What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Get Into Accidents?

Motorcycles have always had a reputation as fast and fun but dangerous. It is true as well — motorcycle accidents make up a significant portion of traffic fatalities despite making up a very small percentage of road traffic. But what percentage of motorcycle riders get in accidents, and how likely are you to get into a crash?

Estimates differ, but a commonly cited figure is that 72 out of every 100,000 motorcycle riders will get into a crash every year, which is an accident rate of about 0.07%. This number varies based on the state and demographics. 

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Information about motorcycle crashes, in general, is difficult to come by as many don’t get reported. However, we have a lot of data about motorcycle fatality rates and how many people die in motorcycle accidents. 

Since they lack the protection of an enclosed cab, motorcycle accidents are also more deadly than other types of auto accidents. According to the NHTSA, motorcycles make up about 14 percent of all traffic fatalities, and the fatality rate for motorcycle accidents is nearly 25 times higher than the rate for passenger cars. 

Additionally, motorcycle accidents are more likely to involve alcohol or drugs. Nearly 30 percent of motorcycle crash fatalities involve alcohol, and motorcycle riders are nearly three times more likely to die in a drunk driving crash at night than in the morning. Perhaps unsurprisingly, men make up the vast majority (~92%) of motorcycle fatalities. Based on an analysis from IIHS, the total number of motorcycle fatalities has nearly tripled over the past 25 years.  

How to Stay Safe on Your Motorcycle

Riding a motorcycle can be extremely rewarding, but when asking, “what percentage of motorcycle riders get into accidents,” the statistics show that it is also very dangerous. Below are some safety tips from the motorcycle accident attorneys at Law Tigers to help protect yourself while on the road. 

• Wear a helmet. Even if your state doesn’t have helmet laws, wearing a helmet reduces the risk of fatal injury and can protect your compensation recovery efforts. 
• Know the rules. Different states have different motorcycle laws. For example, lane filtering is legal in some states and illegal in others. 
• Wear appropriate equipment. Avoid wearing dark colors when riding and try to have some kind of reflective clothing to increase visibility. 
• Be aware of the weather. You should ride your bike slower and more deliberately if it’s wet or snowing outside. 

The Law Tigers benefit kit can also help you protect yourself and your assets after a motorcycle accident. It contains a free legal explainer and gives you access to a 24/7 legal advice hotline. It also comes with a $10,000 motorcycle hit-and-run and theft reward.