Popular, Yet Dangerous: Motorcycle Deaths Hit an All-Time High

Travel is an everyday part of life, especially during the busy summer months when we rush to various destinations. Summer is also prime motorcycle season, which means more bikes will be hitting the road, crowding highways and streets.

For many, there is no denying the pleasure that comes from a motorcycle ride. But riding a motorcycle is undeniably dangerous as well. Just how dangerous?

In 2022, over 6,000 motorcyclists were killed in the U.S. (compared to just 2,900 in 2000), which is the highest number of deaths ever recorded since the federal tracking system was started in 1975. While auto accident deaths steadily declined over the past 20 years (except for a post-pandemic spike), motorcycle fatalities went the other way. From 2000 to 2022, the National Safety Council (NSC) reports that motorcycle deaths nationwide rose by almost 115%!

In Arizona alone, 160 motorcyclists died in 2020, and in 2022, the 232 riders killed made it the fourth worst state for motorcycle fatalities.

Why Are Motorcycles So Dangerous?

Motorcycles, like any vehicle, can be dangerous, but they are even more risky than driving a car for a number of reasons. Instead of four wheels, motorcycles have two wheels, making them harder to balance. Motorcycles also lack a lot of the same safety features that cars have. For example, they have no airbags, seatbelts, or surrounding structures to protect you if an accident happens.

Motorcyclists are also less visible to other drivers who may not see or yield to them. In general, motorcycles require more mental and physical skills to use and drive safely. They are also very vulnerable to hazardous weather and road conditions.

Safety Tips for Motorcycle Riders

Every time you get ready to travel, the goal is for everyone to stay safe on the road. Accidents can happen for a number of reasons, including a driver failing to check his blindspots for motorcycles, or an unwillingness to yield to riders, fatigue, alcohol impairment, or distracted driving. Here are some helpful tips for motorcycle riders to consider to avoid dangers on the road:

Be Properly Trained and Licensed → Just like any motor vehicle, it’s essential to know how to drive safely. Tips can be especially helpful for new riders. Unfortunately, half of all motorcycle riders have never taken a proper safety class. Take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider course, which has classes for riders of all skill levels.
Gear Up → Wear bright colors. What you wear can make it easier for drivers to see you so they know you’re there. It can also help to better protect you in the event of a crash. Check out the “Fool’s Gear, Cool Gear” poster for more suggestions on how to suit up.
Ride Within Your Skill Limits and Obey Traffic Laws → Know your limits. Don’t ride faster or farther than your abilities will allow. It’s important to be safe and follow the law.
Avoid Inclement Weather → Know what dangerous weather looks like. As much as you can, try to check the weather before you ride. The best way to ride in the rain is not to do it at all. Avoiding dangerous conditions isn’t always possible because the weather can change quickly. In those events – slow down, watch for standing water, and wear bright colors. Read more safety tips here.
Never Drink and Drive → This applies to any motor vehicle driver. Drinking and driving is not safe. In 2021, 34% of cycling fatalities involved riders who were intoxicated. If you are inebriated, don’t get on your motorcycle.
Wear a Helmet → According to the National Safety Council, helmets prevent fatalities about 37% of the time for drivers and around 41% of the time for passengers in motorcycle accidents. And in Arizona, of the 160 deaths in 2020, at least 73 of them weren’t wearing a helmet.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident or have been the victim of a negligent driver and wish to discuss the specifics of your case in a free consultation with an experienced Tucson personal injury lawyer, please contact us today.