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Writer's pictureRobert Schuerger II

How Rare Are Motorcycle Accidents? Ten Statistics Riders and Drivers Should Know

Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are not rare at all- not in Tennessee, or the USA in general. According to data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 5500 motorcycle deaths in 2020- and around 83,000 people were injured.


These numbers are climbing year-over-year. In Tennessee alone, 17,000 people were involved in motorcycle collisions between 2016 and 2021- almost 3000 in the last recorded year alone.


Motorcycle riders are at risk of injury or even death- with leading causes including driver errors and impaired driving. Anyone involved in this type of accident should contact a trusted and best motorcycle accident attorney in Nashville as soon as possible.


Ten Motorcycle Accident Statistics to Consider

Ten Motorcycle Accident Statistics to Consider


Here are ten statistics for motorcycle crashes that are worth knowing as a rider or other road user.


1: Motorcycle Riders are Far More Likely to Suffer a Fatal Injury than Car Drivers


The relative number of motorcycle accident deaths far outweighs car accident fatalities. Contact Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys for questions like, "What is the survival rate for motorcycle crashes?" People are roughly 27 times more likely to be killed when riding a motorcycle than they are driving a car.


There were 907 fatal motorcycle crashes in Tennessee between 2016 and 2021- and 25% of those involved in a motorcycle accident died. Comparatively, only 1.5% of people involved in a car accident were fatally injured.


2: Most Motorcycle Fatalities Happen to Middle-Aged Riders


People often associate motorcycle fatalities with your riders- but that is not the case. The most common age of victims in fatal motorcycle accidents is 42. Half of all motorcycle riders killed in accidents are over 40 years old.


3: The Most Common Time of Day for Motorcycle Crashes is Late Afternoon


It is a common belief that there is more risk to motorcycle riders at night time- but most motorcycle accidents happen in broad daylight. During the week, the hours when a motorcycle accident is most likely to occur are between 3 pm and 6 pm.


At the weekends, it is slightly later- between 6 pm and 9 pm- but it is still light at this time in many states for most of the year.


4: Half of All Motorcycle Accidents Involve More than One Vehicle


Over 50% of motorcycle crash fatalities happened in accidents where multiple vehicles were involved. The most common incident is a collision between a car and a motorcycle.


76% of motorcycle riders hit by cars were hit in head-on collisions- which is sadly why so many accidents result in deaths.


5: Fatal Motorcycle Accidents are Significantly Rarer when the Rider Wears a Helmet


If a person involved in a motorcycle crash is wearing a helmet, they are significantly less likely to suffer extreme or fatal injuries. Wearing a motorcycle helmet is believed to prevent fatalities in 37% of accidents- but sadly, around one-third of people admit to riding without one.


Traumatic brain injuries are one of the most common motorcycle accident injuries- but they are much rarer for those who wear helmets. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can provide insight on the benefits of wearing motorcycle protective gear.


6: Rural Motorcycle Accidents are Much Rarer than Urban Accidents


Rural motorcycle accidents are rarer than crashes in urban areas. According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, five out of eight motorcycle accidents happen in built-up areas- mainly due to the busier road conditions.


That said, crashes that do happen in rural zones are more likely to be fatal- 37% more likely, to be exact. Furthermore, single-vehicle crashes are rarer in urban areas- but are the most common killer for rural riders.


7: Driver Error is Amongst the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Tennessee


Many motorcyclist fatalities are caused by drivers or riders who make mistakes on the road. Left turns are particularly treacherous- with people pulling out without looking or failing to stop to let a motorcycle through.


Failure to yield and following too closely are other leading driver errors that cause motorcycle accidents in Tennessee. Some people forget that motorcycles are considered equal to cars on the road- and the same road rules and rights apply.


Forgetting to check the blind spots is also a key contributor to motorcycle accident statistics in Tennessee and the US. Motorcycles are much smaller than cars, and are therefore easier to miss in a quick check. They can also be invisible in mirrors depending on how close they are.


8: One in Three People Killed in a Motorcycle Accident are Unlicensed Riders


A third of US fatal crashes involving motorcycles had a rider without a license. It is mostly younger riders who are killed when riding motorcycles that they are not meant to be riding.


9: Impaired Driving is a Leading Cause of All Motor Vehicle Accidents- Including Motorcycles


Across the board- including car accidents and motorcycle accidents- driving while drunk or distracted is the leading cause of death. Drunk driving is particularly common in Tennessee- and it is often not only the impaired driver who suffers.


Many motorcycle riders are injured or killed through no fault of their own- but are hit by a car driven by someone under the influence or distracted driving (often on their phone).


10: Intersections are the Most Common Place for Motorcycle Crashes to Happen


32% of Tennessee motorcycle accidents occur at intersections (based on data from the last five years). These are incredibly dangerous parts of the road for all users- especially if drivers fail to pay proper attention or drive too quickly. It is also a hot spot for car accidents- and is where many motorcyclist deaths happen.


Contact an Experience Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Contact an Experience Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today


Anyone involved in a motorcycle accident- or who has a loved one killed in a crash- should seek legal guidance as soon as possible to help with their claim. Compensation is owed to those injured or killed when riding their motorcycle when the fault lies with someone else- and expert personal injury attorneys can help secure a fair settlement.


Let Schuerger Shunnarah go to war for you. Contact the team today.

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