Although motorcycles comprise just 3% of the total road users in Washington State, motorcycle crashes account for an average of 15% of all fatalities and 19% of serious injuries in collisions every year for over a decade.
Unfortunately, motorcycle collisions and fatalities have been increasing in the last two years. From 2018 to 2019, there was a 13% increase in motorcycle rider fatalities. In 2020, in April alone, there were 12 motorcycle fatalities which made up 46% of all traffic-related deaths in Washington State in one month.
Even without a fatal outcome, there is a 95% chance for the crash to result in serious bodily injury to the motorcycle rider and passenger. This makes motorcyclists 27 times more likely to be injured in a crash than occupants of any other type of vehicle.
Without the protection normally present in a standard car or truck, motorcyclists and their passengers are more likely to sustain broken bones, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and nerve damage in upper extremities - otherwise known as a "Rider's Arm" injury.
Majority of these injuries and fatalities are preventable, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. Approximately 75% of motorcycle crash victims have no record of a training program completion. As a result, the Commission launched a motorcycle safety campaign. For training videos and information on motorcycle safety program in Washington State, visit http://itsafineline.com.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, call our office for a consultation with an attorney to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Please visit Washington Traffic Safety Commission and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration websites for additional statistics and information regarding motorcycle safety.