Motorcycle accidents occur throughout the US far more often than they should, with many resulting in severe injuries and even fatalities. Considering that most accidents resulting in motorcyclist fatalities happen in single-vehicle motorcycle crashes, the demographics of the riders seem to play a vital role.
Arguably, the most defining difference is the age of the riders. What is the most common age of motorcycle accident victims in the US? Here are a few interesting facts and statistics worth knowing.
The Short Answer: What Age of Motorcycle Riders Have the Most Accidents?
The 25-to-29-year-old age group is involved in the most motorcycle accidents in the US each year, with other younger age groups (21 to 24 and 30 to 34) coming in second and third.
However, the most vulnerable demographic for motorcycle fatalities is 50+, with a much higher death rate for the total number of crashes.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the average age of people killed in motorcycle accidents in 2022 was 43.
US Motorcycle Statistics by Age Group
When looking at statistics and data from highway safety groups and official government data reports, the results are consistent throughout the country, but it is important to note the difference between who has the most motorcycle accidents and who has the most motorcycle fatalities.
Total Motorcycle Crashes
Across the country, 25-to-29-year-olds are the age demographic most likely to be involved in a motorcycle accident. Young riders have less experience (in general) riding a motorcycle than people in their 40s or 50s, and are more inclined to take risks that can result in severe- sometimes fatal- crashes.
These risks include driving faster than the speed limit, riding a motorcycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and failing to properly assess or respond to dangers and hazards.
Most motorcycle accidents happen during the day in the months of the year with the best weather, which suggests that it is not environmental factors contributing the most to motorcycle accidents. Instead, it is more likely the action of the riders (although not always).
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can advise on questions such as Who is usually at fault in a vehicle motorcycle collision? Young motorcycle riders are also more likely to choose to ignore state and universal helmet laws- opting not to wear helmets, which is a major contributor to motorcycle-related fatalities. Head injuries are one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities, and a fatal motorcycle crash is far more likely to happen (regardless of age) if proper helmet use is ignored.
How Does This Statistic Impact Riders?
Because of the higher risks involved with younger motorcycle riders, motorcycle insurance tends to be more expensive if the rider is under a certain age. This applies in Tennessee and most of the world.
Motorcycle Fatalities
Young riders between the ages of 21 and 34 may be the most at risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident, but more motorcycle deaths occur when older riders are involved.
Motorcycle riders aged 50 and above account for more than a third of all motorcycle accident fatalities. They also have a much higher crash-to-death ratio than younger riders, meaning there are more overall motorcycle accident deaths for under 29s, but the percentage of older motorcyclists killed compared to the number of accidents is higher.
The main reason for this is their ability to recover from the injuries they sustain. Although many fatal motorcycle accidents involve injuries so severe that the likelihood of survival is low regardless of age, others lead to injuries that a young, fit, healthy rider has more chance of surviving than someone older.
Here are a few figures for 2022 (according to the US Department of Transportation).
There were 706 motorcycle fatalities where the victim was aged between 25 and 29.
The 30-34 year age group accounted for 690 motorcycle deaths.
65 and over was the third highest age group for fatal motorcycle accidents, with 530 deaths in total.
Although more 25-to-29-year-olds were killed in fatal motorcycle crashes, there was a higher fatality rate for 50 and upward- particularly in the over 65s age group.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics by Age Group in Tennessee
Here are a few key statistics regarding age demographics and motorcycle accidents in Tennessee in recent years. All data is taken from the Tennessee Government crash data report.
In 2021, the 20-24 age group had the highest number of motorcycle accidents in Tennessee- with a total of 380.
The very close second-highest age group for Tennessee motorcycle crashes in 2021 was 25-29, with 375 accidents that year.
Since 2016, the highest risk age group for Tennessee motorcycle accidents is between 20 and 29 years old, with the top spot going to either 20-24 or 25-29 annually, with the other taking the second spot every time.
75+ and under 15 have the fewest accidents involving motorcycles in Tennessee.
The same age groups are by far the most likely to be involved in any traffic accident in Tennessee- including car accidents.
Overall, Tennessee sees around 3000 motorcycle crashes each year, with less than 200 resulting in a fatality (on average). Younger riders account for the highest percentage of accidents and have done so for many years.
Summary
Motorcycle accidents- and motorcycle fatalities- happen to all age groups, but people in their 20s are by far the most vulnerable demographic. If involved in an accident, motorcycle accident attorneys in Nashville TN can help.
Reckless driving, lack of experience, and failure to adhere to basic motorcycle safety rules are some of the reasons that may explain why people of these ages are most likely to be involved in a crash. Some people want to know Can you get whiplash from a motorcycle accident?
That said, older motorcyclists are more likely to be killed, with more fatal accidents involving riders over 50. Health and the ability to recover from injuries is the most common explanation.
Contact Schuerger Shunnarah Today for Expert Legal Assistance in a Motorcycle Accident Claim
Anyone involved in or who has lost a loved one to a motorcycle accident may have a case for a claim. If another party was involved and may have caused the crash, the victim and their family could be entitled to compensation.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys go to war for Nash motorcycle riders and their families.