FAQs
Head-On Vehicle Collisions
Most motorcycle accident fatalities are due to frontal collisions, or when two vehicles coming from opposite directions collide. These cases often involve cars or trucks crashing into motorcycles at intersections. These accidents usually occur when a driver runs a red light.
What is the most common injury in a motorcycle accident? ›
Common injuries suffered include road rash, facial fractures and disfigurement, broken bones and burns. Injuries can range from minor to disabling, such as limb amputations, spinal cord injuries, paralysis and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). One of the most common injuries suffered in motorcycle crashes is road rash.
Who is most often at fault in motorcycle car crashes? ›
A car or truck driver is more likely to be at fault for a motorcycle-related crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents happen when another driver doesn't see a motorcycle rider.
What is the main cause of the crash over 70% of the time when a motorcyclist is involved in an accident? ›
Many motorcycle crashes are caused by another vehicle (usually a car or a truck) violating the motorcyclist's right-of-way. This happens in 70 percent of crashes involving a motorcycle and another vehicle.
What type of motorcycle has the most deaths? ›
Super-sport bikes are the fastest and the most dangerous motorcycle types to control. IIHS statistics show 1,169 fatalities involving this bike type in 2021, accounting for 20% of all motorcycle fatalities, despite making up only 6.3% of registered motorcycles!
At what speed do most motorcycle deaths occur? ›
Motorcycle deaths are tragic occurrences that can be avoided with proper safety precautions and understanding the risks associated with motorcycling. Statistics show that most motorcycle deaths occur at relatively high speeds, with more than half of all fatal crashes occurring at speeds over 55 mph.
What happens to the body in a motorcycle crash? ›
Motorcycle accidents can cause damage to the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves of the neck. The damage can affect a person's ability to control head and neck movement and may be temporary or permanent. Serious neck injuries can damage the spinal cord and cause partial or total paralysis.
Which part of the body is most affected in motorcycle accidents? ›
Motorcycle riders most commonly sustain injuries to their lower body parts. A broken leg or leg fracture is more likely to happen to motorcycle drivers during a crash.
Are motorcycle crashes painful? ›
In addition to back pain, some other common motorcycle injuries include: Road rash: Skidding across pavement can remove several layers of skin, resulting in severe road rash with extensive abrasions and wounds. Broken bones: Arms, legs, ribs, collarbones, or another broken bone can often occur in high-impact crashes.
Which age group has the most motorcycle accidents? ›
According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, while younger motorcyclists aged 25 to 29 are involved in the most accidents, older motorcyclists aged 50 and older account for the highest percentage of motorcycle fatalities.
Motorcycle Make and Type: Kawasaki has the highest claims rate at 14.42, while Indian has the lowest at 5.89. Scooters and sports bikes face higher risks in urban areas, and touring bikes the lowest at 4.35. Improvements Over Time: Claims reduced from 11.86 in 2019 to 6.84 in 2023, indicating better safety measures.
What is the most likely place for a motorcycle accident? ›
Intersections. Intersections are a common location for motorcycle crashes. Most motorcycle accidents that occur at intersections are caused by: A motorist turning left across an intersection without seeing an oncoming motorcyclist (which is the most dangerous situation for a motorcyclist to be in)
Where do 70% of motorcycle accidents occur? ›
' Almost 70% of motorcycle accidents occur at intersections because drivers do not see the motorcycle. Since motorcycles are smaller, other motorists often misjudge how fast a motorcyclist is traveling and turn into their path of travel causing an accident.
What is a factor in most fatal motorcycle crashes? ›
Excessive Speeding: Speeding is a critical factor in many fatal accidents. At higher speeds, other drivers have less time and ability to recognize motorcycles and react safely. Speeding also increases the force of impact in a collision.
What is the primary cause of motorcycle crashes? ›
The following are some statistical insights that shed light on the predominant causes: Speeding: Speeding is a major factor in motorcycle accidents. The NHTSA reports that in 2021, 33% of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding, a higher percentage than for drivers of any other vehicle type.
What US state has the most motorcycle deaths? ›
In 2022, the states that experienced the most motorcycle deaths were:
- Florida (668)
- California (634)
- Texas (564)
- Arizona (232)
- Georgia (221)
- North Carolina (220)
Which factors lead to more motorcycle crashes than others? ›
Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents on the Road
- Weather.
- Rider Age.
- Traffic.
- Speeding.
- Alcohol.
- Lack of Licensing & Experience.
- Reckless Riding.
- Lack of Antilock Brakes.
Why do most motorcycle accidents occur? ›
Reckless Driving, Speeding, and Alcohol Use
These three causes of motorcycle accidents are forms of reckless driving. Liability, of course, will come down to who was driving recklessly (the motorcyclist or the motorist).