How many people are injured or killed in motorcycle accidents?
Astonishingly, nearly 2,000 motorcyclists die each year and approximately 50,000 are injured. Nearly 80% of all motorcycle accidents in the United States result in injury or death.
What it the main cause of death in these accidents?
Head injuries are the main cause of death among motorcyclists. Unfortunately there is no barrier between your head and the ground, other than your helmet.
How can I protect myself as a motorcyclist?
Ride defensively and be aware of your surroundings. Also, obey the laws and follow the speed limit. In addition to wearing a helmet, other safety gear, such as eye protection, gloves, appropriate footwear, leg guards and jackets can help reduce your risk of serious injury.
What should I do if I’m involved in an accident?
First seek proper medical attention and make sure the authorities are notified. Then you should contact Cellino & Barnes and allow us to start gathering information. Motorcycle law can be complicated, but as with all accidents, there are steps you should follow at the accident scene. Please check out our General Auto Questions.
What if a loved one has been killed in an accident?
In these unfortunate situations, a family member may be entitled to claim for wrongful death depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident.
In 2004, there were 4,509 motorcycle accidents. We have listed some of the statistics as reported by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles:
Severity of Accidents
| Fatal Accidents |
144 |
| Serious Accidents |
999 |
| Moderate Accidents |
1,282 |
| Minor Accidents |
1,581 |
| Unknown Severity |
96 |
| Property Damage Accidents |
4 |
Type of Collision
| Single Vehicle Accidents |
1,926 |
| Two Vehicle Accidents |
2,392 |
| Three or more Vehicle Accidents |
191 |
Top Ten Causes of Motorcycle Crashes with Human Factors
| 1.Unsafe Speed |
714 |
| 2.Failure to Yield Right of Way |
665 |
| 3.Driver Inattention/Distraction |
544 |
| 4.Driver Inexperience |
358 |
| 5.Following Too Closely |
296 |
| 6.Improper Passing or Lane Usage |
272 |
| 7.Reaction of Other Uninvolved Vehicle |
237 |
| 8.Turning Improperly |
185 |
| 9.Unsafe Lane Change |
163 |
| 10.Alcohol Involved |
155 |
Top Five Causes of Motorcycle Accidents with Environmental Factors
| 1.Animal Action |
238 |
| 2.Slippery Pavement |
130 |
| 3.Obstruction/Debris in the Roadway |
123 |
| 4.Limited/Obstructed View |
85 |
| 5.Defective Pavement |
67 |
For more information on the statistics provided by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, visit their website at New York DMV Statistics.