Motorcycle Accident and Riding Statistics

Press Release (ePRNews.com) - Wasilla, AK - Jun 17, 2019 - One article led with the opening statement “Motorcycle accidents, though not necessarily more common than motor vehicle accidents, can be more shocking and devastating.” While this may be the case it is not uncommon for motorcycle accidents to be caused by some unique circumstances. This article will discuss the findings of a number of studies and surveys on some interesting facts and statistics related to motorcycle accidents.

One study showed that “approximately three-quarters of motorcycle accidents involve collisions with another vehicle, most often a passenger automobile. However, in 90% of motorcycle accidents weather does not contribute to the accident.”

Another interesting factor that was discovered was that deliberate hostile action by motorists against the motorcycle rider is a rare accident cause. The most frequent accident configuration is one in which a motorcycle is going straight and an automobile makes a left turn in front of the oncoming motorcycle. Another common type of accident type is one in which a motor vehicle driver does not notice the motorcycle on their left and collides with the motorcycle while the vehicle driver has the intention of turning left. As a result of not having a protective frame on a motorcycle, the injury to the driver of the motorcycle may be severe to the point of death. And this is despite the fact that the turning vehicle has slowed down in order to make a successful turn.

One could erroneously conclude that a driver of a motor vehicle may have failed to see the motorcyclist. However, according to one survey, “the typical motorcycle pre-crash lines of sight to the traffic hazard do not limit peripheral vision; more than three-quarters of all accident hazards are within 45 degrees of either side of straight ahead.” Therefore, the excuse that ‘I did not see the motorcyclist’ falls away as the 45 degree zone of straight ahead  is not a blind spot in the human eye sight.

Another factor that was established by the survey is that motorcycle riders between the ages of 16 and 24 are significantly over-represented in accidents. Motorcycle riders between the ages of 30 and 50 are significantly underrepresented in accidents. However, while this is the case the majority of the accidents involve male motorcycle drivers by a whopping 96%; while female motorcycle passengers are significantly over-represented in the accident data.

Another interesting fact established by the survey is that “the motorcycle riders involved in accident are essentially without training 92% were self-taught or learned from family or friends. Motorcycle rider training experience reduces accident involvement and is related to reduced injuries in the events of accidents. That being said it is important to note that, “more than half of the accidents involved a motorcycle rider that had less than 5% experience on the accident motorcycle, although the total street riding experience was almost three years. Motorcycle riders with dirt bike experience are significantly under-represented in the accident data.”

An Alaska motorcycle accident lawyer provided one fact with regards to helmet use of motorcycle riders, “One survey pointed out that helmeted riders have fewer neck injuries than unhelmeted riders – the point I want to drive home is that wearing protective clothing, such as a helmet, can save your life and turn an accident fatality into an accident injury.”

About the company:

Crowson Law Group is a law firm of renowned professionals who focus exclusively in personal injury matters. If you are searching for legal advice and representation by a personal injury lawyer in Anchorage Ak and for the best attorneys in Wasilla, be sure to include Crowson Law Group on your list.