Michigan Motorcycle Accidents Statistics
Motorcycle safety is an important goal for riders, insurance companies, and law enforcement agencies alike. Law enforcement and regulatory agencies track accident statistics to analyze the causes of accidents so they can be prevented in the future. Whatever anyone thinks of a particular traffic regulation, virtually everyone can agree that roads need to be safer for motorcyclists so they can enjoy their ride.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) annual report on Fatal Single Vehicle Motorcycle Crashes noted some disturbing trends.
- Over a ten year period, more riders age 40 and over are dieing in accidents
- More motorcyclist fatalities are occurring on rural roads
- High Blood Alcohol Contact (BAC) levels are a major problem among motorcycle operators who are involved in accidents
- Half of the fatalities reported are related to negotiating a curve prior to a crash
- Over 80% of fatalities occur off the roadway
- Undivided roadways account for a majority of fatalities
- Almost two-thirds of fatalities were associated with speeding
- Almost 60% of motorcyclist fatalities occur at night
- Collision with a fixed object is a significant factor in over 50% of fatal accidents
- Breaking and steering maneuvers possibly contribute for almost 25% of fatal accidents
- Helmet use among fatally injured motorcyclists remains below 50%
- Almost one-third of fatally injured motorcycle operators did not have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license
The consequences of these findings are significant but they effect the individual biker in various ways. An individual motorcyclist can do little to encourage greater use of divided highways, but these findings may be used in future traffic studies.
There are, however, important things a motorcyclist can learn from these statistics.
First, motorcyclists should use caution while negotiating curves, breaking, and engaging in complicated steering maneuvers.
Second, motorcyclists may wish to use extra caution when biking at night or on rural roads.
Third, motorcyclists should carefully monitor their consumption of alcohol and never drink and drive.
Fourth, motorcyclists should educate themselves on Michigan’s helmet law and make an informed decision on their use of helmets and other safety measures, that is based on Michigan’s helmet law and well-reasoned arguments put forth by motorcyclist organizations, such as ABATE of Michigan.
Finally, motorcyclists should maintain and enhance their knowledge of Michigan’s motorcycle licensing and registration laws as well as know their insurance options to make sure they have the proper coverage in case they are involved in a motorcycle accident. The content on this website is a great place to start.
If you would like more information about your rights after a Michigan motorcycle accident, you can order our FREE book, “The Ultimate Michigan Motorcycle Accident Handbook” by calling our law firm. We will send it along with other important information.
For more information about Michigan motorcycle accident cases, visit our law firm web site at http://www.buckfirelaw.com/. If you would like to speak with one of our Michigan Motorcycle accident attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly.
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Posted December 03rd 2008 to Accident Statistics
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