Motorcyclists have a unique vantage point on the road. They’re able to enjoy a wide-open view and fresh air as they drive around, but this doesn’t come without certain risks. The lack of frame around the motorcyclist means that they can suffer catastrophic injuries easier than the occupant of a different type of vehicle.
The fatality rate of motorcyclists on the road is approximately 58.33 per 100,000 registered motorcycles, and the injury rate is around 975 per 100,000 registered vehicles. The fatality rate for motorcycle riders is 29 times higher than the fatality rate for passenger cars.
What conditions are usually present during fatal motorcycle crashes?
Most fatal motorcycle crashes, 61%, happen on urban roads, mostly on non-interstate principal arterial roads. Around 66% of them occurred at an intersection, 57% during the day, and 97% when it was clear or cloudy.
It doesn’t appear that there’s much difference between weekdays and weekends for fatal motorcycle crashes. The most recent data, which covers 2019, notes that there were 2,612 weekday and 2,390 weekend fatal motorcycle crashes.
Helmet use is incredibly important for motorcyclists because it can prevent fatalities. In Indiana in 2019, there were 127 fatalities associated with motorcycle crashes. Of those 89 weren’t wearing a helmet and 32 had helmets. There were also six fatalities in which helmet usage wasn’t known.
Even when the crash isn’t fatal, motorcyclists can still end up with catastrophic injuries. Motorcyclists who are struck by another driver may need costly medical care. They might also choose to seek compensation for the financial damages they’re facing, but it’s important to act quickly because of the time limits built into Indiana law.