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Facts And Stats About Motorcycle Accidents

6 January 2023 by Kenneth Pierce

Motorcycles represent freedom, independence, and anti-establishmentism. It also represents danger, perhaps, in part due to the heightened risk of harm on the road. Learn more about motorcycle road safety with these stats and facts about motorcycle accidents. 

1. 5,579 motorcyclists died in automobile accidents in 2020.  

While motorcycles only make up 3% of the vehicles on the road, they make up 14% of automobile accident fatalities. The danger is very real due to the lack of protection for the driver.

2. 41% of the motorcyclists who died in 2020 were intoxicated.             

Motorcyclists should be more careful about not driving drunk than anyone else, but that doesn't always mean they are more careful. Never drive any vehicle drunk but especially not a motorcycle.

You become more impaired the greater your blood alcohol content (BAC) increases:

• .02 - slight decline in vision and multi-tasking

• .05 - reduced coordination and response time

• .08 - impaired cognitive functions and concentration

• .10 - failure to drive straight and break

• .15 -  severe impairment

If you struggle with alcohol abuse, find programs in your area designed to help and avoid the bars.   

3. Helmets reduce the risk of brain trauma by 69%. 

Helmets save lives, too. In fact, they reduce the risk of death for motorcyclists by 37%. 

47 states require helmets by law, while three do not require helmets:

• Illinois

• Iowa

• New Hampshire                     

Even in states with helmet laws, 57% of the motorcyclists killed in 2020 were not wearing a helmet. 

4. 50% of motorcycle accidents happened at night.

Since motorcycles are small in size, it can be more difficult for drivers to spot motorcyclists, especially at night. While all drivers have a responsibility to look out for motorcyclists, motorcyclists should also take steps to make themselves more noticeable to minimize the risk. 

Ways motorcyclists can improve visibility include:

• Buy a motorcycle with large LED lights and use them

• Avoid blind spots

• Wear bright or reflective clothing

• Place reflectors on the motorcycle

• Ride in the daytime or down well-lit streets       

5. 36% of motorcyclists killed in 2020 did not have a valid motorcycle license. 

To ride a motorcycle, you need a special license. Requirements vary by state, but many states require classes. Classes teach motorcyclists how to properly drive a motorcycle and also teach motorcycle safety. People who ride illegally put themselves at risk and should not assume that they can learn on the road.

For more info, contact a motorcycle accidents personal injury lawyer.

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