NHTSA Reports Highest Number of Deaths in Nearly 50 Years
Traveling by motorcycle has always been more dangerous than riding in a passenger vehicle or a truck. There’s nothing between you and the road, and far too many motorists don’t pay sufficient attention to know that you’re there. Statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration support this, with motorcycles accounting for less than 1% of all miles driven but approximately 15% of all fatalities. In 2022 and 2023, respectively, motorcycle accidents were tied to 6,218 and 6,335 deaths on America’s roadways.
Why Have Motorcycle Fatalities Increased Dramatically Over the Last Few Years?
Authorities point to a number of factors that account for the upward trend in motorcycle accident fatalities since the pandemic:
- A rise in high-risk behaviors by bikers, including excessive speed, lane splitting, and passing when either prohibited or unwise
- An increase in the influence of alcohol and/or drugs by motorcyclists
- More bikers with less skill training
Common Causes of Motorcycle Fatalities
The reason most frequently given by the other driver after a motorcycle fatality is “I never saw the motorcycle.” Many factors may contribute to the road blindness of other motorists:
- Distracted driving by other motorists who are paying attention to handheld devices, the radio, other passengers, or roadside attractions
- Use of excessive speed by other motorists
- Failure to yield to the right-of-way of motorcyclists, most often at intersections during left turns
- Failure by motorcyclists to take steps to maximize visibility
Let Attorney David J. Karbasian Help You After a New Jersey Motorcycle Accident
You have the right to seek full and fair compensation when you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle wreck caused by the negligence of another person. We can help. Send us an email today, or call us at 1-877-HOGLAW1 to schedule an appointment to discuss your claim. Evening and weekend consultations are available upon request. We can come to your home or the hospital to meet with you, if necessary.
We take all motorcycle accident injury claims on a contingency basis. We will charge legal fees only if we recover compensation for your losses.
