Motorcycle Accident Statistics

IB Contributor

Contributor

0 CommentsPrint ArticleSubscribe

While working our motorcycle accident cases I have run across some startling statistics regarding not only the increase in the number of motorcycle fatalities but the age and sex of those killed. The statistics make it clear that riding a motorcycle is dangerous. You can increase your odds of survival by wearing a helmet and being a skilled rider.

1. The number of motorcycle fatalities in the U.S. doubled from 1995 (2,227) to 2005 (4,553).
2. During that same period of time motorcycle registrations have only increased about 54%.
3. Of the fatalities nearly 30% of the men and 44% of the women were 45 years of age or older.
4. California and Florida again in 2005 had the greatest number of motorcycle accident fatalities.
5. Helmets are estimated to have saved 1,546 motorcyclists' lives.
6. Helmets could have saved an additional 728 lives if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.
7. The precipitatiing factor in about 66% of motorcycle single vehicle accidents was motorcycle rider error. The typical error being a slide-out and fall due to over braking or running wide on a curve due to excess speed or under-cornering.