Most Fatal Motorcycle Accidents are the Result of Speeding, Impairment, or Lack of Visibility

Like any other type of vehicle accident, motorcycle crashes have a number of different causes. Again, similar to car crashes, the same kinds of causes tend to crop up again and again in motorcycle accident cases. Unfortunately, these accidents often result in injuries, as riders have a lot less protection in the event of a crash. As a result, riders are four times more likely to sustain an injury in an accident than other vehicle users and many times, those injuries prove to be fatal.

Motorcycle Accident Fatality Statistics

 In 2021, around 83,000 motorcycle riders were injured in collisions in the U.S. Tragically, those injuries resulted in 5,932 deaths, the highest number reported since 1975. In fact, motorcyclists account for an estimated 14 percent of all traffic fatalities, even though they represent only three percent of registered vehicles. Nearly 35 percent of those fatalities involved speeding.

Speeding Accounts for 34 Percent of Motorcycle Accident Fatalities 

Driving too fast for the conditions is dangerous for any road user, but is doubly so for motorcyclists. This is borne out by the statistics, which reveal that more than one-third (34 percent) of fatal motorcycle crashes involved a motorist traveling at high speeds. In addition to increasing stopping distance and decreasing control, speeding also makes it more likely that any crashes that do occur will be fatal due to the increasing of crash energy and force.

Impairment Accounts for 27 Percent of Motorcycle Accident Fatalities 

Intoxicated driving is on the rise across the country and is a well-known risk factor for a variety of crashes. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents also fall under this category, with more than one-quarter (27 percent) of fatal motorcycle crashes involving alcohol impairment. The risk of being involved in an alcohol-impaired motorcycle accident increases even further during the nighttime hours, when around 40 percent of these kinds of crashes occur. In fact, motorcycle crashes are three times more likely to involve an impaired driving during the nighttime hours compared to the daylight hours.

Poor Visibility Accounts for 24 Percent of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents 

Driving during the nighttime hours isn’t only dangerous because of the likelihood of encountering an impaired driver, but due to the poor visibility in general. On weekends, the most dangerous time of day for motorcyclists is between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m., when 24 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents occur. This is largely due to the decrease in visibility during this period of time, which makes it even more likely that other motorists (who are already inclined to miss motorcyclists on the roadway due to their smaller size) will strike a motorcyclist.

Set Up a Free Consultation Today 

Understanding the most common causes of motorcycle accidents can help accident victims and their legal teams shape the strategies they will use to build their case. At Boone & Davis, our experienced Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers can help you investigate the cause of and ultimately, determine liability for your collision. Call us at 954-566-9919 to get started today.

Sources:

 highways.dot.gov/research/safety/motorcycle-crash-causation-study/motorcycle-crash-causation-study

forbes.com/advisor/legal/motorcycle-accident-statistics/