National Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Every year, thousands of people die in motorcycle accidents. Without seatbelts, airbags, and sometimes even helmets, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to physical injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2007 there were over 5,000 fatalities involving motorcycle accidents, accounting for 9.5 percent of crash fatalities nationwide.  More than 38 percent of those fatalities were due to head-on, or front, collisions. Accidents in which motorcyclists were hit from the right or left side accounted for 6.9 percent of motorcycle fatalities in 2007. Motorcycles with larger engines have become more popular in recent years; they have also been involved in more crash-related deaths. The number of motorcycles involved in fatal accidents rose 12.9 percent from 2005 to 2007. Three of the most common causes for motorcycle crash-related deaths include speeding, alcohol intoxication, and the failure to wear a helmet. When a motorcyclist has had any alcohol, his chances of being involved in an accident rise significantly; operators with blood alcohol levels above .08 are at highest risk to be involved in an accident. Speeding has been a major contributor to motorcycle accidents, and incidents involving speeding are highest among driver under the age of 30.  Not all states require that motorcycle operators wear a helmet. In states where helmet laws are enforced, 15 percent of fatalities that occurred in 2007 involved a rider that was not wearing a helmet. In states where there are no helmet laws, 66 percent of motorcycle-related deaths involved a rider without a helmet. Motorcyclists that fall into the over 40 age group are involved in most fatalities nationwide. Most of the fatalities involving this age group occur on rural roads. Of these incidents, the roadways involved were generally undivided. It is clear that motorcycles are not the safest form of travel. If you currently operate a motorcycle or are considering getting one, keep in mind that speeding, alcohol, and helmet use are major factors in motorcycle fatalities each year. To learn more about your legal rights following a motorcycle accident as well as injuries relate to defective products, brain injury, slip and fall accidents, and premises liability litigation, it is important to speak with our personal injury and wrongful death attorneys in Brooklyn, New York.