What Are the Chances of Surviving a Motorcycle Accident in NY?

Motorcycles can be harder to see since they are smaller than automobiles, and because they lack the same safety equipment as cars, they are less likely to survive collisions. In addition, motorcycle riders are frequently flung from the vehicle during collisions, directly impacting their bodies. As a result, injuries brought on by motorcycles can be fatal.

Most motorcycle accidents in New York City include younger males, happen in the summer, and happen at night or in the twilight when visibility is reduced. Unfortunately, the drivers are not properly licensed to operate the motorcycle in nearly half of the incidents where the motorcyclist gets killed.

Statistics for Motorcycle Accidents in NY

The New York State Motorcycle Safety Program, a rider-funded motorcycle safety education and awareness program has existed in New York for over 20 years. This made New York the first state to require motorcycle helmet use.

Within the first couple weeks of the riding season in 2022, there were nine fatalities and more than 220 recorded injuries. Furthermore, motorcyclists are still heavily represented in fatal traffic collisions. Over 18% of all motor vehicle accident fatalities in New York occurred in motorcycle crashes in only 2021.

Motorcycles make up just 2% of all registered cars in New York City, but they are responsible for 14% of all motor vehicle deaths. Nearly 75% of motorcycle fatalities involve male drivers, and 56% of riders are under 35. In addition, most collisions include a motorcycle rider and another motor vehicle.

Chances of Survival in a Motorcycle Accident in NY

Motorbike accidents have significantly lower survival rates than other forms of vehicle incidents. Even though there are few statistics on the precise number of survivors, it has been calculated that around 40% of motorcycle crashes result in fatalities. Compared to vehicle or truck accidents, it is a very high number.

It turns out that motorbikes find it challenging to endure collisions with other vehicles due to their lower body mass as compared to an average-sized passenger automobile. In comparison to other crashes, there is a 22% greater chance of dying in a motorbike collision.

If a person has been involved or injured in an accident, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Long Island NY for legal guidance.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in NY

Motorcycle accidents aren't any different from other types of automobile accidents. Speeding remains a major contributing factor. Higher speeds are linked to more brutal collisions and more severe injuries.
Excessive speeding can result in catastrophic damage in any crash, but motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable because they lack the protection from the body of their vehicle as in a car.
Drivers of other automobiles can change lanes without realizing there is a motorcycle nearby. That's why it's important for truck drivers to know where the blind spots are on a semi truck. A motorcycle rider who cuts across lanes on streets can run into a vehicle door that just opened.
One of the most frequent reasons for motorcycle accidents in New York is rear-ended collisions. Given the size and weight disparity between the two vehicles, a truck or car rear-ending a motorcycle can have catastrophic results.

How to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles on-road. Ensure to keep near the curb while a car is approaching from the opposite direction; otherwise, the driver will not be able to see the rider approaching.
Drive only while sober and free of drugs and alcohol since they can affect driving. Stay below the speed limit and resist the urge to overspeed when driving.
Be aware of the safest time of day to ride a motorcycle.
Always wear a safety helmet and maintain attention towards the road to avoid obstacles and negligent drivers.
Ensure that other drivers on the road are aware. Put on eye-catching apparel in vivid colors. Use the high beam on motorcycles during inclement weather and at night to make the presence known on the road.

Conclusion

In New York, motorcycle accidents claim the lives of approximately 166 persons yearly. Moreover, motorcycle fatalities have increased recently; riders are 37 times more likely than passengers in cars to die in accidents.

A junction is among the most frequent places for motorbike collisions. At traffic crossroads, almost half of all motorcycle crashes take place. Therefore, everyone must pay great attention at intersections to establish who has the right-of-way.

Inexperienced drivers may not be aware of the presence of motorbikes or other smaller vehicles. As a result, the driver may run into a biker who is attempting to pass or make a turn close to the vehicle.