If you frequently ride a motorcycle, you need to understand how many people lose their lives in collisions each year. As a motorcyclist, you are especially vulnerable on the road and these accidents claim far too many lives.
From drunk drivers to those who fail to pay attention to the road because they are using their phones, negligent drivers continue to cause many motorcycle accidents. Even when these accidents do not result in the loss of life, they can leave motorcyclists with devastating injuries that upend their lives, such as losing the ability to work and struggling with medical costs.
Fatal motorcycle accident statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that during 2019, traffic accidents claimed the lives of 5,014 motorcyclists. In fact, as a motorcyclist, you are especially likely to lose your life if you find yourself in a traffic accident. The NHTSA states that when compared to those riding in passenger vehicles, your risk of dying is roughly 29 times higher than a motorcyclist.
Furthermore, the risk of sustaining injuries in a crash is four times higher for motorcyclists in comparison to the occupants of passenger vehicles.
Avoiding a motorcycle accident
There are different steps you can take to reduce the chances of a motorcycle crash, such as avoiding alcohol and paying attention to the road. Proper helmet use, familiarity with your motorcycle and checking the condition of your motorcycle before riding can help you stay safe.
Even if you focus on accident prevention, you could become involved in a crash due to a negligent driver. Make sure you hold a reckless driver accountable if they cause an accident.