New York City Motorcycle Accidents Statistics & Tips

Riding a motorcycle through New York City during rush-hour traffic is often difficult and dangerous. Furthermore, most truck and passenger car drivers forget that motorcyclists, pedestrians and bicyclists are uniquely vulnerable when accidents occur.

Although New York City motorcycle collisions aren’t as common as auto accidents, they’re much more likely to result in deadly injuries since motorcyclists have so little physical protection. Furthermore, motorcyclists are at special risk while navigating turns and trying to make it safely through busy traffic intersections.

The accident statistics set forth below clearly document the special challenges facing motorcyclists. That information is followed by a list of the most common injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents — and useful safety tips that can help all riders.

New York motorcycle accident statistics

• Highest death rates. Riders between the ages of 20 and 24 suffer the most fatalities. However, older riders have begun incurring many more injuries during recent years;
• Annual death rate. About 166 people in the state of New York die each year due to motorcycle crashes;
• Comparison between vehicle mortality rates. New York motorcyclists are 37 times more likely to die in their accidents than people riding in passenger cars;
• Motorcycle fatalities have risen in recent years. During one study period, motorcycle accident fatalities rose by 23%. However, during that same period, approximately 28% more motorcycles were registered within the state;
• Speeding. This factor plays the biggest role in most serious and fatal accidents;
• Emergency room treatment visits. Each year, about 4,000 New Yorkers require ER treatment for their motorcycle accident injuries;
• Unqualified drivers killed most often. About forty-three percent (43%) of all fatal motorcycle accidents involve drivers who were not properly licensed;
• Male vs. female motorcycle fatalities. Nearly 100% of all fatal accidents involve men;
• Special dangers of riding a motorcycle in New York City. Compared to riders in the rest of the state of New York – those riding in NYC are almost twice as likely to die in their road accidents.

Most frequent types of medical injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). While it’s fortunate that many people survive their motorcycle accidents, they must often endure lengthy treatments and periods of rehabilitation. Both blunt-force head trauma and concussions fall into this category;
• Broken bones and fractures;
• Road rash. Many motorcycle accident victims wind up requiring extensive skin grafts
• Spinal cord injuries. Regardless of which portion of the spinal column is damaged, many of these injuries may be permanent – or else the recovery periods are very lengthy;
• Torn ligaments;
• Facial injuries. These can be quite extensive when riders forget to wear full-face motorcycle helmets or when their headgear comes off during accidents.

Obviously, many factors play a role in every crash – including the various types of negligence caused by other drivers. However, as noted below, there are many precautions that experienced riders can take to increase their safety.

Helpful safety tips for all New York motorcycle riders

• Never speed. When you travel at a moderate speed and carefully obey all road traffic signals and signs, you’re far more likely to arrive safely at each destination;
• Never drink alcohol or use drugs prior to riding your motorcycle;
• Always wear a full-face motorcycle helmet. Although they may be quite costly – they’re always worth the added money. You can obtain excellent helmet safety recommendations from your local motorcycle shop and more experienced bikers;
• Avoid traveling through busy intersections. Whenever possible, it’s always worth the added time to find quieter routes to all your destinations;
• Slow down when making all turns. Also, use proper hand and motorcycle signals so that those traveling near you will know what you’re preparing to do. Also, never tailgate other vehicles;
• Avoid constantly weaving between other vehicles while you’re in traffic;
• Keep an eye on bad weather conditions. Choose an alternate form of transportation when the weather is threatening – or delay your trip until all road conditions have fully improved;
• Wear the best leather gear, motorcycle boots, and other protective clothing you can afford;
• Take a defensive driving course. Many of these can be found online. You might want to first ask your insurance agent if taking and passing an approved course will entitle you to a short- or long-term policy discount. Whether you need to simply take a beginner motorcycle class – or one for more advanced riders – these classes are worth the time;
• Watch out for various road hazards. Always be on the lookout for gravel, broken glass, potholes, and other road debris. Be especially careful when driving through areas where large-scale construction projects are underway;
• Choose the best motorcycle model for your skill level. Don’t try to ride “supersport” or extra-large motorcycles unless you have very strong riding skills. These vehicles can be harder to maneuver and tend to be in more accidents;
• Drive extra carefully when you have a passenger. Always offer the passenger a full face motorcycle helmet and only offer the person a ride if your motorcycle was built to fully protect their safety — as well as your own;
• Routine motorcycle maintenance is crucial to your safety. Unless you’re a skilled professional, take your bike in for frequent tune-ups and be prepared to buy new motorcycle tires whenever the treads become too worn out. Also, be sure your motorcycle headlights, horn, and directional lights are always working properly – before heading out on any new ride;
• Keep in mind that anti-lock brakes are well worth the added expense. Also, make sure to always carry an emergency aid kit with you so you can quickly dress and bandage minor injuries before obtaining professional help;
• Never listen to music while riding – and avoid all other forms of distracted driving.

Finally, when planning to take an unusually long ride, always consider riding with at least one or two others so you can all watch out for each other on the road.

If you’ve been seriously injured in a New York motorcycle accident, be sure to contact the motorcycle accident lawyers at Frehktman & Associates. We have the necessary experience to help you get through the difficult injury settlement stage (or we can take your case to trial, if necessary). We always request the maximum amount of damages available for all your pain and suffering, lost wages, property damage, and medical expenses. We have a strong, proven track record for obtaining the highest compensation available for many of our clients.