How Many Motorcycle Accidents Per Year?
How Many Motorcycle Accidents Per Year?
If you’ve ever driven a motorcycle, you know that the chances of being involved in a crash are high. Motorcyclists are 35 times more likely than drivers of other vehicles to die in a crash. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include speeding, wet weather, and fixed objects on the road.
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Motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than drivers of other motor vehicles
Motorcycle riders face an extreme level of danger compared to drivers of other vehicles. They are involved in more accidents than any other type of vehicle, and their chances of being involved in a fatal crash are significantly higher than that of other road users. Motorcycle accidents account for 14% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States, and the number of motorcycles on the road makes the risk even greater.
The data for motorcycles is limited, but some trends are apparent. For example, motorcyclists under age 20 are more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than drivers of other motor vehicles. The age at which these crashes occur also differs. Those aged twenty-four to twenty-four are more likely to be involved in an accident than those aged 45 and over.
Wet weather
Regardless of how experienced a motorcycle rider you are, it is important to stay alert when it rains. Even the slightest downpour can cause a motorcycle accident. Heavy rains can make roads slippery and conceal road defects. Riders are more likely to suffer serious injuries in wet weather.
Standing water on the road may cause a motorcycle to hydroplane. The vehicle will lose control of its speed and might even hit a deer or other live animal. In addition, ice is extremely slippery and can cause motorcycles to lose control. Strong winds can also cause a motorcycle rider to lose control of his or her motorcycle. Snow also reduces visibility because sunlight reflects off snowdrifts.
Speeding
According to the NHTSA, nearly one-third of motorcycle accidents involve speeding. Younger riders are particularly vulnerable to crashes caused by speeding, with almost half of 21-24-year-olds involved in fatal crashes involving speeding. Fortunately, there are easy ways to protect yourself and stay safe while riding a motorcycle. The first and most obvious way is to wear a helmet.
Speeding increases the risk of collisions and reduces the motorcycle driver’s reaction time. In addition, the lower visibility of a motorcycle makes it easier for a driver to miss critical information or make a quick decision, resulting in a crash. As a result, high-speed crashes can be fatal and leave the rider suffering from serious injuries.
Fixed objects on the road
Fixed objects on the road are a leading cause of motorcycle crashes. These objects can be anything from a tree to a car, and when a motorcycle crashes into one, it can result in death. According to the IIHS, about four out of every ten fatal motorcycle accidents involve a fixed object. Thankfully, there are ways to avoid running into these hazards on the road.
While speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are major causes of motorcycle accidents, other factors play a major role as well. Poor road conditions and inclement weather are other common causes. Motorcyclists are more likely to lose control of their motorcycles during an accident when the other driver fails to watch for them. Other fixed objects on the road that are the cause of motorcycle accidents include trees, traffic barriers, fences, telephone poles, and parked cars.