Many words come to mind when thinking of motorcycles: time-saving, sexy, fast, thrilling, exciting, dangerous. See the trend in the last words? There’s a reason for that. Dallas motorcycle accident attorneys will tell you that the same thing that makes motorcycles highly attractive, also makes them more risky.
That sense of freedom and the feeling of the breeze rushing by can turn into a dangerous encounter with the pavement in a matter of seconds.
But if every vehicle is susceptible to being involved in an accident, why are we particularly aware (and sometimes afraid) of motorcycles?
It’s because, unfortunately, statistics often back up the perception that motorcycles are more dangerous than cars.
Today we’re taking a closer look at how the risks of motorcycle wrecks compare to wrecks involving other classes of vehicles and what safety measures drivers can take to mitigate some of the risks.
Here at The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare, several members of our team are avid motorcyclists and bicyclists. As such, we are intimately aware of the rewards — and the risks —of taking to the highways on two wheels. That knowledge helps us successfully represent victims as Dallas motorcycle accident attorneys. Let our knowledge and experience with motorcycles and bicycles help you maximize your recovery.
Motorcycle Risks by the Numbers
Motorcycle Crash Statistics
- Approximately three-quarters of motorcycle accidents involve collisions with another vehicle, most often a passenger automobile.
- Motorcycle accidents are unusually prone to fire risks compared to other types of vehicles. Perhaps this is due to the fact that 62% of motorcycle accidents involved fuel leaks and spills in the time immediately following the crash.
- Of all the accidents that happen on the road, motorcycles are involved in 11% of them. While that might not seem like a lot, an estimated 80% of motorcycle crashes result in injury or death.
- 34% of motorcycle accidents were caused by speeding.
- Of motorcycle drivers involved in fatal accidents, 32% were speeding, more than any other type of vehicle.
Motorcycle Injury Statistics
- Approximately 82,000 motorcycle injuries occurred in 2018 in the United States alone.
- Injuries to the head and chest are the most deadly injuries experienced by motorcycle accident victims. While not required by law, in some states the use of an approved safety helmet is one of the best and only ways of preventing severe head injuries.
- The likelihood of injury is extremely high in motorcycle accidents: 98% of multiple vehicle collisions and 96% of the single-vehicle accidents resulted in some injury to the motorcycle rider; 45% resulted in more than a minor injury.
- Half of the injuries to motorcyclists happen in the ankle, foot, lower leg, knee, thigh, and upper leg.
- The severity of injury increases with speed, driving under the influence, and motorcycle size.
Motorcycle Accident Fatalities
The fact is deaths and injuries have been significantly dropping in the last decade. As Dallas motorcycle accident attorneys, we believe a combination of road education, driver conscientiousness, and improved safety mechanisms have positively impacted the statistics.
As exhilarating as it is, controlling a motorcycle takes a different skill set than driving a car. You need to take into account the weight, the weather conditions, and your surroundings in order to drive safely and in balance.
- According to the NHTSA, motorcycle drivers are 27 times more likely to die in a crash than drivers and occupants of passenger vehicles.
- Motorcyclists account for only 3% of the entire motor vehicle fleet yet account for 14% of all traffic-related fatalities.
- Injuries to the head and chest tend to be the most deadly injuries experienced by motorcyclists.
- In 2018, 4,985 motorcyclists were killed on U.S. roads.
- In traffic crashes that involve the use of drugs or alcohol, injuries occur in 90% of motorcycle crashes, compared with 33% of automobile crashes.
- Almost one-half of fatal accidents show alcohol involvement.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents? What the Statistics Tell Us
- Less than 3% of motorcycle accidents are caused by vehicle failure. When vehicle failure is to blame, the accident tends to involve only a single vehicle where control is lost due to a puncture or flat tire.
- Unlicensed or improperly licensed (such as a driver with a revoked license) motorcycle drivers are significantly overrepresented in motorcycle accidents.
- Roadway defects like pavement ridges and potholes cause only about 2% of all motorcycle accidents.
- Only 1% of all accidents are caused by animals.
- Perhaps surprisingly, the weather is not to blame in 98% of motorcycle accidents.
- In multiple vehicle accidents, two-thirds of the accidents are caused by the other vehicle violating the motorcyclist's right-of-way.
- Other drivers failing to detect motorcyclists in traffic is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents. Oftentimes the driver of the other vehicle simply didn't see the motorcyclist or saw them too late to avoid a wreck
- Motorcycle accidents most frequently occur at intersections. This is likely due to other vehicles violating the motorcycle's right-of-way. In other instances, it is due to the driver's failure to comply with traffic signals like red lights, stop signs, or yield signs.
How to Prevent Motorcycle Wrecks
- The statistics show that motorcycle riders involved in accidents are often without formal training; 92% were self-taught or learned from family or friends.
- Participating in proper training programs and going through the licensing process equips people with the knowledge necessary to operate their vehicle of choice, especially when it comes to motorcycles which require balance, coordination, and good judgment.
- A lack of visibility to the other party (primarily a passenger automobile) is one of the leading causes of serious motorcycle accidents. Making sure to use headlamps, high visibility colors like yellow, orange, or bright red jackets, and traveling a safe distance from surrounding vehicles can help ensure that you don't go unnoticed.
- Fairings and windshields on motorcycles can increase the bike's conspicuousness to other drivers on the road. Front-end conspicuousness is a critical safety factor for motorcycle riders.
- In 73% of the accidents involving motorcycles, drivers were not wearing eye protection. The wind on the unprotected eyes likely contributed to impairment of vision, which delayed hazard detection.
- Even when following all precautions to the best of your ability, motorcycle accidents can still happen. The best way to prevent injury or death in the process is by wearing a helmet, which goes for companions, as well. Helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders and 41% for motorcycle passengers. This means 37 out of 100 riders' deaths can be prevented by wearing a helmet.
- It's important to note that contrary to popular opinion, motorcycle helmets cause no loss of hearing and do not significantly dampen traffic sounds. They also present no significant impairment of the driver's visual field. In fact, helmet use has not been found to contribute to any element of accident causation.
- The use of heavy boots, jackets, gloves, etc., is effective in preventing or reducing abrasions and lacerations like road rash, which are frequent injuries experienced by motorcyclists involved in an accident.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash
- Get to safety
- Check for injuries
- Call 9-1-1
- Communicate and cooperate with first responders
- Exchange insurance information
- Document the scene
- And other important steps you can find here
Dallas Motorcycle Accident Attorneys: We Help Victims Get the Compensation They Deserve
After breaking down the numbers, the unfortunate truth is that motorcyclists are much more likely to be involved in a severe accident than their car-driving counterparts. Whether it’s due to driver error, lack of visibility, weather, or mechanical reasons, accidents involving motorcycles frequently result in more serious injury or death when compared to accidents involving commercial or passenger vehicles.
Because of that increased risk of severe injury, motorcyclists are more likely to be out of work or experience financial hardship and high medical bills than car drivers. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be eligible to receive compensation. We are here to help as experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in Dallas, Texas.
For a free case evaluation from lawyers who are highly familiar with motorcycle accident law, contact our Carrollton or Dallas law offices today.
