If you watch the news, you might see alarming statistics about the probability of getting into a motorcycle accident or dying on a motorcycle.
But what are the actual chances of getting into a motorcycle accident? Does it matter how you ride or where you live? How do Baltimore statistics compare to national numbers?
This guide aims to address the percentage of motorcycle riders who get into an accident in Baltimore, Maryland.
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National Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), the odds of a motorcycle accident far exceed those of being involved in other types of motor vehicle accidents. The NHTSA reports that 6,335 motorcyclists died in 2023, which represented 15% of all traffic fatalities and the highest number of motorcyclists killed since at least 1975.
Based on vehicle miles traveled that year, the likelihood of a motorcycle accident causing injury was five times greater than an accident involving other types of motor vehicles. The odds of a motorcycle accident causing a fatality were 28 times greater than those of accidents involving other types of motor vehicles.
Maryland Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, an average of 73 motorcycle riders and passengers are killed in traffic crashes, and 1,046 of them are injured in motorcycle crashes each year. It further states that motorcyclists are injured in approximately 72% of crashes.
In 2023, there were 89 reported motorcycle fatalities in Maryland.
Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, highly populated regions have the highest concentration of motorcycle crashes. Between 2016 and 2020, 46.4% of Maryland motorcycle accidents occurred in Baltimore.
What Percentage of Motorcyclists Get in an Accident?
In Maryland, there were 119,139 motorcycles registered in the state in 2023, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In 2020, there were 111,665 registered motorcycles in Maryland. That same year, there were 1,288 crashes. Therefore, 1.15% of motorcyclists were involved in accidents in Maryland that year.
What Percentage of Motorcycle Accidents Are Caused by Cars?
Around 60% of motorcycle accidents are reportedly due to the actions of the driver of the passenger vehicle. For example, other motorists may fail to see motorcyclists or fail to yield the right of way.
What Percentage of Motorcycle Accidents Are the Rider’s Fault?
In most single-vehicle accidents, the rider is declared at fault for reasons such as speeding, taking turns too fast, losing control of the bike, or drug or alcohol impairment.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2022, there were 6,349 fatal motorcycle accidents nationwide where the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was over 0%—36% with a BAC of at least 0.01% and 28% with a BAC of at least 0.08%.
Are Motorcycles Unsafe?
While motorcycles are more challenging to ride than a typical passenger vehicle, they are not inherently unsafe. Riding a motorcycle safely requires balance, coordination, and good judgment. Because motorcycles lack basic safety features, it’s imperative to avoid collisions and other accidents to prevent serious injuries from occurring.
How unsafe are motorcycles? It depends on the motorcyclist. Those who wear helmets, take safety training, drive safely, and avoid alcohol and drugs may be safer than the average driver of a passenger vehicle. However, those who don’t take safety seriously, drive aggressively, or drive impaired are more likely to be involved in a crash.
Can I Ride a Motorcycle in Baltimore in the Winter?
Riding a motorcycle in the winter in Baltimore can be dangerous. While you technically can ride in the winter, Maryland winters can be harsh. Ice, snow, and sleet can pose deadly hazards to motorcyclists, so be cautious and watch the weather carefully before venturing out in hazardous conditions.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Baltimore
Perhaps more important than knowing the chances of a motorcycle accident is the reason why motorcycle accidents occur.
Driving behaviors that account for a large percentage of fatal motorcycle accidents include:
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Speeding
- Distracted driving or not paying attention
- Failing to yield the right-of-way to the motorcyclist
- Reckless driving—like running red lights or stop signs
Most motorcyclists who crash do so because of the actions of other motorists.
Who Is at Fault for a Baltimore Motorcycle Accident?
Various parties could be held responsible for motorcycle accidents in Baltimore.
Responsible parties may include:
- Drivers of passenger vehicles
- Other motorcyclists
- Truck drivers and trucking companies
- Government agencies responsible for road design and maintenance
- Product manufacturers, when defective products are to blame
An experienced Baltimore personal injury attorney can investigate the accident and gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage to help establish all responsible parties.
Contact WGK Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation With Our Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident in Baltimore caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. At WGK Personal Injury Lawyers, we don’t want you to become a motorcycle accident statistic. Our firm consists of three generations of Baltimore personal injury lawyers ready to help you navigate the aftermath of a motorcycle accident.
Contact us online or call us today at (410) 469-9349 to arrange a free case review with an experienced Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your legal options for pursuing compensation.
