There are many perks to riding a motorcycle over car, truck, or other passenger vehicles. For example, you spend less on gas, have better maneuverability on the roads, build core strength, and get to experience the fresh air every time you ride.
However, there are dangers of having a motorcycle, too—and sadly, that means motorcycle accidents can be serious.
The open air you enjoy on your bike also means you have less protection than other vehicles if you crash. Plus, motorcycles are simply much smaller than cars and trucks, exposing bikers to a higher chance of serious injury or even death if they get into an accident.
No matter the risk, motorcycles have the same right to be on Georgia roads as any other vehicle. But it’s helpful for bikers to understand the stats about accidents so they can exercise caution on the open roads. So, here are some important Georgia motorcycle accident statistics to know.
Georgia Motorcycle Accident Statistics
These stats come from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). They provide motorcycle accident statistics by the state each year. These statistics include:
- How many people are killed in motorcycle crashes
- Helmet use
- Alcohol-related crashes
- Which age groups are affected by accidents
- And more
The statistics we’ll cover below are based on the NHTSA’s 2016 fact sheet published in 2018. It includes motorcycle accident statistics for all U.S. states, including stats for Georgia.
Motorcycle Crash Statistics for 2016
Here are some basic stats for motorcycle accidents in the United States in 2016:
- There were 5,286 motorcycle riders killed in vehicle accidents. This was a 5.1% increase from 2015.
- Motorcyclists made up 14% of all traffic deaths and 17% of all deaths involving drivers and passengers.
- Out of all bikers killed in accidents, 94% were riders and only six percent were passengers.
Georgia Fatalities and Helmet Use
In Georgia in 2016, the total number of motorcycle riders killed was 167. Of that number, 154 riders (90%) were wearing a helmet. Nine riders (five percent) were unhelmeted and for nine others, it was unknown whether they were wearing a helmet or not.
The NHTSA believes helmets saved 1,859 motorcycle riders from death in 2016. If all had been wearing helmets during their collision, the organization estimates 802 more lives could have been saved. Helmets are estimated to prevent 37 out of 100 motorcycle accident deaths for riders and 41 out of 100 motorcycle passenger deaths.
Helmet use has continued to be higher in states like Georgia that require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets.
Georgia Motorcycle Accident Deaths and Alcohol Use
Of the total motorcyclists killed in Georgia in 2016:
- 25% had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .01% or more
- 21% had a BAC of .08% or more (the legal limit)
- and 10% had a BAC of .15% or more
Motorcyclists either injured or killed in crashes were more likely to be under the influence of alcohol than any other type of motorist, including car drivers, light trucks, and large truck drivers.
Out of all U.S. states, most motorcyclists impaired by alcohol and killed in an accident fell into the following age groups:
- 35 to 39 years old (38%)
- 45 to 49 years old (37%)
- 40 to 44 years old (32%)
The percentage of alcohol-impaired motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle accidents decreased from 2007 to 2016, going from 41% to 37%.
Largest Motorcycle Accident Fatalities By Age
In 2016, 54% of all motorcycle riders killed in accidents were 40 years old or older. This percentage has increased by 12% from the years 2007 to 2016.
Types of Motorcycle Crashes
Fifty-five percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes in 2016 involved another motor vehicle:
- Out of all two-vehicle accidents, 72% of the motorcycles were hit in the front.
- Seven percent were impacted in the rear of the motorcycle.
- In 41% of two-vehicle fatal crashes, the other vehicle was turning left as the motorcyclist was either passing, going straight, or overtaking the other driver.
- In 23% of these crashes, both the motorcycle and other vehicles were going straight.
Compared with other vehicle accidents, motorcyclists were more frequently killed in collisions with fixed objects. These collisions made up 23% of all fatal motorcycle accidents in 2016.
Motorcycle Accident Deaths Based on Time of Day
Weekends and nights seem to be the most deadly times for motorcycle accidents across the country.
On weekend nights, 57% of riders killed in single-vehicle accidents were under the influence of alcohol. On any night, motorcyclists killed in accidents were three times more often found to be alcohol-impaired versus accidents in the daytime.
Speeding-Related Motorcycle Accidents
Thirty-three percent of all motorcyclists in fatal accidents in 2016 were found to be speeding. This is much higher than speeding rates for other vehicles, including 19% for passenger cars, 15% for light trucks, and seven percent for large trucks.
(According to the NHTSA, an accident is deemed “speeding-related” if an investigating officer determined that driving too fast for safe conditions, racing, or exceeding the speed limit contributed to the collision or if the driver received a speeding-related charge.)
Were You Injured in a Georgia Motorcycle Accident?
If you were impacted by a motorcycle accident in Georgia—whether you were involved yourself or had a loved one hurt or killed in an accident—John Foy & Associates can help.
We have been supporting and assisting motorcycle accident victims with their insurance claims for more than two decades. Working with us is risk-free: we don’t get paid unless we win your case. And we’ll start with a FREE consultation to discuss your options. To get started with your free consultation, call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form on this page today.
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