Illinois Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcycles are one of the most dangerous vehicles you can drive. Because they’re open, they’re not protected the same way car drivers and passengers are. That is why you’re more likely to get hurt or killed. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycles account for about 14% of all highway deaths each year and about 80% of motorcycle crashes result in injury or death. So what are the Illinois motorcycle accident statistics? The results are shocking. 

2010 NHTSA Motorcycle Accident Statistics

  • Per registered vehicle, the fatality rate for motorcyclists in 2010 was six times the fatality rate for passenger car occupants.
  • 2,351 (51-percent) of the motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes collided with another type of motor vehicle. In two-vehicle crashes, 75% of the motorcyclists involved were struck in front. Only 6% were struck in the rear.
  • 4,502 motorcyclists were killed in crashes in 2010, increasing from 4,469 killed in 2009. There were also 82,000 motorcyclists injured that year.

2011 Illinois Motorcycle Accident Statistics

  • Motorcycle crashes accounted for only 1.3% of all crashes in 2011, but fatalities accounted for 15.8% of all fatalities in 2011.
  • There were 3,756 motorcycle crashes in Illinois, which resulted in 145 motorcyclists killed and 3,020 injured.
  • 85 people died in motorcycle crashes on urban roads and 61 were killed on rural roads.

Of all the motorcycle crashes in Illinois, the facts for crashes involved:

  • 2,029 motorcyclists were traveling straight ahead
  • 39 were changing lanes
  • 512 were skidding / lost control of their bikes
  • 312 were slows / stopped in traffic
  • 177 were making a left turn
  • 114 were making a right turn
  • 88 were passing / overtaking another vehicle
  • 35 motorcyclists killed had a BAC of 0.08% (the legal drinking limit) or more.

The causes of motorcycle accidents in the United States vary. In 39% of crashes, the other vehicle was turning left while the motorcycle was going straight or passing another vehicle, while 22% of the crashes, both vehicles were going straight. Speeding is another crucial part of fatal crashes. 35% of fatal motorcycle crashes had riders that were speeding compared to 23% for passenger care drivers.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, you need to protect your rights. At Balkin & Mausner, we will review your case and fight for your rights. Don’t be a silent victim, contact us at 888-751-5908 or via email.