What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Get in Accidents?
Riding a motorcycle offers freedom, excitement, and a unique sense of adventure. Unfortunately, it also comes with significant risks. Motorcycles lack the protective features of cars, leaving riders more vulnerable in a crash. If you’re a motorcyclist—or considering becoming one—you may be wondering: What percentage of riders get into accidents?
Below, we’ll break down the statistics, factors that influence accident rates, and what riders can do to protect themselves on the road.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely to die in a crash per mile traveled compared to occupants of passenger cars.
While exact numbers vary year by year, studies suggest that approximately 1 in 36 licensed motorcyclists will be involved in an accident annually. This doesn’t necessarily mean every crash is fatal or even severe, but it highlights the higher risk of riding compared to driving.
Why Are Motorcycle Riders at Higher Risk?
There are several reasons motorcyclists face greater dangers on the road:
- Lack of protection: No airbags, seat belts, or steel frame.
- Smaller profile: Motorcycles are harder for other drivers to see.
- Road hazards: Potholes, slick pavement, and debris pose more danger to bikes than cars.
- Less stability: Two wheels make motorcycles more vulnerable to balance issues.
When you combine these factors with the mistakes of other drivers, accidents become much more likely.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Understanding the most frequent causes of crashes can help riders stay vigilant:
- Left-Turn Accidents – The most common motorcycle crash occurs when a car turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
- Speeding – Both riders and other drivers speeding increases crash severity.
- Alcohol or Drug Use – Impaired riding drastically raises accident risks.
- Lane Changes and Blind Spots – Cars often fail to check carefully for motorcycles.
- Dangerous Road Conditions – Gravel, oil slicks, or uneven pavement can lead to serious wrecks.
By recognizing these common causes of motorcycle accidents, riders can take proactive steps to protect themselves—and drivers can do their part to share the road more responsibly.
Age and Experience Matter
Accident rates aren’t evenly distributed among all riders. Younger, less experienced motorcyclists are statistically more likely to crash than older, experienced riders.
- Riders under 25 often take more risks and lack road experience.
- Riders over 40 are now involved in a growing number of crashes, partly because more middle-aged adults are taking up motorcycling later in life.
- New riders who haven’t taken safety courses are more likely to make critical mistakes.
These trends show that age and experience play a major role in rider safety, making training, awareness, and defensive riding skills especially important for reducing crash risks.
Protective Gear and Accident Survival
One of the biggest factors in surviving a motorcycle crash is protective gear, especially helmets. Helmets reduce the risk of death by 37%. Wearing protective jackets, gloves, boots, and pants can also minimize road rash and fractures.
Simply put, riders who wear full gear have a much better chance of walking away from an accident.
How Riders Can Reduce Their Risk
While no one can eliminate all risks, motorcyclists can take proactive steps to stay safer:
- Take a motorcycle safety course to learn defensive riding strategies.
- Always wear protective gear, regardless of weather or distance.
- Avoid speeding and keep a safe distance from cars.
- Ride defensively—assume other drivers don’t see you.
- Avoid riding under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even certain medications.
By making safety a priority and adopting these proactive habits, riders can greatly reduce their chances of an accident and enjoy the road with more confidence and peace of mind.
Contact The York Motorcycle Accident Lawyers At Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys For Help Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys are here to protect your rights, fight for fair compensation, and guide you through every step of the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us put our knowledge, resources, and dedication to work for you.
For more information, please contact our motorcycle accident lawyers in South Carolina and North Carolina at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.
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