There’s nothing better than riding a motorcycle on a perfect summer day. However, there are some serious risks associated with motorcycle riding in California.
Alarming statistics
Every year, states compile various statistics about motorcycle accidents to give riders a better idea of how they should be driving and what to look out for. These statistics, while scary, can help riders prepare for the reality of driving motorcycles.
What causes these accidents?
Around 84,000 motorcyclists sustained injuries from accidents in 2019. Speeding was a factor in about 33% of fatal motorcycle accidents in 2019.
Another huge contributor to motorcycle accidents is the weather. Bad weather, such as rain, can cause bikes to slide out on wet patches, which is why most motorcyclists are encouraged to not ride in inclement weather.
About 75% of those accidents involved a collision with another vehicle. A lot of these types of motorcycle accidents happen at intersections due to the limited line of sight and increase in traffic.
What are the motorcycle death statistics?
Everyone knows how deadly motorcycle accidents can be due to the lack of impact protection. In 2019 alone, motorcyclists made up about 14% of yearly traffic-related deaths at 5,014 deaths total.
Of those 5,014 deaths, about 57% of the motorcyclists weren’t wearing helmets. Helmets are one of the most essential pieces of protective equipment motorcyclists have — and are legally required in some states.
What should I do if I get into a motorcycle accident?
Motorcycle accidents are terrifying at best and deadly at worst. If you get into an accident, it’s important to ensure your safety and call for help before doing anything else.
If your accident was with another car or person, you’ll want to call the police and make sure you document everything. Even if you feel fine, injuries from a motorcycle accident with another vehicle can have devastating consequences, and it’s important to cover all your bases.