Statistically, motorcyclists are much more likely to die in a vehicle accident than occupants of passenger cars. One of the most shocking recent motorcycle accident facts to emerge from a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is that motorcycle fatalities are nearly six percent higher than passenger vehicle deaths caused by traffic accidents. In the interest of motorcycle safety, consider these other important facts about motorcycle accidents in order to stay safe when you are out riding.
Motorcycle Accident Deaths
Despite accounting for only three percent of vehicles on the road, motorcycle deaths account for about 13 percent of total highway fatalities in the United States. A recent study found that there were about 5,000 motorcycle fatalities, a number which has increased proportionally every year since statistics started being recorded.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Unlike drivers and passengers in cars, motorcyclists and their passengers are more likely to be killed than injured in a crash. When the motorcycle is the only vehicle involved in the accident, the driver is more likely to come away alive but seriously injured. However, about two thirds of all motorcycle accidents do involve at least one other vehicle.
Motorcycle Accident Causes
There are a number of different common causes for motorcycle accidents. In nearly 48 percent of accidents, the motorcyclist was found to be speeding, and in 42 percent of crashes, the motorcyclist had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit. One cause of accidents that are specific to motorcycles include lane splitting, a practice which is not illegal in every state.
Motorcycle Helmet Statistics
The leading cause of motorcycle accident deaths is head injury. The easiest way to prevent head injury in a crash is by wearing a motorcycle helmet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that in one year nearly 2,000 motorcyclists survived crashes that would have killed them because they were wearing helmets. An additional 800 could have been saved if they had been wearing helmets at the time of their accident.
As these motorcycle accident facts show, taking safety precautions is paramount when it comes to operating a motorcycle. Give these motorcycle accident statistics due consideration before taking your next ride. Call 615-859-2223 today for a FREE consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at the Law Office of Eric Beasley.