Posted in: | Feb 24,2019
Motorcyclists make up a small percentage of the total number of users of our roads, but constitute a disproportionately large percentage of accident fatalities.
In 2016, according to data supplied by the National Safety Council, 4,986 motorcyclists and their passengers were killed in accidents across the United States. The total number of injuries that year was more than 88,000.
Motorcyclists constitute just 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States, and up to .7 percent of all vehicle miles travelled. However, they make up about 13 percent of the total fatality toll in traffic accidents across the country.
There are some risk factors that place you at a higher risk of being involved in an accident. For example, male motorcyclists are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents. As, many as 90 percent of all motorcycle fatalities comprise male riders.
If you ride a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol, you are much more likely to be involved in an accident. About a quarter of all motorcyclists who were killed in accidents in 2016 were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.
Older motorcyclists are a major risk category for motorcycle accidents. There has been an increase in the number of older motorcyclists taking to the roads, especially male motorcyclists. Call it a mid life crisis or whatever you like, but motorcycle dealers across the country have seen an increase in the number of above-40 males looking to buy their first motorcycle.
Not surprisingly, these older motorcyclists often do not have the skills and experience necessary to maneuver a powerful machine on the streets. As many as 13 percent of all motorcyclists killed in 2016 involved older riders in their 40s to 60s. Besides lack of experience, other factors like slowing reflexes, lower physical agility and other factors contribute to the higher accident rate involving older motorcyclists. Moreover, older motorcyclists are likely to be able to afford more expensive and more powerful motorcycles which are more difficult to maneuver.
Lastly, your risk of suffering serious injuries in a motorcycle accident increases if you ride without wearing a helmet. Wearing head protection is very important to reduce the risk of suffering potentially deadly head injuries and traumatic brain injuries.
Injured in a motorcycle accident? You may have questions about your rights to compensation. Call an experienced Indianapolis motorcycle accident attorney at Montross Miller and discuss whether you have options for a viable claim.
