Motorcycles offer a great way to get around town and can be a lot of fun. That said, it’s important to operate your motorcycle safely and defensively. Driving a motorcycle can increase some risks. Let’s look at some crucial to understand facts about motorcycles. If you have any questions or are looking at motorcycle insurance options, feel free to get in touch. Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency serves Lansing, IA and other communities nearby.
Motorcycle Use is Increasing
The number of motorcycles on the road has risen over the years. In 2018, there were about 8.35 million motorcycles on the road, according to Statista. By 2023, this had risen to nearly 8.8 million. Quite likely, we’ll see more motorcyclists hitting the road in the years ahead.
Motorcycle Accidents are Common and Deadly
Unfortunately, some motorcyclists end up in accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 6,000 motorcyclists were killed in 2021. This marked an increase of about 8 percent from a year prior. Further, motorcyclists make up about 14% of all traffic deaths, and the fatality rate per mile is roughly 24 times greater than that of passenger cars.
Common Factors of Motorcycle Accidents
More than 40 percent of motorcyclists killed in single-vehicle accidents were found to be alcohol-impaired in 2021. Further, 28% of motorcycle operators involved in accidents were found to be alcohol-impaired, according to the NHTSA. Impaired drivers are especially common at night.
Ultimately, many people safely operate motorcycles and avoid serious accidents. However, there are risks when it comes to operating a motorcycle. Every motorcyclist should be cautious and avoid operating vehicles while impaired.
If you have questions about motorcycle insurance plans, feel free to contact Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency, which serves Lansing, IA and other areas nearby.