[12], Half of motorcycle fatalities in single-vehicle crashes relate to problems negotiating a curve prior to a crashalmost 60 percent of motorcyclist fatalities in single-vehicle crashes occur at night. The comparison of motorcycles to cars becomes even more striking when looking at the rate of fatal crashes per 100,000 registered vehicles. Motorcyclists and their passengers are more vulnerable to the hazards of weather and road conditions than drivers in closed vehicles. 2002 Crash Facts. [17], Motorcycle accidents were the leading non-combat cause of death for US service members. Considering the number of registered motorcyclists, a little over 1% of them are involved in motorcycle crashes every year.Then again, not all motorcycle accidents (especially the minor ones) are reported, meaning the actual numbers are higher. [26] Despite the focus on the head and helmet protection, it is possible for handlebars to castrate males in accident and damage done to the lower spine can leave men alive but paralyzed. The best way to better understand motorcycles and accidents that happen to people who ride them is by looking at motorcycle accident statistics. Motorcycle accidents tend to be deadlier than car accidents, mainly because the motorcyclist rides out in the open rather than inside a metal cage, so to speak. Some 1,689 of deadly bike crashes involved alcohol. Among fatally injured motorcycle drivers in 2020, 82 percent of cruiser or standard motorcycle drivers were 30 or older, as were 94 percent of touring bike drivers. Chest injuries occurred in 31% of collisions. 1999 Crash Facts. Fuel leakage happens in 62% of accidents in the post-crash phase. Source: U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Ultimate Resource for Motorcycle Accident Statistics 2023 The average speed of a motorcycle before the crash is 29.8 mph. Nearly 20% of riders are women, and that number is increasing all the time. The vast majority, 88.93%, took place during clear or cloudy weather. According to WHO, India has the highest death rate due to bike crashes. If you live in a city or other urban area, you have a greater risk of being involved in an accident than you would if living in a rural area. What State Has the Most Motorcycle Accidents? As a matter of fact, in 2019, two-thirds of these deaths occurred in places that werent intersections. Rising Las Vegas Motorcycle Accidents in 2021 - Aaron Law Group However, it is head-on collisions with cars that make up one of the biggest types of fatal collisions. In short, speed thrills but kills. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that driving a motorcycle increases your risk of death by 26 times more than if you drove a car when a crash takes place. Negligence, not bad weather, causes the bulk of bike accidents. As stated by the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, the biggest cause of deaths in motorcycle crashes is a head injury. Specifically, SCHP Master Trooper Brian Lee said there were 88 motorcyclist deaths in 2020 and 118 so far in 2021. The data shows the number of deaths per year, the most frequent accident causes, and a few other things you might want to know about. Deaths were more likely to occur in urban than rural areas (60 percent vs. 38 percent). Facts and Statistics: To date there have been 100 motorcycle fatalities in 2020. Statistics show that 5,206,409 registered bikes are older than ten years. Believe it or not, motorcycle death statistics indicate that three in ten motorcycle riders involved in deadly accidents in 2019 were riding with no valid motorcycle licenses. Men seem to be more into motorcycles than women, although women are present just as well. (2008). To keep everyone safe, we urge drivers and motorcyclists to share the road and be alert, and we're reminding motorcyclists to make themselves visible, to use DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets, and to always ride sober. After checking the weather forecast before heading out, make sure you also look at the route you plan to take and the address of your destination. This chart from the National Safety Council shows you the percentage of riders wearing helmets and the lives saved in any year from 2002 through 2019. Among motorcycle drivers killed in 2020, 34 percent drove motorcycles with engine sizes larger than 1,400 cc, compared with 9 percent in 2000 and less than 1 percent in 1990. Built for racing and modified for roadways, this supersport bike can reach speeds up to 180 mph and are extremely popular among drivers under 30. However, only 9% of deadly accidents happen out there. U.S. Department of Transportation. That is the highest number recorded and an 11 percent increase from 2019. [22] This is for just 0.7% out of all vehicles miles driven in the US that year.[22]. Spine injuries occurred in 20% of collisions. In 2019 there was a total of 103 motorcycle fatalities. Since motorcycles are unenclosed vehicles, riders are less protected from various hazards and more likely to sustain a severe injury in the event of a mishap. The chart from the NHTSA compares helmet usage by type of helmet and the percentage of riders wearing them in states with and without universal helmet laws. For this reason, bikers are more likely to be killed or at least injured in a crash. As many as 69% of questioned Millennials mentioned that theyre more interested in electric bikes due to their sustainability and environmental impact. California Traffic Safety Quick Stats | Office of Traffic Safety Both organizations are wholly supported by these auto insurers and insurance associations. [7] (About half a million people to a million people would die each year if cars had a similar accident rate, all else being equal. Among the motorcycles whose drivers were killed in 2020, 94 percent of touring bikes had engines larger than 1,400 cc, while virtually all supersport bikes had engine sizes of 1,000 cc or smaller. It makes the Golden State the number one location for bike riders. More specifically, 591 people lost their lives in motorcycle accidents in Florida that year. California wasnt that far behind Florida, with 474 people dying in motorcycle accidents. Sturgis Motorcycle Rally: Authorities record 4 fatalities; arrests for Not only is California the most populous state in the United States with the largest number of motorcycles, but it is also the most populous state in the United States, accounting for almost 12 percent of the countrys total population. Furthermore, 19 states and the District of Columbia have laws on helmet use, and these laws are the most effective countermeasure for increasing the use of helmets. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. South Carolina motorcycle deaths reach four-decade high of 154 in 2021 [24] Of the two-vehicle crashes one nearly 40% involved the motorcycle hitting another vehicle turning left.[24]. Please note that these figures do not involve the errors in judgment made by the car, van, or trucks driver. How dangerous is it really for motorcyclists on Americas roads? In 2020, California reported the highest number of personal and commercial motorcycles registered in the country. Motorcyclists and their passengers are more vulnerable to the hazards of weather and road conditions than drivers in closed vehicles. There were 132 fatal accidents that killed 133 people in 2019. A total of5,579 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2020. [27] A broken pelvis can lead to mobility problems due to the bone's central location. Only about 2% of accidents can be attributed to roads or visibility affected by rain. Make yourself visible: Wear bright clothing during the day and clothing made with reflective material at night to make you more visible to other motorists. However, when broken down by the rate of fatal crashes per 100,000 registered vehicles, it shows that 58% of motorcycles versus 9.4% of cars were involved in fatal collisions. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. [4] Breakdown for 2013 by engine size is 1,951 for under 1000 CC, 692 for 1000 to 1400, and 1,276 for over 1400 (approximately). Forty-eight percent of motorcycle drivers killed at night (9 p.m. - 6 a.m.) in 2020 had BACs at or above 0.08 percent. All states in the US, except Florida, require motorcycle owners to have some sort of motorcycle insurance. As you read through this analysis of recent motorcycle accident statistics, you will find information to become a better and safer rider. All articles related to Law, Safety, or information are provided for educational use only, and constitute expressions of opinions and advice of the author only.The Motorcycle Legal Foundation shall assume no liability whatsoever for your reliance on any of the articles contained herein, nor should you rely on said articles as statements of fact. The remaining fatal crashes involved three or more vehicles. The likelihood of a rider suffering an injury in a crash is four times greater than a driver or passenger riding in a car or truck. The majority of fatal crashes, 52.61%, involved a motorcycle and one other vehicle. In most cases, bikers have less than 2 seconds to try to avoid a collision. Despite the frequent catastrophic crashes, Americans have a love affair with the motorbike that keeps on going. In fact, only 1.99% of motorbike deaths happened when there was rainwater on the road. Motorcycle riding is fun and exciting, regardless of your bike and riding style. (1) Trucks with 10,000 pounds or less gross vehicle weight. 1996-2023, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute, 501(c)(3) organizations | Copyright information and privacy policy, these auto insurers and insurance associations. According to the data, 91% of fatal motorcycle crashes involved male drivers. [15] A preliminary report by the GHSA estimated that the number of motorcyclist deaths in 2012 was more than 5,000, a 9% increase over 2011. Putting it differently, for every 100 motorcycle riders without helmets killed in accidents, 37 could have been saved if all 100 wore helmets. As you can see from the chart, 25.98 fatal accidents involving a motorcycle occurred for each 100 million miles traveled in 2019 compared to only 1.42 collisions for passenger cars using the same number of miles. In 2020, 5,579 motorcyclists died. Compared to other drivers, motorcyclists have a considerably higher number of single-vehicle accidents. The chart below compares the rate of fatal collisions for different vehicles in 2010 and 2019, the most current year for which such data is available. Almost half of all fatal accidents showed alcohol present. Polk & Co; Registered motorcycles - USDOT, Federal Highway Administration. According to statistics, more than 2 million people are injured in car accidents each year. Moreover, which models are the most popular? Since motorcyclists lack the surrounding protective structure of other vehicles, they are more likely to sustain severe injuries, or even fatal ones, after a crash.Namely, motorcycle fatalities occurred nearly 29 times more frequently compared to passenger car occupant deaths in crashes in 2019. In states without the Universal Helmet Act, 57% of motorcyclists killed in 2019 did not wear helmets (compared to 9% in states with the Universal Helmet Act). The challenge faced when researching motorcycle accidents is the absence of data available for the number of accidents occurring throughout the country over a year. Almost half of those deaths happened on weekends. Contact us: Crash Records Unit Crash Records Unit Motorcycles are great fun to ride, but your joy ride can quickly turn ugly if you mix drinking and driving. From 2017 to 2019, motorcyclist fatalities increased by 22%. Ride a motorcycle that suits you: A too big, too heavy, or overpowered motorcycle is difficult to control and increases the risk of an accident. [22] Combined driver and passenger deaths for motorcycles were 18% of all driver and passenger deaths in 2012 for all vehicles. Teen Safety. In 2000, it was 9% while in 1990 it was only 1%. So, while some statistics might not seem important, others can be quite helpful. To request crash data, please visit the Public Record Center. All rights reserved. Although touring bikes also made a good showing at 21.8%, the overwhelmingly favorite motorcycle is the cruiser. Fifty percent of motorcyclist deaths in 2020 occurred on weekends, and those deaths were more likely to occur after 6 p.m. compared with weekdays. How Many People In The Us Ride Dirt Bikes - BikeHike Per 100,000 registered motorcycles, their figure reaches 975. For example, 61% of fatal motorcycle crashes occurred in urban settings and slightly under 39% in rural areas. Of those,88percent were on minor roads. It opposes a high risk of fire non-present in crashes involving other vehicles. The rate at which they occur seems to be split almost equally between daytime and nighttime hours. Bikes arent as stable as cars, and rides often lack the protection a car driver has. The Motorcycle Legal Foundation Blog is owned by Michael Padway as an educational resource only.None of the material on this site is expressly or impliedly meant to provide legal advice to you in any way shape or form. In 2020, 61 percent of fatally injured motorcycle drivers were helmeted. However, although riding is a popular trend, statistics show that theres still much room for improvement. However, the vast majority, 66%, happened in places other than intersections. Besides that, what types of injuries can happen when you are riding? Copyright 2023, Insurance Information Institute, Inc. The following statistics are quite impressive, showing how theres a growing interest in these unique vehicles. 61.3% of Motorcycle Traffic Deaths Happened in Cities. Table 1 and Chart 1 show that . The wind in your hair, the open road, and adrenaline make each ride a unique experience. It is common knowledge that riding a motorcycle can easily lead to a fatal motorcycle accident. 2003 Crash Facts. The accompanying chart shows that single-vehicle crashes, such as a motorcyclist losing control of the vehicle on a wet or snow-covered road account for 39.87% of fatal accidents. Sixtypercent of the deaths in 2020 occurred during May-September. Helmets, jackets, goggles, boots, and gloves can make all the difference in your safety while riding. Preliminary estimates indicate motorcycle deaths will pass 6,000 a year once 2021 totals are tabulated. Motorcycle Accident experts consider common causes of fatal motorcycle accidents to be speeding, riding while drunk, lane splitting, sudden lane changes, and overall reckless motorcyclist driving. [17] One study evaluated motorcycles as being 37 times more dangerous for a fatal accident than a car. It is noteworthy that the demographic most commonly associated with riding is the over-40 group. You have undoubtedly seen your fair share of Yamaha V-Max and BMW R18s on the road. Three blocks from where fellow Allman Brothers Band member Duane Allman had his fatal motorcycle crash. 2021 MKP Law Group, LLP - Do not copy. Do not ride a bike unless you took the time to go through a course and get a license. Take the cue and respect speed limits, always. Out of all motorcycle owners, approximately 81% of them are male. According to the NHTSA, most of these weekend motorcycle accidents (601) happened between 6 PM and 9 PM. Nevertheless, motorcyclists should avoid riding in inclement weather or, if they must, take adequate precautions before hitting the road, such as running a thorough pre-ride inspection. [13], In 2009, motorcycle fatalities in the US declined for the first time in 11 years but remained above 4000; that year's total dropped from 5,312 to 4,469 (between 2008 and 2009). Twenty-seven percent of fatally injured motorcycle drivers in 2020 had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above 0.08 percent; in single-vehicle crashes this was41 percent. The anecdotal speed of about 86 mph only happens once in 1,000 cases. Leaving sufficient space between your motorcycle and the vehicle ahead of you and staying out of other blind spots are only a few examples of always being aware and alert. In 2019, motorcyclists involved in a fatal accident had a higher rate of alcohol disability than drivers of all other car types (29% on motorcycles, 20% on cars, 19% on light trucks, 2% for heavy trucks). Take a few minutes to read some of the most staggering motorbike statistics. Looking to buy a motorcycle but not sure which one? [26] In cases of a single-rear brake-light, its failure leaves other drivers without notification that the motorcycle is stopping. This number represented a slight decrease in motorcycle accidents per year, compared to the year before when there were 5,038 such fatalities. Deaths of ATV riders on public roads have increaseddramaticallysince 1982, the first year they were explicitly identified in FARS. 88.93% of Motorbike Fatalities Occur in Cloudy or Clear Weather. 37% effective in preventing rider fatalities and 41% effective, National Highway Traffic Safety Commision, National Highway Traffic Safety Commission, The Lightweight Motorcycle Helmet Guide for 2023, A Beginners Guide to Types of Motorcycles, Upgrade Your Ride: Best High-Tech Motorcycle Gadgets. 1998 Crash Facts. In 2021, the state of California reported around 4,161 motor-vehicle deaths, a slight increase from the year before. Out of the ones reported, over 5,000 are fatal crashes, and the rest include severe injuries. Engine sizes of motorcycles whose drivers were killed in crashes have gone up dramatically. According to TechNavio, we can expect the electric motorcycle industry to grow by 42% by 2021. Here are some statistics to back that up: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) claims that motorcycles are more likely to be involved in crashes than cars. In contrast, 91% of deadly events occur on roads that are not interstates. There are, however, reliable statistics available to give insight into how motorcyclists compare with other motorists. [18] Between 1999 and 2012 4,423 died in combined motor vehicle deaths including motorcycles. Furthermore, motorcyclists are also five times more likely to sustain an injury. Estimates show helmets to be 37% effective in preventing rider fatalities and 41% effective in preventing passenger deaths. That's not an exaggeration. Motorcycle accident statistics prove that they are less common than car crashes. It explains why about 80% of reported accidents become fatalities.