You’ve heard your mom or your overprotective friends say it a hundred times: motorcycles are dangerous. But are you really more at risk of an accident while riding a motorcycle than while driving in a car? Let’s look at the facts and statistics.
The Scary Stats About Motorcycle Accidents
It’s true that the numbers look ominous for motorcyclists. CrashStats reports that motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2013. According to RideApart, the fatality rate per registered vehicle for motorcyclists was six to seven times higher than the fatality rate for “passenger car occupants” in 2014. Motorcyclists in 2014 were also 27 times more likely than “passenger car occupants” to die in a crash per “vehicle mile traveled,” and nearly five times as likely to be injured.
How Many Motorcycle Accidents are Due to Rider Negligence?
On the other hand, it appears that many accidents were the result of preventable rider negligence. In 2015, the NHTSA reported that 33 percent of riders killed were a “direct result” of the rider speeding. About 40 percent of the riders killed in 2015 were not wearing a helmet. And it also tends to be the case that riders who had a blood alcohol content level in excess of the legal limit also made up a large chunk of the total rider fatalities – especially in states like Texas, Florida, and California, or here in Louisiana, where the weather encourages riding year-round.
The statistics point to a number of proactive steps that riders can take to help decrease their risk of injuries. Steps like:
- Wear a helmet
- Don’t ride drunk or high
- Receive proper training
- Don’t speed
How Many Motorcycle Accidents are Caused by Cars?
According to CrashStats, not as many as most people might think! In fact, motorcycles are more frequently involved in fatal collisions with fixed objects than with other vehicles. In 2013, 22 percent of the motorcycles involved in fatal crashes collided with fixed objects, compared to 18 percent for passenger cars, 14 percent for light trucks, and 4 percent for large trucks. CrashStats also reports another potentially surprisingly stat: In two-vehicle crashes, 74 percent of the motorcycles involved in motor vehicle traffic crashes were frontal collisions. Only 6 percent were struck in the rear.
What If You’re Involved in an Accident?
If you choose to cruise the highways on a motorcycle, take the responsibility to ride safe! In addition, be aware of the potential injuries you could sustain from an accident – even if the accident isn’t your fault. It’s also important to remember that no matter who’s at fault in an accident, it’s likely that the motorcyclist will sustain the more serious injuries. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get justice for your case! If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, remember that you might be entitled to significant compensation. It’s time to get an experienced personal injury and motorcycle accident attorney on your side. Ross Downs serves personal injury victims in Shreveport, Alexandria, and beyond, and he’s here for you too! Get started on your case or clarify your questions today! Call us at 318-284-8551 or contact us online.