Most motorcyclists in Houma understand that no matter how many safety precautions they take, such as driving defensively and wearing a helmet, there is a chance that they could still be struck by another driver. As the statistics show, motorcycle accidents can be deadly affairs.
Statistics on motorcycle accidents demonstrate just how dangerous riding a motorcycle can be. In 2015, the number of motorcycle fatalities was almost 29 times greater than the number of fatalities suffered by occupants of automobiles. This is because motorcycles do not offer the same protections as automobiles, such as seat belts, air bags and crumple zones.
In 2016, almost 5,000 motorcyclists lost their lives in a motorcycle accident. Fatal motorcycle accidents constituted 13 percent of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in that year, and were twice the number of fatal motorcycle accidents in 1997. Of the fatal motorcycle accidents in 2016, 40 percent were single-vehicle accidents and 60 percent involved two or more vehicles. This number has stayed relatively stable since the 1980s.
Of all motorcycle fatalities in 2016, 58 percent took place between the months of May through September. The number of people who died in a motorcycle accident in 2016 was at its highest in July and at its lowest in January. Of motorcycle fatalities in 2016, 48 percent took place on Saturdays and Sundays, and were most likely to take place after 6:00 in the evening. In 2016, 63 percent of motorcycle fatalities took place on non-interstate major roads. At 55 percent, motorcycle fatalities were most prevalent in urban areas.
Because motorcycle unawareness on the part of other drivers can be a cause of motorcycle accidents,
these statistics paint a sobering picture for other motorists of the dangers motorcyclists face while on the road. It is up to motorists to be aware of motorcycles in their vicinity when driving, and to drive with due care around these vehicles, in order to prevent motorcycle fatalities.