Florida Motorcycle Crash Data
As a motorcycle rider, you already understand that riding can be statistically more dangerous than driving, especially when negligent motorists are on the road. What are the odds of getting into a motorcycle accident, though? Are they as high as people seem to assume? Taking a look at some recent motorcycle crash data statistics can shed some light on the situation.
National Motorcycle Accident Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a federal entity tasked with tracking and reporting yearly motor vehicle accident statistics. They are a reliable source of information regarding motorcycle accident trends and interpreting what they mean. Since it takes some time to collect data and analyze it accurately, 2020 is the most recent year available for motorcycle crash data from the NHTSA.
According to the NHTSA’s recent findings:
- 5,579 motorcyclists lost their lives in motorcycle accidents in 2020 which accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities.
- Fatal motorcycle crashes in 2020 increased by 11% from 2019. From 5,044 to 5,579.
- 36% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were riding without valid motorcycle licenses.
- Per vehicle miles traveled, motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die than occupants of passenger cars.
- Approximately 41% of motorcyclists who lost their lives in crashes were drunk while riding.
- 57% of motorcycle drivers killed in states without universal helmet laws in 2020 did not use a Department of Transportation-compliant helmet while riding. Compared to 11% in states with universal helmet laws.
The quick takeaway from the NHTSA data is that more riders need to wear approved helmets while riding. It also reveals that there is a significant problem with intoxicated riding that must be addressed. Please always wear your DOT-compliant helmet and never drink and ride.
Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles Crash Data
What does the data show for Florida specifically? According to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Florida continually ranks in the top three states in the nation for motorcycle-related fatalities.
2021 FHSMV Crash Dashboard Data
According to 2021 data from the Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) department crash dashboard 8,638 motorcycle accidents were reported throughout Florida with 7,415 injuries and 593 motorcycle fatalities.
Miami-Dade County had the most crashes reported at 1,010, 55 fatalities, and 760 motorcycle accident injuries. Followed by Broward County with 703 crashes, 39 fatalities, and 578 injuries.
2020 Annual Traffic Crash Facts Report
The most recent official annual traffic crash facts report was published in 2020 with crash data about all accident types in the state. Looking through their findings, we can learn a little more about trends in Florida motorcycle accidents.
Keynotes from the FHSMV 2020 statistics:
- 8,045 motorcycle crashes were reported throughout Florida.
- 552 total fatal motorcycle accidents occurred with 517 motorcyclist fatalities.
- 35 motorcycle passengers lost their lives in reported crashes.
- 1,747 motorcyclists reported being seriously injured in crashes.
- 4,637 motorcyclists suffered non-incapacitating injuries.
- 143 motorcycle passengers were injured in serious motorcycle accidents.
- Of the 517 motorcyclists killed, 265 were wearing DOT-compliant helmets with 213 wearing no helmet.
- Only 1,037 motorcycle riders in crashes reported no injuries.
- Miami-Dade County reported some of the highest numbers of motorcycle crashes in Florida with 904 reports in 2020, 52 deaths, and 720 injuries.
Additional Data from the III
The Insurance Information Institute (III) is an independent safety organization that uses insurance claim information to compile crash data each year. Its most recent analysis report is based on data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Currently, most of their information is reliant on 2020 data, but it is still quite useful when getting an understanding of motorcycle crash statistics in the country.
According to information gathered by the III:
- Motorcycle accident deaths accounted for 14% of all motor vehicle crash deaths in 2020 and were more than double the number of motorcyclist deaths in 1997 (2,116).
- 40% of motorcyclist deaths in 2020 occurred in single-vehicle crashes, and 60% occurred in multiple-vehicle crashes.
- 26% of fatally injured motorcycle operators were younger than 30 in 2020, compared with 80% in 1975.
- With a total of 5,579 deaths, 92% of fatally injured motorcyclists were males (5,112.) Women accounted for 460 deaths.
- 61% of fatally injured operators wore a motorcycle helmet. However, helmet use was lower, at 46%, for people killed as passengers on motorcycles.
- 61% of deaths occurred during May-September with fatalities peaking in August.
- Sixty-one percent of motorcyclist deaths in 2020 occurred from May to September. Fatalities peaked in August and were lowest in January.
- 50% of all fatal motorcycle accidents occurred on weekends and were more likely to occur after 6 pm.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Contact the Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at The Fran Haasch Law Group Today
From all of us at The Fran Haasch Law Group, we wish all motorcyclists safe rides each and every day. If you’re ever in an accident in or around Clearwater, we would like to see if we can help you pursue compensation. Call (727) 637-0100 to connect with our Florida motorcycle accident attorneys.
