Sep 25, 2023
Alarming Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Miami-Dade County in 2023
Florida is known as the Sunshine State, and riding a motorcycle through this beautiful area of the country can be a dream. Unfortunately, riding a motorcycle (or even scooters) in such a high traffic area can be incredibly dangerous. Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of losing their lives in a fatal crash compared to other motorists on the road – according to reports, 28 times more likely!
In addition, motorcyclists are four times as likely to suffer injuries in a crash. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles estimates that over 8,000 traffic accidents involve motorcycles annually. Each year in Miami-Dade County, over 500 motorcycle collisions result in fatalities, and hundreds more motorcyclists suffer severe injuries.
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a motorcycle crash, a personal injury lawyer with Nunez Law P.L. (AccidentLawFirm.com) can help you recover compensation and fight for your legal rights.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics Show Alarming Trends
Motorcyclists have less physical protection and are much more exposed than their automobile counterparts, and Florida law is not very forgiving when it comes to wearing protective devices.
The following motorcycle accident statistics prove the severe risks motorcyclists face each time they head out for a ride, as well as the legal rights they are provided when something goes awry.
82,528 Motorcyclists Sustained Injuries
A staggering 82,528 motorcycle riders were injured in crashes nationwide in 2020. This equates to a total of 468 motorcycle injuries per 100 million automobile miles driven over the course of 2020.
Nearly 7,700 Riders Were Injured in Florida
Of the motorcycle accidents in Miami, roughly 7,700 people sustained crash injuries. Injuries ranged from minor scrapes and fractures to severe and incapacitating injuries.
Over One-Third of Motorcycle Crashes Involved Unlicensed Drivers
Crashes involving motorcycles often occur from untrained motorcycle operators. Roughly 36% of accidents resulting in fatalities involved drivers who did not carry a valid motorcycle license.
Florida requires residents to hold a valid motorcycle endorsement on their standard license, and this can be obtained by passing a written test, and a driving test while operating a motorcycle to gain this endorsement; in addition, applicants must be 16 years of age or older to apply.
5,200 Deaths Each Year
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 5,200 motorcyclists are killed nationwide in crashes each year.
Low Helmet Use
As Florida only requires helmet use for persons under the age of 20, a fairly low rate of helmet use exists, and/or if the operator does not have health insurance. Just over 50% of motorcycle riders consistently wear a helmet in Florida, and one can only imagine how many lives they save. In fact, we have helped motorcyclists with crashes wherein it was clear that the helmet saved their life..
Source: https://www.fdot.gov/Safety/motorcyclesafety.shtm
Non-Compliant Helmet Use
DOT-compliant helmets are designed for the maximum protection for motorcycle riders when faced with a collision. 4% of passengers and 6% of motorcycle drivers wear non-DOT compliant helmets. While any helmet is better than no helmet, it is recommended that motorcycle riders and operators find DOT-compliant helmets that properly fit them.
Source: https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/Publication/813270
Alcohol Consumption
According to reports, one-fourth of Florida motorcycle accidents that resulted in fatalities involved motorcyclists with a blood alcohol concentration at/above the legal limit. Nearly one-third of motorcycle riders who were involved in a deadly motorcycle accident had a blood alcohol concentration of .01%. Clearly, one should not be driving when under the influence, and it is even more important not to do so when operating a motorcycle – same goes for scooters, dirt bikes, mopeds, and ATVs.
Multi-Car Collisions
Nearly half of the Florida motorcycle crashes occur from a collision with other vehicles. In almost 80% of these collisions, the motorcyclist was hit from the front rather than from being rear-ended. About 7% of crashes involving a motorcycle and another vehicle occurred with the motorcyclist being struck from behind. No matter what the numbers show, it is clear that motorcycles are at a great disadvantage in crashes because of their size and lack of airbags (or other safety features in cars).
Statistics Show the Common Reasons Behind Motorcycle Crashes
The two largest factors concerning the underlying causes of these accidents are alcohol consumption and helmet use (or lack thereof). A motorcyclist has increased difficulty attempting to control, operate, and balance a two-wheeled vehicle while intoxicated.
Helmet use, while not a cause of the accidents, increases the severity of the injuries sustained when motorcyclists and passengers do not wear DOT-compliant helmets. Wearing the proper headgear has been said to be roughly 37% effective in the prevention of rider fatalities, and over 40% effective in protecting passengers on motorcycles from suffering fatal injuries.
Other notable causes of motorcycle crashes include:
- Driving over the speed limit
- Failure to yield
- Erratic lane changing
- Distracted driving, such as talking on the phone, eating, grooming, or texting
- Running traffic signals or red lights
If you have suffered injuries in a motorcycle crash, a Miami motorcycle accident lawyer can help you protect your rights.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics by Location
For motorcycle riders, some locations tend to be deadlier than others. Over 35% of motorcycle crash fatalities occur at an intersection. Intersections are dangerous for all vehicles coming together, but due to a motorcycle’s small size and single headlamp (for night driving), they are less visible to the other drivers on the road. If you have been the victim of an intersection crash, our Miami personal injury lawyer is available to help, so call today for a free consultation.
61% of Fatalities Occur In Urban Areas
Urban areas are far more dangerous for motorcycle drivers than rural or suburban areas. 61% of motorcycle fatalities occurred in urban areas. That is not a surprising figure when you think of condensed streets and high traffic increasing the likelihood of motorcycle crashes in these urban areas compared to wider roads and fewer people in rural and suburban locations.
Non-Interstate Roads Lead to More Fatalities
A motorcycle rider is safest when driving on the interstate for some reason. According to reports, about 8% of all motorcycle crashes occur on interstates; the rest on non-interstate roadways.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/motorcycle-accident-statistics/
Motorcycle Crash Demographics
Male Motorcycle Deaths
Men are much more likely to die in motorcycle accidents than women are. In 2020, 5,112 men died, but only 460 females faced fatal injuries in that same year.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/motorcycle-accident-statistics/
25-29 Year Olds
Motorcycle crash deaths occur most significantly among younger people. Most motorcycle riders who lost their lives due to a fatal motorcycle crash fell between 25 and 29 years of age. This is likely due to having less driving experience and the willingness to take more risks.
Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help
These motorcycle statistics should cause great concern. If you would like to learn more about how Nunez Law P.L. can help protect your rights and what your options are after a motorcycle crash, contact our law office in Miami, Florida, for a free case evaluation. Remember that we handle injury cases throughout all of Florida.