Missouri Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Most riders have been told by well-meaning family and friends that they're likely to get themselves killed on their motorcycles. Statistically, that's less true than many people realize. While motorcycles do have a higher risk of death and serious injury than cars and trucks, examining motorcycle accident statistics helps paint a more complete picture. They also suggest several steps riders can take to protect themselves.

In 2006, the last year for which statistics are available, there were 4,810 motorcyclists killed in crashes in the United States and 88,000 injured. That's only 8.5% of all traffic deaths and 2.6% of injuries. But because motorcyclists account for just 0.4% of all vehicle miles traveled, they have a much higher rate of deaths than drivers: They're 37 times more likely to be killed and eight times more likely to be injured. In Missouri, 93 motorcycle riders were killed in crashes in 2006. Of these, only 81.1% of them were wearing helmets, despite our state's mandatory helmet law. And 43% had at least some alcohol in their blood. And 59% of motorcyclists killed nationwide -- some of whom weren't subject to mandatory helmet laws -- were wearing helmets.

Unfortunately, fatal motorcycle accidents have actually risen sharply in the last decade. The rate of motorcycle accidents per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) has nearly doubled, from 22.73 in 1995 to 42.49 fatalities in 2005. That's an 86.91% increase; cars and trucks saw a decrease in fatality rates in the same period. Because the average age of riders and the average size of motorcycle engines also sharply increased during that time, researchers suggest (but have not proven) that the trend toward more rider fatalities may be driven by baby boomers and those who love powerful motorcycles.

Most other motorcycle accident statistics stand the test of time. Recent statistics show that about 55% percent of motorcycle accidents each year are multiple-vehicle collisions, and the remaining 45% are single-motorcycle crashes. In a multi-vehicle crash, the other vehicle is most likely to be a passenger car, truck, SUV or van. That other vehicle violates the motorcycle's right of way in 30% to 50% of all multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, with the most common configuration for an accident being a car making left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. The Hurt Report concluded that lack of motorcycle visibility was a major cause of crashes. The NHTSA found that in 2006, all crashes were most likely to start with an impact the front of the motorcycle. The second most common accident type was a noncollision, such as a swerve to avoid another vehicle.

Studies show over and over again that motorcyclists are more likely to be in an accident when they're young, inexperienced, intoxicated, speeding or riding without a valid license. The NHTSA's statistics for 2006 reflect this. Of those killed in single-motorcycle crashes in 2006, 41% were legally drunk, with a BAC of 0.08. In all motorcycle crashes, 27% were legally drunk and 7% more had a smaller amount of alcohol in their blood. One-fourth of riders killed in crashes had no valid license; 3.9% had a previous DUI or DWI; and 37% were speeding. The Hurt Report adds that 92% of those involved in motorcycle crashes never had formal training, and more than half of riders who get into accidents had used their bikes for fewer than five months.

We keep track of motorcycle accident statistics because we hope they'll help us prevent future motorcycle crashes. But for some riders, it's already too late. If you or someone you love was seriously hurt or killed in a motorcycle accident, you deserve answers. And if the accident was caused by the carelessness of another driver, you deserve justice. Page || Cagle can help. To learn more about your rights after a motorcycle accident, or for a free evaluation of your case, contact us today. You can fill out our confidential online consultation form; call us at 1-866-620-5757; or, in St. Louis, call (314) 322-8515.

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