Chris Hammons | March 6, 2026 | Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles offer a sense of freedom, but they also come with significant risks. Motorcyclists lack the protection of steel vehicle frames, airbags, and seat belts. Protective gear offers some safety benefits, but it is no match for the size and weight of another vehicle or impacts with the road.
Here are five motorcycle accident statistics every rider should know before hopping on their bike.
1. Motorcyclists Are Far More Likely To Die in Accidents Than Passenger Car Occupants
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists face a dramatically higher risk of death in traffic crashes compared to those riding in passenger cars. In one recent report, the fatality rate for motorcyclists was nearly 24 times higher than the fatality rate for passenger vehicle occupants.
Motorcycles provide little physical protection. There is no protective shell, no crumple zone, and no airbags. Even minor collisions can eject a rider or pin them beneath another vehicle.
2. Motorcycle Fatalities Are Disproportionately High
Motorcycles make up a small fraction of vehicles on the road, yet they account for a disproportionately large share of traffic deaths. In one recent year, more than 6,000 motorcyclists were killed nationwide.
Those fatalities represented approximately 14 percent of all traffic deaths in the United States. Incidentally, motorcycles only represent about 3.5 percent of all registered vehicles and roughly 0.6 percent of all vehicle miles traveled.
Motorcycles represent a tiny share of total traffic, yet a significantly larger share of fatal outcomes.
3. Motorcyclists Are More Likely To Be Seriously Injured
Nonfatal injuries in motorcycle crashes are also extremely common. According to recent NHTSA data, motorcyclists are about four times more likely to be injured in a crash than occupants of passenger cars.
These injuries are often severe. Motorcycle crashes frequently result in:
- Broken bones and complex fractures
- Road rash and severe soft tissue damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal organ damage
Even when a rider survives their injuries, they may face extensive medical expenses and long-term treatment needs.
4. Helmets Significantly Reduce the Risk of Death
Research consistently shows that helmets and helmet laws save lives. The National Safety Council reports that helmets are about 37 percent effective in preventing fatalities among motorcycle riders involved in crashes.
Head injuries are among the leading causes of death in motorcycle accidents. Helmets help protect against the risk of traumatic brain injury. A properly fitted, DOT-approved helmet can help protect the skull and brain during a collision.
5. Alcohol Impairment Is a Major Factor in Fatal Crashes
Alcohol is a common factor in fatal motorcycle accidents. In one recent year, approximately 29 percent of motorcyclists who were fatally injured in crashes had a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit.
Riding a motorcycle requires intense focus. Alcohol impairs a rider’s ability to concentrate on the road by affecting judgment and slowing response time.
Drivers of passenger vehicles who drink and drive also pose a serious threat to riders. An impaired driver may be more likely to collide with a bike or fail to share the road.
Contact an Experienced Oklahoma Motorcycle Accident Lawyer With Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers for Help After a Crash
Motorcycles may have accident risks that passenger cars do not. However, that doesn’t mean that motorcyclists are automatically responsible for the crashes in which they’re involved. If another driver caused your crash in Oklahoma, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
An experienced Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights. Call Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.
For more information, please contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. Our law office is located in Oklahoma City.
We proudly serve Oklahoma County, OK and its surrounding areas:
Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers – OKC
1332 SW 89th St,
Oklahoma City, OK 73159
(405) 703-4567