Some Indiana residents find riding a motorcycle preferable to driving a car. While it’s freeing in many respects, riders often face a variety of dangers. These are some of the crash statistics and facts associated with motorcycles.
Some motorcycle accidents go unreported
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 30% of motorcyclists died while lacking a valid motorcycle license. Many fatal motorcycle crashes involved driving under the influence of alcohol, 29%, a higher rate compared to drivers of passenger vehicles, 20%, and trucks, 2%. It was also determined that 42% of people killed while riding motorcycles were alcoholics. Those accidents only involved motorcycles and did not involve another vehicle.
The NHTSA believes that some motorcycle accidents go unreported due to a lack of data from police departments and the Department of Motor Vehicles. However, in 2020, on average, nearly 5,600 motorcycle riders and passengers died and another 84,000 were left injured.
Fatal motorcycle accident statistics
In 2020, motorcycle riders between the ages of 25 and 29 had a higher rate of fatality. Over 700 people within that age group died while riding. Those 50 and over made up a large percentage of fatalities as well at 36%.
Most fatal motorcycle crashes occurred over the weekend in the evening up until early morning. According to the Federal Highway Administration, most of these accidents, 61%, took place in urban areas. Additionally, most of these crashes were due to speeding or reckless riding.
The vast majority of motorcycle accidents, 97%, occur during nice weather with clear, sunny or cloudy skies. However, regardless of weather conditions, motorcyclists must take the proper precautions to stay as safe as possible.
Motorcycle crashes are not inevitable. If you ride, using good common sense and defensive riding techniques can reduce your risk.
