Marsalisi Law
motorcycle accident statisitcs

Accidents involving motorcycles are on the rise.  This isn’t an opinion and it isn’t conjecture.  It is a cold, hard fact.

To help put this into perspective, we have put together a list of 13 motorcycle accident statistics.  These statistics are not meant to scare, but rather highlight the importance of motorcycle safety in ALL aspects of your ride.  All statistics are from 2015, the most recent year significant statistics are available for motorcycle accidents.

Take a look at the statistics below and contact us today if you have been in a motorcycle accident or have any questions regarding motorcycle accidents.

What Are Important Motorcycle Accident Statistics?

  • Motorcyclists were 29 times more likely to be killed, and 5 times more likely to be injured, in an accident than passenger car occupants in 2015 – via Insurance Information Institute (iii)

 

  • Helmets have been shown to be 37% more effective at preventing death in a motorcycle accident and 67% more effective at preventing brain injury – via the Insurance Industry for Highway Safety (iihs)

 

  • There were 4,976 motorcyclists killed in 2015. This was an 8% increase from the previous year – via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

 

  • Approximately 88,000 motorcyclists were injured in motorcycle accidents in 2015 – via iii

 

  • Fatalities due to motorcycle accidents have been on the increase since 2009 – via iihs

 

  • Motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all traffic accident deaths and 4% of all individuals injured in 2015 – via NHTSA

 

  • The fatality rate per registered motorcycle was 6 times higher than the fatality rate per registered passenger car in 2015 – via iii

 

  • 41% of deaths due to motorcycle accidents in 2015 were the result of single vehicle crashes and 59% were the result of multiple vehicle crashes – via iihs

 

  • The most dangerous type of crash for motorcyclists in 2015 was collisions with other motor vehicles. Of this type of accident, 74% of motorcyclists were involved in frontal collisions, with only 7% being involved in rear collisions – via NHTSA

 

  • Individuals older than 50 years of age represented the largest group killed in motorcycle accidents in 2015 – via iihs

 

  • 33% of all motorcyclists killed in 2015 were determined to have been speeding at the time of accident – via NHTSA

 

  • 95% of all passenger deaths in motorcycle accidents in 2015 were females. In fact, 61% of female motorcyclists who died that year were passengers, not drivers – via iihs

 

  • Weekday riding was slightly more dangerous for motorcyclists in 2015 than weekend riding. The number of weekday fatalities was 2,597 and weekend fatalities totaled 2,374 – via NHTSA

 

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What Do Motorcycle Accident Statistics Mean for You?

While many of the above statistics are frightening, they can also serve as useful reminders of just how important proper motorcycle safety is.  Taking the time to inspect your bike before leaving home and register for a MSF safety course can quite literally save your life.

Another important lesson we can take from these statistics is the importance of practicing defensive driving.  Pay attention to other drivers on the road, make sure they are aware of your motorcycle, maintain a proper following distance, and prepare for hazardous weather conditions.

If you have been in any sort of automobile accident, on a motorcycle or passenger car, or know someone who has, contact us today for a complimentary consultation.