Motorcycles embody freedom and adventure, but they also come with inherent risks. The statistical data surrounding motorcycle accidents reveal some harsh realities, yet they also highlight ways riders can significantly reduce their risk. This article dives into key motorcycle accident statistics, the factors influencing rider safety, and the preventive measures that can make motorcycling safer for everyone.
The Risk Factor: How Dangerous Are Motorcycles?
Compared to cars, motorcycles are significantly more dangerous. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash than car drivers. This discrepancy stems from the lack of protective barriers and safety features that cars offer, such as airbags and crumple zones.
FortNine further conducted an analysis of Transport Canada data, revealing that the average Canadian motorcyclist is 17.4 times more likely to die in a traffic collision compared to car drivers. The study took into account the number of registered motorcycles, average mileage per year, and fatality rates.
Motorcyclists also face a much higher chance of injury compared to car occupants. The likelihood of injury or death in a motorcycle accident is around 80%, whereas car accident fatalities and severe injuries occur at a rate of only 20%.
In the United States, NSC Injury Facts reports that while motorcycles make up only 3% of registered vehicles, they account for 14.6% of all traffic fatalities. Over the past decade, motorcycle deaths have increased 32%, with 6,218 fatalities reported in 2022.
Motorcycle Accident Trends and Fatality Rates
In Canada, motorcycle registrations have been increasing steadily. Between 2017 and 2020, motorcycle registrations grew by 2.7%, reaching 749,306 registered motorcycles. In 2021, there was another 9% increase in registrations, signaling that more people are taking up riding. However, this rise in motorcycle use also correlates with an increase in accidents.
Similarly, Canada reported 8,475 motorcycle accidents in 2023, an increase of 9% from the previous year. Ontario alone accounted for 3,876 motorcycle crashes, which made up 17% of all motor vehicle accidents in the province. 11% of motorcycle crashes resulted in fatalities, highlighting the severity of motorcycle-related incidents.
Motorcycle fatalities are also growing. According to Transport Canada, 242 motorcycle and moped riders died in 2020, the highest fatality count in over two decades. This figure represents a 24% increase from 2019, with the sharpest rise occurring among riders aged 25-39 and 60-75.
According to Riders Share, younger riders under 25 experience the highest accident claims rate (18.31 per 100,000 miles), while older riders over 65 have the lowest (4.93 per 100,000 miles), reinforcing the idea that experience plays a key role in accident prevention.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Understanding what leads to motorcycle accidents is key to preventing them. The most common factors include:
1. Speeding
Speeding is one of the leading causes of motorcycle crashes. High speeds reduce maneuverability and increase stopping distances, leading to severe or fatal crashes.
2. Alcohol and Impairment
Alcohol and drug impairment contribute to a significant number of fatal motorcycle crashes, with Riders Share statistics indicating that 27% of all deadly motorcycle crashes involve alcohol.
3. Inexperience
Rider experience plays a huge role in safety. The Hurt Report found that over 50% of motorcycle accidents involve riders with less than five months of experience. Riders Share data also supports this, showing that accidents begin to decline significantly after five years of riding experience.
4. Left-Turning Vehicles
According to the NHTSA, left-turning vehicles pose a major risk to motorcyclists. Many motorcycle crashes occur when a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Riders Share notes that 43% of all fatal two-vehicle crashes involving motorcycles happened when the other vehicle was making a left turn.
5. Lane Splitting
Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of slow-moving traffic, significantly increases accident risks. Vehicles often shift positions slightly within their lane, which can be fatal for riders navigating the narrow space between them.
6. Motorcycle Type and Make
Riders Share data shows that certain motorcycle types and brands are involved in more accidents. Kawasaki and Ducati motorcycles have the highest accident claims rates, while Indian motorcycles have the lowest. Scooters and sport bikes also experience higher accident rates due to urban riding conditions.
How to Reduce the Risk of Motorcycle Accidents
While motorcycles inherently pose a higher risk than cars, riders can take steps to mitigate these dangers.
1. Take a Motorcycle Safety Course
According to FortNine, 36.4% of motorcycle fatalities are linked to rider error. Completing a motorcycle safety course can dramatically reduce the likelihood of making dangerous mistakes on the road.
2. Wear Protective Gear
The NHTSA suggests that wearing a helmet is 37% effective at preventing fatalities. FortNine further notes that full-face helmets offer 61.4% more impact coverage than half helmets. Additionally, armored jackets, gloves, and riding pants can significantly reduce injury severity in an accident.
3. Ride Sober
Since 19% of motorcycle deaths involve alcohol, simply staying sober while riding can drastically improve survival rates (FortNine).
4. Obey Speed Limits
Speeding was a factor in 28.8% of motorcycle deaths in Ontario (FortNine). Adhering to posted speed limits and adjusting for road conditions can greatly enhance safety.
5. Invest in ABS and Traction Control
Motorcycles equipped with anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are 37% less likely to be involved in fatal crashes (FortNine). Many modern motorcycles also include traction control, which further enhances stability.
6. Avoid Risky Situations
- Be extra cautious at intersections where left-turning vehicles pose a threat.
- Avoid lane splitting where possible.
- Stay out of blind spots and maintain a visible presence in traffic.
Legal Considerations and Victim Rights
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, seeking legal representation can make a significant difference in securing fair compensation. Motorcycle accident attorneys can help navigate insurance claims, determine liability, and ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Legal professionals understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face on the road and can advocate for their rights in court.
Final Thoughts
Motorcycle accidents remain a major concern, with riders facing disproportionately high risks compared to car drivers. However, understanding the statistics and common accident causes allows riders to make informed decisions about their safety.
By prioritizing training, wearing proper gear, avoiding impairment, and embracing modern motorcycle safety technology, riders can significantly reduce their chances of being involved in a fatal accident. The road can be dangerous, but with the right precautions, motorcyclists can tilt the odds in their favor.
References
https://fortnine.ca/en/how-dangerous-are-motorcycles
https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/motorcycles/
https://www.riders-share.com/blog/article/motorcycle-accident-statistics
https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/motorcycles-and-atvs
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/11-627-m2023024-eng.htm
