Surprising Motorcycle Accident Statistics
No matter what vehicle you’re driving, it’s always important to be a careful driver any time you hit the road. However, compared to other vehicles on the road, motorcycles have a reputation of being more dangerous than cars when it comes to accidents. Is there any truth to this perception? Or are motorcycle accidents and injuries comparable to their counterparts in cars and trucks?
In reality, all vehicles you can drive have an element of risk to them. Whether you’re in a smaller sedan or a large truck, there’s no way to be 100% accident free when getting behind the wheel. However, motorcycles do have some unique risks associated with them that all drivers should understand. In today’s blog, we’re going to be taking a closer look at some motorcycle accidents that might surprise you.
No License? Don’t Drive!
When getting behind the wheel of a car or truck, it’s expected that the driver has the proper license to operate a vehicle. However, a surprising number of motorcycle accidents involve a driver without the proper license. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 36% of all motorcycle operators in fatal accidents were driving without a valid motorcycle license. Make sure you’ve gone through the proper procedures to be able to ride a motorcycle before getting on one, your inexperience could cause a devastating accident.
Accident Gender Gap
While there is a common stereotype that men can be higher risk takers, in the case of motorcycles, it’s actually true. Did you know that, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), men make up 92% of deaths involving motorcycles? This statistic is surprising because of how massive of a gap there is between men and women when it comes to fatal motorcycle accidents. As always, it’s important to wear a helmet and protective gear when riding motorcycles to help prevent an accident.
Significant Number of Accidents Involve DUI
Drinking and driving is never a good idea, and the same concept applies to motorcycles. According to the IIHS, 29% of motorcyclists who were fatally injured had a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit? In single-vehicle crashes, this number was even worse, rising to 43%. It’s always important to drive sober whether you’re driving a car, truck, or motorcycle.
Overrepresented in Fatalities
Motorcycle accidents involving a fatality are unfortunately more common than their ridership numbers would suggest. According to data from the NHTSA, 14% of all traffic fatalities involved a motorcycle. This number is below the number of motorcycles on the road, suggesting that riding a motorcycle has a higher risk factor on average than most other vehicles. The NHTSA recommends driving sober, staying visible, and wearing a helmet to help prevent a tragic accident.
While motorcycles can be perfectly safe when ridden with the proper precautions, you never know when an accident might strike. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, call 1-800-411-PAIN. If you’ve been involved in an accident, the guidance from a personal injury attorney could help navigate the aftermath. It is helpful to have legal and medical experts on your side. The experts at 1-800-411-PAIN can help explain your options, fight for the compensation you deserve, and guide you through a swift recovery.
If you or a loved person has been injured in an accident, call 1-800-411-PAIN today. Our legal professionals can help you navigate the tricky process of filing an insurance claim. Our medical professionals are here to provide you with the treatment you need. Remember, after 911, call 411.