Riding a motorcycle offers a sense of freedom that few other modes of transportation can match.
However, it also comes with a few risks, especially from other road users. While motorcycles make up only a small percentage of vehicles on the road, they account for a disproportionate number of accidents and fatalities.
What are the odds of surviving a motorcycle crash? In this blog, we’ll break down the survival rates and the steps riders can take to stay safe.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the numbers paint a stark picture in 2022.
There were approximately 6,222 motorcyclist fatalities throughout the United States. That troubling figure marks the highest number of deaths ever documented. Also, it represents a 23% increase in fatalities since 2019. Along with deaths, 82,687 motorcyclists were injured in crashes during the same year.
What are the odds of surviving a bike crash? With those figures, about 93% of motorcyclists survive crashes.
Survival Doesn’t Mean Uninjured
While a high survival rate may sound reassuring, survival doesn’t always mean escaping an accident unharmed.
For many motorcyclists, surviving a crash marks the beginning of a long and challenging journey of recovery. Often, there are severe injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
These types of injuries can have life-altering consequences. The rider’s physical health is often affected, as well as their emotional well-being, financial stability, and overall quality of life.
Medical Response Is Key to Survival
Quick medical care plays a vital role in improving survival rates. Emergency response times, trauma care access, and medical technology advancements can influence whether an injured motorcyclist recovers.
While the city of Chicago has world-class trauma care, riders who venture out to the less populated areas of the state may not get the care they need. Unfortunately, these areas often lack the resources for fast and effective medical care. That can leave motorcyclists at a disadvantage when accidents occur, and it can decrease their survival rate.
Why Are Motorcyclists So Vulnerable?
Riders have little protection in a crash. That is why even minor accidents can lead to serious injuries. Several factors contribute to the increased risks motorcyclists face:
- Low visibility: These vehicles are smaller than cars. In turn, it is harder for other drivers to see them. This is true at intersections or in low-light conditions.
- Distracted driving: Smartphones and other distractions have made roads more dangerous for everyone, but motorcyclists are more vulnerable.
- Higher speeds: Motorcycles can accelerate faster than most cars, and higher speeds increase the severity of injuries in the event of a crash.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug impairment, whether on the part of the rider or another driver, continues to play a significant role in motorcycle accidents.
- Limited safety features: Unlike cars, motorcycles don’t have seat belts, airbags, or protective frames, which can expose riders to the impact of an accident.
These factors show that motorcyclists are more susceptible to catastrophic injuries from any type of crash.
The Power of Safety Measures
One of the most impactful ways to improve survival rates and reduce injuries is to wear a helmet. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), helmets are approximately 37% effective in preventing motorcyclist deaths and 67% effective in preventing brain injuries.
However, Illinois is one of three states that don’t require helmets for all riders. Regardless of these local requirements, wearing a helmet is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself. You should always wear one to increase your chances of surviving these crashes.
For motorcyclists, the road can be both thrilling and unpredictable. A survival rate of 93% is encouraging, but many survivors suffer severe injuries with lasting effects. You can reduce your chances of becoming a statistic by wearing helmets, using protective gear, and riding defensively.
However, even with the best precautions, you can still become injured due to the negligence of others.
That’s where a motorcycle accident lawyer can help. If you have been injured in a bike crash, you have legal options to help recover your costs for medical care, lost wages, and other losses.
At Thomas Law Offices, we are here to help during these stressful times.
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