Motorcycle Accident and Death Statistics
Tampa’s Timothy G. Anderson law firm offers helpful information and statistics regarding motorcycle accidents and motorcycle accident deaths. Florida is a leader in motorcycle accident injuries and deaths – 530 riders were killed in motorcycle accidents in 2007, which is more than 10% of all motorcycle fatalities in the United States. In 2007, 5,154 motorcyclists were killed—an increase of 7 percent over the 4,837 motorcyclists killed in 2006. There were 103,000 motorcyclists injured during 2007, reported the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) National Center for Statistics and Analysis.
Motorcycle drivers are fully exposed to the environment around them, not having the protection afforded the driver of a car, therefore when an accident occurs involving a motorcycle the likelihood and severity of personal injury is much higher. Even though this is the case, studies have shown that the rate of motorcycle fatalities has been on the rise for more than a decade.
Statistics tracking auto and motorcycle accidents show us that:
- Studies show that the motorcycle accident rate in the U.S. has been steadily on the rise.
- Studies show that actual number of motorcycle accident deaths have been steadily on the rise since 1997.
- In 2007, a total of approximately 5,154 motorcyclists were killed — an increase of 7% over the 4,837 motorcyclists killed the year before.
- Studies show that in 2007, the state of Florida had the largest number of motorcycle accident deaths in the U.S. with 530 fatalities that year.
- In Florida, motorcycle accident deaths accounted for about 13% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities in 2007, up from 5.5 percent in 1998.
- As of 2007, deaths caused by motorcycle accidents in the U.S. increased to 12.6% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities.
- In 2007, 25% of the motorcycles involved in fatal crashes collided with fixed objects, compared to 18% for cars, 13% for smaller trucks and 3%for large trucks.
- Motorcyclist deaths are prominent for every age. The largest percentage of deaths due to motorcycle accidents occurs within the 60-69 age group.
- In 2007, nearly two thirds (63%) of the killed motorcyclists were not wearing helmets in states without universal helmet laws compared to 14% in states with those helmet laws.
- When Florida passed its current motorcycle helmet laws and repealed its preceding law requiring all riders to wear helmets, the state saw a dramatic increase in motorcycle accident deaths.
If you or a family member has been the victim of a motorcycle accident and you would like additional information about statistics regarding motorcycle accidents in the U.S., or in the state of Florida specifically, our motorcycle accident attorneys can help you.
If you have additional questions regarding motorcycle accident injuries or deaths, contact the Law Office of Tampa Attorney Timothy G. Anderson or call (877) 231-9562 for a free case evaluation.
