Why Motorcycle Accident Numbers Matter
Motorcyclists are five times more likely to be injured and a shocking 28 times more likely to die in an accident than passenger vehicle occupants are, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The numbers matter because motorcyclists matter, and they deserve justice and accountability when others are to blame for their injuries.
National Overview: How Many Motorcycle Accidents Happen Each Year?
NHTSA tracks information on motorcycle accident injuries and fatalities. In the most recent year with available data, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents, accounting for 15 percent of total traffic fatalities and 20 percent of vehicle occupant fatalities. In the same year, 82,564 motorcyclists sustained accident-related injuries.
Texas Statistics: Motorcycle Crashes Across the Lone Star State
There were 6,052 total motorcycle accidents in Texas in the most recent year with available data from the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS). The accidents resulted in 591 fatal injuries, 3,099 suspected minor injuries, and 2,362 suspected serious injuries.
Texas motorcycle accident injury and fatality numbers have all been trending up over the last four years.
Spotlight on Houston: Local Motorcycle Accident Trends
CRIS reports that there were 1,158 total motorcycle accidents in Houston in the most recent year with available data, accounting for 19 percent of motorcycle accidents statewide. The crashes resulted in 115 deaths, 579 suspected minor injuries, and 464 suspected serious injuries.
Why So Many Motorcycle Accidents Happen: Key Contributing Factors
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, human error is a contributing factor in 94 percent of motorcycle accidents. The errors were broken down as follows:
- Perception failure
- Decision failure
- Reaction failure
- Comprehension failure
Other drivers were more likely to commit perception or decision failures, while motorcyclists were likelier to commit reaction and comprehension failures.
Preventing Motorcycle Accidents: Safety Tips for Houston Riders
As a motorcyclist, you can protect yourself on the road by following these simple safety tips:
- Pay careful attention to your surroundings.
- Look twice before acting.
- Be especially careful when turning left.
- Maintain a safe space between you and nearby vehicles.
- When in doubt, slow down.
Quick Houston Motorcycle Accidents Facts
How Many Motorcycle Accidents Happen Per Year in Texas?
There was an average of 5,344 motorcycle accidents in Texas each year for the last five years with available data.
How Many Motorcycle Deaths Happen in Houston Each Year?
There was an average of 101 fatalities in Houston-area motorcycle accidents in each of the last five years with available data.
What Percentage of Motorcycle Accidents Are Fatal?
Over the last five years of available data, about 9.5 percent of motorcycle accidents reported statewide resulted in fatal injuries.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes?
The leading causes of motorcycle accidents include failure to maintain lane, failure to control speed, unsafe speed, driver inattention, and failure to yield.
Contact Our Houston Motorcycle Accident Attorneys to Learn More
Have you been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Houston? If someone else was to blame for what happened, you could be entitled to compensation for what you have suffered.
Do not expect the other driver’s insurance company just to hand over the money you deserve, though. Instead, get the experienced legal help you need to demand the maximum compensation you are entitled to when you contact Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs for a free consultation with a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer.
