Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Several government and non-government organizations compile motorcycle accident statistics on a regular basis. It is thought that by understanding how accidents occur, injury and loss of life can be reduced. As motorcyclists, it is good to be aware of some of these statistics so we can adjust our habits and behavior, ultimately leading to our individual safety and enjoyment.
It is important to remember however, that statistics can be presented in several ways and a false presentation can skew their actual meaning. We have listed various statistics as raw data and have not attempted to interpret them other than how they were originally presented. (All percentages have been rounded to the nearest whole number.)
Accident Statistics According to ICBC
Age of Accident Victims
*16-20 years 7 %*21-25 years 13 %
*26-30 years 10 %
*31-35 years 12 %
*36-40 years 11%
*41-45 years 10%
*46-50 years 15%
*51-55 years 10%
*55-60 years 4%
*60-65 years 2%
*over 65 years 2%
Helmets and Head Injuries
*Head injury occurred 15% of the time when riders wore a helmet compared to 52% of the time when they did not.
Contributing Factors by the Motorcyclist
* Unsafe speed 21%
* Driving without due care 17%
* Rider inexperience 17%
* Impaired rider 6%
* Driving without due care 17%
* Rider inexperience 17%
* Impaired rider 6%
Pre-Accident Action by Motorcyclist
* Rider traveling in straight line 68%
* Rider making left turn 7%
* Rider slowing or stopping 5%
* Rider making left turn 7%
* Rider slowing or stopping 5%
Location of Accident
* Stretch of road between intersections 47%
* Intersections 34%
* At point where road intersects alley or driveway 8%
* Intersections 34%
* At point where road intersects alley or driveway 8%
Accidents by Month
*January 1%
*February 2%
*March 2%
*April 5%
*May 11%
*June 15%
*July 23%
*August 19%
*September 15%
*October 6%
*November 2%
*December 1%
*February 2%
*March 2%
*April 5%
*May 11%
*June 15%
*July 23%
*August 19%
*September 15%
*October 6%
*November 2%
*December 1%
Primary Cause of Accidents
* Single rider leaving road on right side 21%
* Rider struck on right side in intersection 11%
* Rider struck by left turning vehicle 11%
* Rider rear ended 10%
* Rider leaving road on left side 7%
* Rider passing same direction traffic 5%
* Rider making left turn and hit by oncoming 3%
* Rider struck on right side in intersection 11%
* Rider struck by left turning vehicle 11%
* Rider rear ended 10%
* Rider leaving road on left side 7%
* Rider passing same direction traffic 5%
* Rider making left turn and hit by oncoming 3%