By looking at a motorcycle, it’s easy to see why a motorcycle accident would be catastrophic. There is little standing between the motorcyclist and the road, so even a car traveling at a low speed could do a great deal of damage by colliding into a motorcycle. Learn more about these tragic collisions by taking a look at these surprising motorcycle accident statistics:
The average age of motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents is 42.
Many people assume that anyone involved in a motorcycle accident is a young adult who was driving dangerously because he loves to live on the edge, but that’s not necessarily the case. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the average age of bikers killed in motorcycle accidents is 42. This average age has increased since 2004, when it was 38.
Many motorcycle accidents are caused by a violation of the motorist’s right-of-way.
About two-thirds of accidents involving a motorcycle and at least one other vehicle occur when the motorist violates the motorcyclist’s right-of-way. In many cases, the motorist violated the right-of-way because he did not even see the motorcyclist or didn’t see him in time to avoid a collision.
The average speed of a motorcycle at the time of an accident is 29.8 mph.
You may think that motorcycle accidents are often caused by bikers who are driving recklessly and speeding, but that’s not always true. Research has shown that motorcycles involved in a collision were traveling at an average speed of 29.8 mph prior to the crash, which is not very fast at all. This is about the speed limit that drivers are required to obey when traveling through residential neighborhoods.
Motorcyclists have less than two seconds to avoid an accident.
Studies have found that motorcyclists who are about to get into an accident only have about two seconds to attempt to avoid the collision, which is not nearly enough time to escape a dangerous situation.
Many motorcycle accident victims are self-taught.
Over 90% of motorcycle accident victims have taught themselves how to ride a bike or learned how to do it from a family member or friend. It’s possible that these individuals could learn crucial skills that could help them avoid future accidents if they attended formal training classes instead of relying on loved ones for advice.
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident? Don’t wait any longer—contact Reisch Law Firm today. Our experienced attorneys can help you recover the maximum compensation available after an accident. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
