What Percentage Of Motorcycle Riders Get In Accidents?
What Percentage Of Motorcycle Riders Get In Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents occur frequently. Many fatalities are the result of left-hand turns by cars, but motorcycles are not protected in the same way as traditional vehicles. They often get lost in the blind spots of other drivers, which makes them even more vulnerable to collisions. As a result, the fatality rate of motorcycles is higher than that of cars. Of the causes of motorcycle accidents, left-hand turns are the leading cause, accounting for 42% of accidents. Distracted driving and driver fatigue are more often blamed for car crashes than motorcycle accidents, but motorcycles strike fixed objects more frequently than cars.
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Factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents
One of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents is speeding. Motorcyclists who speed are at a higher risk of getting into a crash, and accidents involving speeding are also more likely to be fatal. The speed limit should be followed while riding a motorcycle, and motorcyclists should proceed slowly through rush hour.
The NHTSA says that speeding accounts for nearly one-third of all motorcycle accidents. That’s an alarming figure. Following the speed limit is a vital way to keep everyone safer. Another significant factor in motorcycle accidents is age. While many bikers think that younger riders are more vulnerable, NHTSA’s data shows that the majority of bikers killed in 2013 were over 40 years old. The percentage has been increasing over the last decade.
Number of fatalities
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released its latest statistics regarding the number of fatalities among motorcycle riders. The agency found that most accidents occurred during daylight hours, while the cold weather and fog reduced visibility and decreased traction. However, motorcycle fatalities can occur at any time of day. Although the highest percentage occurred during the day, nearly half of the fatalities occurred at night. The percentage of fatalities involving alcohol has also increased, as nearly one-third of riders died while driving drunk.
The study also found that the rate of fatalities among motorcycle riders increased significantly from 1975 to 2020. The rate of motorcycle fatalities for people aged 16 to 29 years old increased by almost two-fold between 1975 and 2020. The rate of fatalities during weekdays was lower, but the rate of fatalities on weekends was almost double that on weekdays.
Number of injuries
A recent study looked at the number of motorcycle accident cases that required hospitalization. Compared to the control group, which consisted of individuals who were not involved in collisions, the number of motorcycle accident patients was nearly twice as high. The study also found that injuries caused by motorcycle accidents cost health systems six times more than those resulting from car accidents.
Among all road users, motorcycle riders have the highest injury rate. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the likelihood of a motorcyclist suffering an injury in a collision is four times higher than for a passenger in a car or truck. The chart below shows the rates of injury among motorcycle riders over the past nine years, from 2010 through 2019.
Time-of-day crashes occur most often
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are certain times of day when motorcycle riders are at a higher risk of a crash. Specifically, the rates of fatal and serious crashes are higher at these times. For example, a rider’s risk increases by about three times between 3:00 PM and 9:00 PM on weekdays. However, the chances of a motorcycle crash decline after midnight.
Evening riding conditions can become hazardous, especially in congested areas. Also, temperature changes can change the grip of the asphalt, making it more difficult to ride.