How Many People Die In Motorcycle Accidents Per Year?
How Many People Die in Motorcycle Accidents Per Year?
When considering the number of motorcycle accidents, it is important to consider the factors that are responsible for each death. For example, alcoholism is one of the major causes of motorcycle fatalities. Another factor is the size of the engine. A motorcycle with a smaller engine is less likely to be involved in a fatal crash.
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Statistics on motorcycle accidents
The NHTSA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, keeps statistics on motorcycle accidents. Its database relies heavily on first responders, which are often present at the scene of the accident. It also has a report detailing the size of motorcycles that are involved in fatal crashes. It finds that, as a group, older riders and larger motorcycles are involved in more crashes than younger riders. The percentage of older riders on motorcycles grew from 16.3% in 1990 to nearly 28% in 2003.
Motorcycle accidents result in higher death rates than those car crashes. In 2012, those who rode on a motorcycle were 26 times more likely to die in a crash than those in cars. There were approximately 8.5 million motorcycles on the road. However, a report from the Insurance Information Institute published in March 2015 showed a decline in both the number of deaths and injuries due to motorcycle accidents.
Common causes
Motorcycle accidents are common and often fatal, and it is important to follow safe driving practices to avoid being involved in one. Drivers should use active and defensive driving techniques and use common sense whenever possible. Distracted driving contributes to 40% of motorcycle fatalities. If you must text or send a text, pull over and wait until you are sure that you can complete the task without endangering anyone. Also, keep in mind that reaction times decline with age.
Another common cause of death in motorcycle accidents is speeding. Motorcycle riders must be cautious, as speeding can make it difficult to account for changing traffic patterns. Motorcyclists should also be aware of the hazards of driving in poor visibility. This is especially important for passengers because poor visibility can cause severe injuries or even death.
Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a contributing factor in many motorcycle accidents. Although alcohol is not the sole cause of fatal crashes, it is often suspected. In 2016, there were 4,950 fatal motorcycle crashes. Of those, 1,259 were suspected of alcohol use. A further 355 had a lower level of alcohol in their system. The alcohol impairment rate among motorcycle riders was higher than for other driver types, including passenger cars and light trucks.
Alcohol and drug use are major factors in motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle riders are twice as likely as automobile drivers to die in crashes involving alcohol or drugs. And they have more alcohol-related drivers than automobile drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-impaired drivers were involved in 37 percent of motorcycle crashes. Knowing the effects of alcohol and drug use on motorcycle safety can prevent a deadly accident.
Speed limit
Many accidents involving motorcycles result from a driver’s failure to obey the speed limit. In one study, 33% of fatal motorcycle crashes involved drivers exceeding the speed limit. The rate for passenger car drivers was 19%. In any kind of weather or road conditions, this type of behavior can lead to serious crashes. To avoid such accidents, motorcycle riders should abide by the posted speed limit, wear the appropriate lighting, and slow down to perform evasive maneuvers.
It’s also important for cyclists to alert other motorists when they’re about to enter traffic. This could save a life. And don’t speed intentionally – always obey the posted speed limit and watch your step.