Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Despite the fact that motorcycle accidents are terrible and tragic events, they can also offer a lot in terms of knowledge to help prevent or lessen the consequences of future accidents. Compiling statistics about motorcycle accidents can help to determine the most likely cause of all accidents, as well as other likely and unlikely causes, and help us understand how to better design motorcycles and protective gear as well as change our driving practices to better cope with potentially hazardous situations. The statistics compiled by the United States Department of Transportation indicate that one of the best ways to prevent accidents and protect against serious injury is to wear safety gear such as a helmet and to utilize defensive driving practices.

By analyzing the collection of accident statistics manufacturers of protective gear can determine exactly where the brunt the impact occurs on the body. This is usually around the head and neck area. Using this information, the manufacturers can develop stronger and more durable helmets as well as neck protectors and things of that nature. Motorcyclists can also make use of the statistics, especially when it comes to determining how and where most accidents occur and, as a result, become more cautious riders.

The compiled statistics can also caution drivers to be extra careful in particular situations for example, when driving at night. It has been determined that most motorcycle accidents occur when it is dark out and the number of fatal is higher at night as well. A conclusion or suggestion that can be drawn from this is that operating a motorcycle at night should be done with extreme caution. When juxtaposing this with the fact that most collisions between motorcycles and other vehicles occur as a result of the driver not being able to see the motorcyclist and infringing upon his or her right of way, one can easily see how this statistic holds true. This is just one example of how statistics can be used to caution drivers.

Other statistics warn against the dangers of speeding. Traveling at speeds in excess of the speed limit can be dangerous in whatever vehicle you may be driving, particularly though if you are driving a motorcycle. The fact that motorcycles offer no barrier between the driver and the road leaves the motorcyclist in a rather vulnerable position. Hence, the effects of speeding can and are, not surprisingly, detrimental. The inevitable statistic then, suggests that in roughly half of all fatal accidents the motorcycle operator was speeding. It is commonly accepted that speeding is wrong and this statistic just backs this accepted knowledge.

Another statistic, which is somewhat surprising, is that the intoxication level of drivers of motorcycles who have been in fatal accidents is actually higher than that of drivers of other fatal motor vehicle accidents. This provides yet another warning against the risks of alcohol induced driving. The term impaired driving applies to all types of vehicles and not just cars and trucks. Driving under the influence, as the statistic confirms, is no less risky when operating a motorcycle. This statistic, like many others, allows us to determine the risks involved under various circumstances and makes us more capable to survive these situations as well as prevent any undue harm.

While there may be the odd case that an accident does not fit into one of the norms found among motorcycle accident statistics, the majority of the time this is not the case. Statistics regarding motorcycle accidents are often used to determine the outcome of criminal proceedings and lawsuits also. Often an attorney will present some of these statistics to aid his or her client’s case. This demonstrates the versatility of motorcycle accident statistics, as these statistics are not solely used to help understand and avoid possible hazardous situations and better design protective gear, but they also have many diverse uses.

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