Fatalities from motorcycle accidents have increased by about 36% compared to the same time a decade ago, with nearly 15% of all traffic fatalities involving a motorcyclist. This is despite the fact that motorcycles only account for about 3% of all registered motor vehicles on the road today. But why exactly are fatal motorcycle accidents on the rise?

Fatal Motorcycle Accidents on the Rise

The overall number of people who have died from motorcycle accidents increased by more than a third between 2012 and 2022, with more than six thousand people dying in these accidents every year. Much of this dramatic increase in motorcycle fatalities happened during COVID, when the rate of auto accidents and fatalities increased overall. However, even compared to other auto accidents, motorcyclists have seen a disproportionately high rate of fatalities.

Causes of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

While there are a number of reasons that people might be fatally injured in a motorcycle accident, a few reasons stick out. For one, speeding and other reckless driving behaviors can increase the risk of an accident, as can texting and driving or driving at night. Unfortunately, DUIs are often seen in fatal auto accidents, with drunk driving being especially deadly for motorcyclists.

Reasons For the Increase in Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

There are several reasons that the number of fatal motorcycle accidents seem to have increased. First and foremost, drivers of all types have increasingly engaged in more reckless driving habits over the past few years, which is often attributed to lax enforcement of traffic laws during the pandemic. However, another factor is that many people are getting larger vehicles, particularly SUVs, which are safer for the people driving them but deadlier for motorcyclists that are hit by them.

Staying Safe From Motorcycle Accidents

If you want to protect yourself from the risk of a fatal accident as a motorcyclist, you should make sure to always obey the rules of the road and keep aware of all vehicles around you. It is also important to ensure you do not drive when intoxicated or otherwise not in the right state of mind. If you do get into an accident, you should get immediate medical attention, then speak to a lawyer with experience handling motor vehicle accidents like yours.

If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at 615-444-2900 or visit our contact page.