By: Richard Romando
Motorcycle accident statistics are gathered and calculated after much intensive and detailed study on motorcycle accidents. They are immensely important for all, authorities as well as motorcyclists, and serve many functions. The data gathered by studying the statistics offered helps in effectively combating accidents, or at least in taking steps to try to combat them.
Studies indicate that motorcycle accident rate is on the rise in our country. Brain damages, soft tissue damage, joint, bones, and shoulder breakage are often caused by motorcycle accidents.
Some studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Hurt Study findings, along with statistics provided by the Motorcycle Industry Council, have shed much light on the rate and causes of motorcycle accidents in our country.
A report by the National Highway Traffic Administration states that between 1975 and 1999, motorcycle accidents claimed the lives of 38,000 motorcyclists. The Fatality Analysis Reporting System has analyzed possible reasons for the increasing accidents. Some causal factors include the following: rural roads, high percentage of alcohol content in blood, night driving (which accounts for 60% of fatalities), vision problems, and undivided roadways, among. Weather does not account for most accident cases.
Head injuries top the list for causing deaths. Lack of helmet use or a proper license were found among many who were fatally injured. For instance, the report states that ‘one out of five motorcycle riders’ who were fatally injured in 1996 did not have a valid license. Hence, less trained riders get injured frequently.
Statistics show that wearing safety gear as well as taking defensive driving lessons reduces one’s chances of an accident. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation provides safety lessons for new drivers.
Motorcycle accident statistics are extremely important, supplying relevant data and making us understand how to effectively reduce accidents and injuries.
