When it comes to motorcycles there are quite a few statistics that get thrown around. Unfortunately not all of them are based in fact. The following statistics will help you understand what motorcyclists should be aware of.
- One in five motorcyclists who were fatality injured in accidents were unlicensed and untrained.
- Between the years of 1975 and 1995, 85,000 motorcyclists were fatally injured in accidents.
- The most common cause of a motorcycling accident is fairly to be seen by other motorists, due to low visibility or improper attire.
- Malfunctioning vehicles, animal involvement, and improperly kept roads are the smallest cause of accidents, ranging from 1% to 3% a year.
- Weather accounts for about 3% of all motorcycling accidents, making it one of the least concerns.
- A majority of riding accidents occur on short trips to the store, a friend’s home, or a small pleasure cruise.
- More than 92% of fatal accidents occur when the driver is unlicensed and improperly trained by friends or family.
- Usually a motorcyclist has two seconds or less to avoid an accident, especially when other motorists are involved.
- About 8% of motorcycling accidents are fatal. You can avoid this by wearing your helmets at all times, and always wearing protective clothing, reflective material, and appropriate goggles.
- Collision with other motorists causes about 75% of all accidents, the chief concern being other drivers failing to recognize the motorcyclist.
- The main accident mistake caused by motorists is making a left turn at an intersection while the motorcycle is in oncoming traffic.
- Slide outs and drifting beyond the median are the most common single vehicle accidents for motorcyclists, but negligent drivers often miss these damaged bikers and cause larger accidents.
- Almost half of all fatal motorcycle accidents occur under the influence of alcohol. Please be responsible and do not ride drunk.
- The damage to the rider on large displacement motorcycles is usually much worse, and is more likely to be fatal.
- Helmeted riders are much less likely to receive head, neck, and spine injuries when riding, and since 2001, only one in four of these types of injuries was reported.
- Since 2001, motorcycle fatalities have increased by more than 50%, totally to about five-thousand deaths.
- Motorcyclists are 35% more likely to be fatally injured than an automobile driver.
- Only about 50% of motorcyclists own or wear a helmet when riding.
- In 2009, 4,762 reported motorcyclists were involved in fatal accidents.
- In 2008, 14% of all vehicle deaths were drivers of motorcycles.
- Motorcyclists tend to drive 40% faster than an automobile driver.
Prevent yourself from becoming one of these startling statistics; by always making sure you wear a helmet, protective clothing and goggles. A well-lit and reflective motorcycle will also prevent you, in many cases, from being missed by passing motorists. As you can see from these statistics, driving a motorcycle can be considerably more dangerous than an automobile. Telling your friends and family, and keeping these statistics in mind, you can prevent unnecessary death and injury. Ride your motorcycle responsibly and the dangers diminish considerably and you will have more fun and feel more secure on your next road-trip or jaunt to the store.