Take a few minutes to read some of the most staggering motorbike statistics. The smaller size relative to other vehicles makes it easier for a motorcycle not to be seen by other drivers. Fog, which you might have imagined obscuring visibility and increasing the risk of crashing, was a factor in less than 1% of fatal accidents. As a matter of fact, in 2019, two-thirds of these deaths occurred in places that werent intersections. The following statistics are quite impressive, showing how theres a growing interest in these unique vehicles. Per 100,000 registered motorcycles, their figure reaches 975. List of deaths by motorcycle crash - Wikipedia Fiftypercent of motorcyclist deaths in 2020 occurred on weekends, and those deaths were more likely to occur after 6 p.m. compared with weekdays. It is a misconception that rain is to blame for the majority of motorcyclist fatalities. About half of fatally injured drivers of touring motorcycles and of cruisers or standard motorcycles were helmeted. Lets not forget about supersport bikes, whose riders are not only more likely to be in motorcycle accidents but also bad ones. On that note, the NHTSA also states that deaths on bikes occur some 28 times more frequently than in any other vehicle, car included. The table below shows Occupant Fatality Rates by vehicle type, 2010 and 2019: Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Theres no such thing as a minor motorbike crash. Spine injuries occurred in 20% of collisions. Only 2% of all motorcycle accidents are caused by roadway damage, potholes, and pavement ridges. Of the 56% of fatal collisions with other vehicles, 78% percent were head-on collisions and 5% were a fatal rear-ending of the motorcycle by another vehicle type. The majority of fatal crashes, 52.61%, involved a motorcycle and one other vehicle. According to WHO, India has the highest death rate due to bike crashes. The behavior of drivers and motorcyclists appears as the underlying cause of accidents, including: The NHTSA reports that 42% of motorcyclists killed in single-vehicle crashes were impaired by alcohol, and 30% of riders did not have a valid license to operate a motorcycle. The average driver experiences vehicle-related accidents every six years, with near misses up to twice a month. For the best experience and to ensure full functionality of this site, please enable JavaScript in your browser. It stands for: Most of these multiple vehicle accidents involve passenger vehicles, such as cars. A total of 154 motorcyclists died in crashes, up 9% from the number of . [24] Of the two-vehicle crashes one nearly 40% involved the motorcycle hitting another vehicle turning left.[24]. Moreover, in 2019, around 66% of single-vehicle motorcycle accidents occurred due to the riders error.On top of that, 42% of motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes in 2019 were alcohol-impaired. 32. For more information, please call (800) 928-1511. Moreover, motorcycle injury statistics point out that the motorcycle rider sustains some sort of injury in about 98% of multiple vehicle crashes and somewhere around 96% of single-vehicle crashes. In most cases, the wind caused impaired vision and delayed hazard detection. Also, they offer additional protection, helping you avoid serious injury in the event of a crash. The table displayed below shows the number of killed people by person type in U.S. motorcycle accidents: Riding on two wheels rather than four makes motorcycles less stable than other vehicles, which makes the riders skill level important in being able to maintain control. In 2012, 75% of two-vehicle motorcycle accidents involved the motorcycle crashing into the vehicle ahead of it and only 7% involved the motorcycle being hit in the rear. In the late 1970s the proportion of fatally injured motorcyclists who were 50 and older started to increase, rising from 3 percent of all rider deaths in 1975 to 14 percent in 1997 and 36 percent in 2020. 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. Besides that, how old are the bikes you see on the roads every day? What Type of Motorcycle Accident Causes the Most Deaths per Year? 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. Upgrade Your Ride: Best High-Tech Motorcycle Gadgets If the use of the wordgadget brings to mind something contrived and pieced together in You're not alone if you're searching for the cheapest motorcycle to insure. Motorcycle accident statistics prove that they are less common than car crashes. The 84,000 motorcyclists injured in crashes in 2019 increased 2% from the previous year when there were 2,000 fewer injured riders. [26] In cases of a single-rear brake-light, its failure leaves other drivers without notification that the motorcycle is stopping. However, the fact that such accidents are more dangerous for bikers is not surprising. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are not designed for on-highway use, but in recent yearshundreds ofriders died in crashes on public roads annually. As you read through this analysis of recent motorcycle accident statistics, you will find information to become a better and safer rider. Motorcycle protective clothing reduces the chance of open-wound injuries, as stated by the George Institute for Global Health. 31% of fatally injured riders didnt have a valid drivers license. 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. It is common knowledge that riding a motorcycle can easily lead to a fatal motorcycle accident. But, of course, any discussion about motorcycles eventually gets around to their lack of stability and ability to protect riders and passengers from serious injury in a crash. [4], The breakdown in deaths by type of bike in 2013 is as follows: Cruiser 1,281, Touring 578, Sport-touring 22, Sport 269, Supersport 945, off-road 42, other or unknown 889. According to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, about 6% of vehicle occupants suffer serious injuries or deaths. Copyright 2023, Insurance Information Institute, Inc. 92% of all riders involved in crashes are self-taught. If you ride a motorcycle, the data presented here will be of interest. In states with helmet laws that cover only some riders, 41 percent of fatally injured motorcyclists were helmeted. The majority of these accidents occur because of driving errors such as slide-out and fall because of over-braking or negotiating a curve at high speed, according to causes of motorcycle accidents statistics. However, doing so could reduce your risk of dealing with feet or ankle injuries by 90%. Bikes arent as stable as cars, and rides often lack the protection a car driver has. The proportion of fatally injured ATV riders who were 40 and older increased from 9 percent in 1982 to 41 percent in 2020. However, do you know how many machines are currently on the road? The NSC shows that 3,061 or 61.38% of deadly motorcycle crashes happened in urban areas. Defective Product Attorney in Los Angeles, 21+ Motorcycle Accident Statistics and Facts, We Make the Process Easy to Get the Results You Deserve. 3/4 of bike accidents involve other vehicles, while only 1/4 are single-vehicle accidents. . In 2000, it was 9% while in 1990 it was only 1%. Besides that, what types of injuries can happen when you are riding? 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. In detail, that was the case for 674 people in this age group. Namely, some of the motorcycles which are more commonly involved in crashes are cruisers.Moreover, street bikes and MX/Enduro motorcycles also account for a high number of crashes. 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. The fact that car accidents occur more frequently than motorcycle accidents should not be a surprise considering that cars far outnumber motorcycles. This is up 12% from 89 at the same time last year. This statistic dates back to 2019 when the overwhelming majority of deaths during motorcycling happened to men. Wearing armored riding boots reduces the chance of open-wound injuries by as much as 90%, as shown in a study by the Marine Corps Safety and Force Preservation. Out of all motorcycle owners, approximately 81% of them are male. Some of the most popular types of motorcycles include: Of all types of motorcycles registered in the U.S., one study found the fatal crash rate for super sports to be four times greater than any of the other types. It covers the years from 2011 through 2020. Among ATV riders killed in single-vehicle crashes in 2020, 64 percent involved the ATV rolling over during the crash. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's (NHTSA) final statistics for 2020 showed 5,579 deaths from motorcycle crashes (these final numbers represent a slight revision from our previous article ), compared to 5,044 in 2019, an increase of 11 percent. Helmets, jackets, goggles, boots, and gloves can make all the difference in your safety while riding. Of the more than 8 million motorcycles, 950,780 are registered right here, in California. Statistics on motorcycle accidents underline the importance of taking a motorcycle safety course, which can help lower the risk of a crash in novice riders. They may be fun and economical to ride, but the odds of surviving a motorcycle accident are against you. Government estimates show that more than 25,000 lives have been saved since 2002 through helmets by motorcyclists. Of the 109,000 accidents, 62,000 involved a collision with a motor vehicle. Not counting the chopper, the sport touring bike was the least favorite, with only 2.4% of riders selecting the style. Data collected about motorcycle crashes point toward the four factors, geographic, time of day, weather, and intoxicated driving, displayed in the accompanying charts as impacting motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle Crash Statistics - What percent of motorcycle accidents Motor-vehicle deaths in California 2021 | Statista Moreover, six in ten female motorcyclists who lost their lives in 2019 were passengers, and their deaths accounted for 91% of the passenger deaths. Imagine the difference in bodily protection for a standard vehicle vs. a motorcycle. 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 statistics, more than 2 million people are injured in car accidents each year. [4][36], In the US, the NHTSA defines the following vehicles as motorcycles: mopeds, two- or three-wheeled motorcycles, off-road motorcycles, scooters, mini bikes, and pocket bikes. 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. (Georgia Injury Lawyer) Running into objects causes nearly a quarter of motorcyclist fatalities, compared to 18% of car crash deaths. Available 24/7. [35] Compared to passenger vehicles, motorcycles had 28 times the number of fatalities as cars per mile driven in 2016. It opposes a high risk of fire non-present in crashes involving other vehicles. Buy a motorcycle that you can control, particularly when you need to maneuver out of a dangerous situation. Despite the number of deaths, the government hasn't done anything to deal with this issue. The state Department of Safety said two deaths occurred on Saturday, NewsNation affiliate KELO reported on Sunday. In total, 104 riders have died from incidents that occurred at Grand Prix motorcycle racing events, with Ben Drinkwater being the first in 1949. Then again, around 84,000 motorcyclists sustained injuries in 2019, representing a 2% rise from the previous year. The mean engine displacement of the motorcycles involved in fatal crashes also increased, from an average engine size of 769cc (46.9cuin) in 1990, to 959cc (58.5cuin) in 2001, an increase of 24.7 percent. Contact us: Crash Records Unit Crash Records Unit According to the NHTSA, in 2019, motorcycle accidents in the U.S. claimed the lives of 5,014 riders and injured another 84,000. Further SCHP data also shows more than half of bikers who died in wrecks didn't . IIHS Causes of Motorcycle Accident Statistics A lot of factors can be at play in a motorcycle crash. The following facts are based on analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). In fact, only 1.99% of motorbike deaths happened when there was rainwater on the road. [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. Both rates increased substantially from 2019 to 2020. The IIHS reveals that there are 8.3 million registered motorcycles currently on American roads. [19] Of those 1,134 died in motorcycle crashes. Avoiding the road at this time may not be an option, so just focus on staying visible and vigilant. Passenger vehicle occupant deaths and motorcyclist deaths, 1975-2020. After 2020's record motorcyclist deaths, 2021 isn't looking good Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Safety Administration. Reported road casualties in Great Britain: motorcycle factsheet, 2020 How many motorcycle deaths in the US each year? The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) advises bikers to run a quick pre-ride inspection before each ride. For motorcycle riders, America's roads have never been more deadly. [4][8] There is a reported 80% chance of injury or death on a motorcycle in the event of an accident, compared to about 20% for passenger vehicles. In 2020,38 percent of fatally injured ATV drivers on public roads had BACs at or above 0.08 percent. [4] At the same time occupant deaths of other types of vehicles have decreased in the 21st century, so motorcycle accident deaths have become an increased share of all deaths and noted for being 26 times more deadly than cars. GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) South Carolina reported more deaths on motorcycles in 2021 than any year in the past four decades. Approximately 28% of fatally injured motorcyclists had 0.08% or more alcohol concentration in their blood. Despite the frequent catastrophic crashes, Americans have a love affair with the motorbike that keeps on going. Pennsylvania Motorcycle Statistics. Wearing proper safety gear and staying vigilant can make a world of difference. This means that 34% of those involved in an accident died. [4] 319 died on All terrain vehicles in 2013. 22% of female bikers are Generation X, while 26% of them are Millennials. Of those,88percent were on minor roads. It is not like driving a car. 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. That translates to females representing only 9% of these fatalities. Compared to other drivers, motorcyclists have a considerably higher number of single-vehicle accidents. 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. Moreover, motorcyclists who lost their lives in crashes at night in 2019 were nearly three times more frequently alcohol-impaired than the ones killed during the day. Face injuries occurred in 10% of collisions. (1) NHTSA began using police-reported crash data from the Crash Report Sampling System, replacing the National Automotive Sampling System Trucks also did better based on the rate per 100,000 registered vehicles at 6.8% versus 58% motorcycles. [4], 327 died on ATVs in 2011 compared to 4,6124,403 on motorcycles that year. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, these are some stats of motorcycle vs. car accidents: The chart below shows how motorcycles compare to trucks and cars regarding the rate of involvement in fatal crashes. Although touring bikes also made a good showing at 21.8%, the overwhelmingly favorite motorcycle is the cruiser. In 2017, 33% of killed motorcyclists drove bikes with engine sizes larger than 1400c. The wind in your hair, the open road, and adrenaline make each ride a unique experience. This number represented a slight decrease in motorcycle accidents per year, compared to the year before when there were 5,038 such fatalities. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. For this reason, bikers are more likely to be killed or at least injured in a crash. While biking is fun and exciting, its definitely more dangerous than driving a car. These are the bikes with quite a bit of power. He said over the past 18 years, the yearly number of motorcycle accident deaths has been more than the number of deaths we have seen from Covid-19 in the past 2 years. Surveys conducted in October for 1996-2000 and in June thereafter. Whatever the reason for it, you have a greater chance of crashing a motorcycle than you do when driving in your car, truck, or SUV. Motorcycle Vs Car Accident Statistics (2023 Update) *Any testimonials or endorsements do not constitute a guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. General Estimates System (GES). Few motorcycle drivers invest in armored motorcycle boots. Running into objects causes nearly a quarter of motorcyclist fatalities, compared to 18% of car crash deaths. 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. 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. 59% of women killed in bike crashes were passengers, although passenger-carrying bikes arent involved in accidents as much. Both organizations are wholly supported by these auto insurers and insurance associations. Speeding, distracted driving, and drunk drivers can be deadly, and other vehicles on the road pose the biggest risk. The federal government estimates that per mile traveled in 2019, the number of deaths on motorcycles was nearly 29 times the number in cars. Less than 1% of trucks were involved in fatal crashes compared with 25% of motorcycles based on the rate per mile traveled. Thats hardly enough time when you are sober, let alone inebriated. Instead, learn the dangers associated with riding a motorcycle and, more importantly, tips on how to avoid them and stay safe on the road. Deaths were more likely to occur in urban than rural areas (60 percent vs. 38 percent). However, the state-mandated coverage hardly proves sufficient in case of an accident. California wasnt that far behind Florida, with 474 people dying in motorcycle accidents. 2001 Crash Facts. [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. As some cars are more dangerous than others, the same goes for motorbikes. Do you know where bike crashes are more likely to happen? They are also less visible to other drivers and pedestrians and less stable than four-wheel vehicles. Please sign in to access member exclusive content. Sixty-one percent of the female motorcyclists who died in crashes in 2020were passengers, and their deaths represented 92 percent of the passenger deaths. This chart from the NHTSA shows the percentage of motorcyclists using a DOT-approved helmet. Improper lane use, including lane splitting. Considering that riding a motorcycle without a helmet has serious consequences, one wonders why so many US states havent made helmets compulsory for all riders. Or is it because authorities dont understand the benefits of a universal helmet law? Therefore, making yourself a better rider will make you a safer one as well. Motorcycle deaths accounted for 14 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths in 2020 and were more than double the number of motorcyclist deaths in 1997. Motorcycle coaching may also bring your motorcycle insurance premium down, which is an added, but not an insignificant, benefit. The rate of unlicensed fatally injured motorcycle drivers during 2020 was higher than the rate of unlicensed fatally injured passenger vehicle drivers (38 percent vs. 20percent). Experts averaging the numbers found that a motorcycle rider is 29 times more like to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled than an occupant in a standard passenger car. [29], Tire issues such as blow-outs can cause motorcycle accidents. The proportion younger than age 20 decreased from 54 percent in 1982 to18 percent in 2020. DOT HS-809-715). [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. Just about 89% of fatal motorcycle accidents occur when the skies are clear or cloudy. [32] In some cases, people may survive their accident but have limbs amputated. Statistics show that 5,206,409 registered bikes are older than ten years. Now that you have all of the statistics about the dangers of riding a motorcycle, here are five tips that may help ensure that you arrive at your destination safe and unharmed: Keep in mind that most of the common causes of motorcycle accidents were related to the behavior of the motorist and motorcycle rider. Negligence, not bad weather, causes the bulk of bike accidents. That said, you have a few options of at least protecting yourself somewhat. 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 risk of other foot injuries is also reduced by 45%. Using crash data for 2019, the National Safety Council reports the following states as having the highest number of fatal motorcycle accidents: Weather that allows for year-round use of motorcycles may be a reason for the high fatality rate in Florida and the fact that cold-weather states, such as Alaska with six fatalities, do not have as many deaths due to motorcycle crashes. [11] Blunt abdominal trauma can be caused by a motorcycle accident, and can damage the testes and intestines. However, only 40% of the riders involved in an accident wore a helmet. [22] (see also Motorized tricycle), Of 4,957 killed in 2012 on motorcycles, 7% were passengers. South Carolina motorcycle deaths reach four-decade high of 154 in 2021 [31] Automotive and motorcycle accidents together are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, about 35% percent; this can include more minor injuries to the spinal cord up to more severe cases such paraplegic (2) or quad (4) plegic cases. Those numbers rose in 2020 where 172 fatal accidents killed 170 in 2020. Specifically, SCHP Master Trooper Brian Lee said there were 88 motorcyclist deaths in 2020 and 118 so far in 2021. The statistics presented so far highlight the dangers and risks confronting motorcyclists, particularly about fatalities. In 2020, 61 percent of fatally injured motorcycle drivers were helmeted. 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. [7], Since about 2004 over 4,000 people have died every year up to 2014 in motorcycle accidents, and in 2007 and 2008 deaths exceeded 5,000 per year. "We are concerned about the death of so many motorcyclists in 2020 with the traditional riding season still to come," said Pam Pannkuk, Acting Director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. Examples include broken bones, amputations, road burns, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and traumatic brain injuries. The rise in fatalities also seems to be getting worse. Facts + Statistics: Motorcycle crashes | III [13] Motorcycle accidents can cause genitourinary trauma which may result in pelvic pain and various other symptoms depending on the nature of the damage. 10. Learn about the different types of motorcycles and how to choose the best one for you! 2000 Crash Facts. That said, dont let this fact keep you away from the activity you enjoy the most.