You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t know that riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a car, pickup truck, or SUV. However, many people are unaware of just exactly how dangerous motorcycles can be—and how seriously crashes can injure riders.

If you or someone you love rides a motorcycle, it’s important to be aware of the risks you face on the road, including the lesser-known ones; knowing the statistics could help you from becoming one of them. In this blog, we explore five stats about motorcycle accidents that may come as a surprise to you and other riders.

1.    Helmets Provide Significant Protection During Crashes

Wearing a helmet is one of the most effective ways to reduce the severity of injuries in a motorcycle accident. Research from the National Safety Council shows that helmet use decreases the risk of death by 37% during a crash, making it the most important safety measure riders can take.

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says helmets reduce head injury risk by 69% during a crash, preventing thousands of life-altering brain injuries every year. However, not all riders wear helmets due to personal preference, lack of access, or Oklahoma law not requiring them for riders age 18 and up—despite statistics like these proving their life-saving importance.

2.    Nearly 3 out of 4 Motorcycle Crashes Happen at Intersections

Intersections are especially dangerous for motorcyclists, with around 70% of motorcycle collisions occurring in these locations. These accidents often result from other drivers failing to see motorcyclists or misjudging their speed and distance.

Common scenarios of crashes at intersections involve cars making left-hand turns in front of oncoming motorcyclists or failing to yield the right of way to them. Riders can reduce their risks in intersections by being extra vigilant, using defensive driving techniques, and making themselves more visible to other drivers by using their lights and wearing reflective gear.

3.    Inexperienced Riders Are More Likely to Crash

Motorcyclists’ experience levels play a significant role in their accident risks. A Sept. 2022 study shows that crash rates reach their highest point for novice riders immediately after they receive their motorcycle licenses.

This increased risk is often due to a general unfamiliarity with motorcycles, lack of basic riding skills, and inadequate experience handling different traffic situations outside of a controlled practice setting. To be safer on the road, new riders should take professional training courses and gradually build their riding experience in low-risk environments like large parking lots before venturing into more complex and challenging road conditions.

4.    Older Riders Are More Likely to Be Involved in Fatal Crashes

While younger riders are often perceived as more reckless, statistics reveal that the highest number of motorcycle fatalities occurs among riders age 50 and older. This trend can be attributed to several factors, including slower reaction times, reduced physical agility, and a higher likelihood of underlying health conditions that could result in medical emergencies on the road.

Additionally, older riders may return to motorcycling after a long hiatus. This time away from riding can cause important physical and mental skills required for safe riding to diminish. Older riders should undergo regular health check-ups, stay physically fit, and consider taking refresher courses to regain and improve their riding skills and knowledge after a long period since their last time riding.

5.    37% of Fatal Motorcycle Crashes in 2022 Were Single-Vehicle Accidents

Single-vehicle crashes accounted for about 37% of motorcycle fatalities in 2022 according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. These accidents can occur due to many different factors, including excessive speed, abrupt maneuvers, mechanical failures, or poor road conditions.

Many of these crashes are linked to rider error. For example, over-braking, particularly with the front brake, can cause the front wheel to lock and lead to a skid or flip. Similarly, under-cornering or failing to negotiate a curve properly often results in the motorcycle veering off the road or crashing. Environmental factors such as wet or uneven pavement, gravel, or obstacles on the road can also cause single-vehicle crashes involving motorcycles.

However, not all single-vehicle accidents are the fault of the rider. Sometimes another driver’s erratic or reckless driving may cause a motorcycle rider to swerve and crash while trying to avoid them. If you’ve been the victim of one of these “miss-and-run” accidents, an experienced motorcycle lawyer may be able to help you still get compensation.

What Do These Statistics Tell Us?

Riding a motorcycle is dangerous, but there are a few steps you can take to make it significantly less dangerous:

• Always wear a helmet. Ideally, you should wear full riding gear, including a riding jacket, pants, gloves, and boots, on every ride—even when it’s hot outside.
• Be on high alert every time you approach and pass through an intersection. When you’re around other vehicles, intersections are the biggest danger zones you’ll encounter.
• If you’re new to riding, gain as much experience and knowledge as you can. When you ride, be extremely cautious as your abilities and confidence levels grow—but avoid pushing yourself beyond your limits.
• If you’re older, recognize your limitations. If you’re returning from a long hiatus, approach riding the same way you would if you were a total beginner. Your skills and knowledge need to be refreshed in order to stay safe on the road.
• Don’t assume that other drivers and vehicles are your only threat on the road. A significant number of fatal crashes in 2022 involved no other vehicles. Always be on the lookout for potential hazards, especially in or just after inclement weather.

Our Oklahoma City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help

After a motorcycle accident, it’s important to get a law firm who understands the pain you’re experiencing and knows how to handle a biased insurance company. You need a firm that’s sympathetic to you during your recovery and aggressive when it comes to getting you maximum compensation. At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we’ve perfected the art of both.

Contact us today for a free consultation with our experienced Oklahoma City motorcycle accident attorneys. You’ll never see a single bill from us unless we get money for you. That’s our No Fee Guarantee®.