane changes properly. Use your signal whenever you change lanes, and make sure to give other motorists some distance instead of cutting right in front of them.

7. Look out for dangers. Watch for motorists on side roads who are preparing to turn onto the road. Some motorists fail to check for motorcyclists before turning, which can cause serious motorcycle crashes.

8. Pay attention to road and weather conditions. Motorcyclists are more prone to accidents caused by road and weather conditions than other motorists. Look out for potholes, road debris, wet pavement, and ice. Drive no faster than the conditions allow.

Talk to an Attorney at Ellis & Associates

Now that you know what percentage of motorcycle riders get in accidents, it’s important to know what to do if you are involved in a collision through no fault of your own. If you are injured because of the negligent actions of another motorist, you might be entitled to recover compensation. For a free consultation, call the experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Ellis & Associates at 800-MR-ELLIS or send us a message online.