Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries By the Numbers
It’s no secret that motorcycles are dangerous to operate. This is part of the allure. There’s nothing between you and the open road but whatever clothes you’re wearing. For this reason, injuries related to motorcycle accidents are more prevalent than other vehicles, and the numbers appear to be getting worse every year.
Although motorcycles make up only 3 percent of all registered vehicles on the road, and only 0.7 percent of all vehicle miles traveled in the United States, motorcyclists accounted for 14.6 percent of all traffic fatalities and 3.5 percent of all injuries in 2022. 2022 saw the highest number of deaths related to motorcycle accidents in all the years sampled by the NSC. Fatalities among motorcycle riders and passengers increased by 1 percent from 2021 to 2022, while the rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled decreased by 16 percent. The fatality rate decrease in 2022 is a result of a 21% increase in miles driven. Over the past ten years, deaths have increased by 32 percent while death rates have increased by 13 percent. In 2022, the number of motorcycle fatalities now stands at 6,218 and the rate is 26.16 per 100 million vehicle miles.
According to the same research, the number of nonfatal injuries increased by 2.6 percent, while the injury rate decreased by 19 percent from 2021 to 2022.
What is the most common type of motorcycle accident injury?
According to studies completed by the NHTSA, the most common motorcycle injury is lower-extremity injuries and specifically, leg and pelvic injuries. This is due to the fact that the rider’s legs and pelvis are exposed to impact and from the weight of the motorcycle. Common lower extremity injuries include fractures and road rash. Fractures to the lower leg (tibia and fibula) are common alongside pelvic fractures and knee injuries. In addition, riders can develop road rash, a severe form of abrasion, which is also prevalent in the lower extremities.
Other common injuries include head and neck injuries. These include concussions, skull fractures, and spinal cord injuries. In addition, road rash can occur to any part of the body, not just the legs due to contact with the road during a fall. Soft tissue damage, such as sprains or strings of muscles or damage to tendons and ligaments is also frequently reported.
Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. Some lucky folks walk away with minor scrapes, while others suffer severe fractures, broken bones, and spinal cord or brain injuries. Some of these injuries can be life-altering, require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation, and sometimes result in permanent disability.
Talk to a Tulsa, OK Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Levinson Law, P.C. represents the interests of injured motorcyclists in lawsuits and insurance claims filed against negligent drivers. Call our Tulsa personal injury lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin reviewing your case right away.
Source:
injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/motorcycles/
