Motorcycle accidents can cause devastating injuries because riders have little protection from the force of a collision. Understanding how often these crashes occur can help riders recognize the risks they face on Minnesota roads.
State crash data offers some insight into motorcycle safety. However, it cannot tell us the exact percentage of individual riders who will be involved in an accident because crash reports do not track whether the same rider was involved in more than one crash or whether every licensed rider actively rides.
What Do Minnesota Motorcycle Accident Statistics Show?
According to the most recent Minnesota Crash Facts report from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, there were 396,713 licensed motorcycle operators in the state.
The report also found:
- 2.2 motorcycle accident deaths per 10,000 registered motorcycles
- A fatal crash rate of 6.3 per 100 motorcycle crashes
These figures show that while motorcycle crashes account for only part of Minnesota’s overall traffic picture, their consequences can be severe when they occur.
What Commonly Causes Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle crashes can happen for many of the same reasons as other traffic accidents. However, motorcycles are smaller and less visible than passenger vehicles, which can create additional risks.
Common causes and contributing factors can include:
- Drivers failing to see motorcycles before turning or changing lanes
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to yield
- Impaired driving
- Hazardous road conditions
- Inexperienced riding
Intersections can be especially dangerous when a driver turns across a motorcyclist’s path. Drivers may also misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or distance because of its smaller size.
Motorcyclists can reduce some risks through defensive riding, but they cannot control the actions of negligent drivers.
How Can Motorcycle Riders Reduce Their Risk of a Crash?
Safe riding habits cannot prevent every collision, but they can lower the chances of an accident and may reduce the severity of injuries.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that riders follow traffic laws, ride sober, stay visible, and leave sufficient space between their motorcycle and other vehicles.
Motorcyclists can also improve safety by:
- Wearing a DOT-compliant helmet and protective clothing
- Checking mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes
- Using turn signals early
- Maintaining a safe following distance
- Adjusting speed for weather and road conditions
- Avoiding distractions while riding
- Watching closely for vehicles entering intersections
- Completing motorcycle rider training
Riders should also inspect their motorcycles regularly. Tires, brakes, lights, signals, and other safety equipment should be in good working condition before every trip.
Why Are Motorcycle Accident Injuries Often Serious?
Unlike occupants of cars and trucks, motorcyclists are not surrounded by a metal frame, airbags, or seat belts. A rider may be thrown from the motorcycle and strike another vehicle, the pavement, or a roadside object.
Motorcycle crashes can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, road rash, internal injuries, and damage to the arms and legs. Some injuries can require surgery, rehabilitation, or lengthy periods away from work.
Protective equipment can reduce some risks, but even a careful rider can suffer serious harm when another road user causes a collision.
Contact a Minneapolis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys for Help
A motorcycle crash can leave you facing medical treatment, lost income, and uncertainty about what to do next. If another person caused your accident, an attorney can investigate the crash, gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and evaluate the compensation that may be available.
For more information, contact an experienced Minneapolis motorcycle accident attorney at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.
We have three convenient locations in Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Edina.
We proudly serve Hennepin County, Stearns County, and their surrounding areas:
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