Ohio Motorcycle Accident Statistics
While riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling way to see Ohio, it can also be dangerous. Motorcycle accidents and fatalities are on the rise across the state. By familiarizing yourself with some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents, you can prepare yourself to avoid collisions and respond to them when they occur.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Ohio?
Motorcycle accidents are an all too frequent occurrence in Ohio, which is shown in the state’s motorcycle crash statistics. According to data compiled by the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), one recent year saw nearly 4,000 motorcycle accidents across the state, resulting in more than 200 fatalities and nearly 3,000 injuries.
Most of the reported motorcycle-related accidents took place during rush hour and on weekends. Nice weather also likely brings out more riders, with the number of motorcycle accidents increasing drastically from May through September. Ohio’s top motorcycle crash routes are reported as US-6, IR-75, US-42, and US-40.
Number of Fatalities in Ohio Motorcycle Accidents
The OSHP reports an average of 175 fatal motorcycle accidents per year in Ohio. Motorcycle accidents accounted for about 16 percent of all traffic fatalities in the reported years.
About 54 percent of fatal motorcycle collisions occurred in urban areas in one recent year, while 46 percent took place in rural Ohio. The 212 people who died in fatal motorcycle accidents that year represented a 31 percent increase over the previous year.
National motorcycle accident statistics show that motorcycle riders were 29 times more likely to die and four times more likely to be injured than passenger vehicle occupants.
Most Common Causes of Ohio Motorcycle Accidents
While motorcycle accidents can happen for a wide range of reasons, one of the most common causes is negligence, whether on the part of the motorcyclist or another motorist. Examples include the following:
- Lack of experience – Before riding, a motorcyclist should get proper training to operate their vehicle safely. The risk of injury and death is much higher when riding a motorcycle than driving a car. That’s why it is essential for motorcyclists to educate and familiarize themselves with proper safety techniques and equipment. Motorcycle riders should wear a jacket, pants, boots, gloves, and a Department of Transportation approved helmet.
- Driving while intoxicated – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 29 percent of motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes in one recent year were intoxicated at the time of the accident. Driving while drunk inhibits a motorcyclist’s ability to concentrate on the road, judge traffic situations, and respond when traffic suddenly stops or slows down.
- Lane splitting – Riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, or lane splitting, is illegal in Ohio. Motorcyclists may choose to ride between lanes when traffic is stopped or stalled, but doing so can result in an accident if a passenger vehicle or truck shifts lanes or an occupant opens their door.
- Distracted driving – Distracted driving involves any activity that causes a driver or motorcyclist to take their attention off the road. Common driving distractions include texting, talking on the phone, daydreaming, personal grooming, and eating or drinking.
- Unsafe lane changes – When motorists fail to check their blind spots, cut off motorcyclists, or neglect to use turn signals, they risk entering a lane that is already occupied by another vehicle.
- Turning in front of a motorcycle – Drivers often have a hard time estimating how far they are from motorcycles because of the difference in size between motorcycles and other vehicles. This can cause them to misjudge whether they have the time and space to safely turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
- Speeding – Both drivers and motorcyclists are responsible for following the speed limit and adjusting their speed to accommodate hazardous conditions if necessary. When a driver or biker speeds, they need more time and space to bring their vehicle to a stop if a road hazard suddenly appears. Motorists who speed around motorcycles may not have adequate time to react if the motorcycle rider unexpectedly brakes.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another motorist, you have a legal right to pursue compensation. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can determine the cause of the accident, identify the liable party, and pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit against them.
Helmet Usage in Motorcycle Crashes
Ohio state law does not require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets, only protective eyewear. Riders that have been licensed for less than one year or are under the age of 18 must wear a helmet, along with their passengers. However, studies have repeatedly shown that helmets save lives.
Per the NHTSA, head injuries are a leading cause of fatalities in motorcycle crashes. The NHTSA has stated that motorcyclists who don’t wear a helmet are 40 percent more likely to sustain a fatal head injury in a crash than motorcyclists who do. Unhelmeted motorcyclists are also 15 percent more likely to sustain a non-fatal head injury in a collision than helmeted motorcyclists. Overall, the NHTSA estimates that wearing a helmet reduces the risk of death in a motorcycle accident by 37 percent.
Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Ohio Today
Were you injured in a motorcycle crash that was caused by someone else? If so, contact the motorcycle accident lawyers at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law today to discuss your situation and find out how we can help. We offer free consultations, so learning more about your rights as a motorcycle accident victim won’t cost anything.
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At Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we only represent consumers. We fight for regular people who have been seriously hurt in accidents. We fight for people who are being crushed by overwhelming debt and need a fresh start. We fight for individuals and families. Never businesses. Never insurance companies. We are loyal to the consumer.
