Motorcycles are known to be among the most dangerous vehicles on the road. They are capable of skidding and jackknifing, and serious injuries are liable to result from a Chicago motorcycle accident.
Illinois Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the most recent crash data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 4,091 motorcycle crashes in 2008 in Illinois. While the total number of cyclists killed represented a 14% decrease from 2007, motorcycles account for only 4% of vehicles in the state, while representing 14% of traffic fatalities. These statewide trends tend to apply on a national scale, as well.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which in 2004 updated their study on “Recent Trends in Fatal Motorcycle Crashes,” says that nationally, motorcycle rider fatalities increased by 89% from 1997 to 2004. This is a significant increase in the number of deaths caused by motorcycles in the U.S.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a Chicago motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to claim personal injury damages. To do so, you can get the help of a Chicago motorcycle accident attorney.
National Statistics for Motorcycle Accidents
While the NHTSA study was conducted nationwide, the averages can be applied within the state of Illinois. According to the study, between the years 1995 and 2004 the number of motorcycles owned nationally rose by 1,883,679 which represents an increase of 48% over that period of time.
In 2004, there were 5,780,870 registered motorcycles in the U.S., and subsequently 4,008 motorcycle related fatalities. This amounted to almost 70 fatal motorcycle accidents per 100,000 registered motorcycles.
The most alarming figure in the statistics, according to the NHTSA, is that there were 40 fatalities per 100 million motorcycle miles traveled. This was up from less than 23 fatalities per 100 million miles in 1995. This means that while motorcycle technology has improved over the years, including equipment and safety devices such as tires, brakes, helmets and clothing, the number of fatalities has nearly doubled. And it is a sobering reminder of the possibility of a severe or fatal Chicago motorcycle accident.
