Michigan Motorcycle Accident Statistics [2024 Updated]

Riding a motorcycle can be a fun leisurely activity and a great way to get around. The small size and often overwhelming speed can make motorcycles some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road. There are motorcycle accidents all the time, and sometimes they can be physically devastating to the rider. Knowing the Michigan motorcycle accident statistics may help keep both riders and other drivers safe on the road.

Michigan Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to a 2023 report from the Michigan State Police, there were nearly 288,000 vehicle accidents in the state of Michigan, a two percent decrease from the amount in 2022. Of those crashes, over 3,000 of them involved a motorcycle. This represents a three percent decrease from 2022. There were 164 fatal crashes involving motorcycles in 2023 and 165 motorcyclist fatalities in the same year.

Over a quarter of a million Michigan citizens ride motorcycles, but they can be easy to miss on the road due to the small size of the vehicle and how fast they are often going. It is important to remember that most motorcycle crashes happen on city streets as opposed to highways. They also tend to happen at busy intersections when a vehicle makes a left turn without noticing a motorcyclist.

Safety Tips to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents

There is a good chance that if you are driving a larger vehicle, such as a car, a truck, or a bus, you may fail to see a motorcyclist coming towards you. If you don’t see them, you could hit them and create a terrible situation. If you are a motorcyclist, you may be going too fast to stop when you notice a car moving towards you, seemingly unaware of you. Here are some important safety tips for motorcycle riders to avoid getting hit by unsuspecting cars:

• Wear protective gear. Michigan does not have a very strict helmet law for riders over 21 years of age. Still, it is generally good practice to wear a helmet when you are riding a motorcycle, as you may want some protection between your head and the asphalt if you lose control of the bike. Wearing a helmet can save your life, as can wearing protective clothing and reflective gear at night. Dress appropriately for the weather too.
• Ensure to have reflective elements. Wearing some reflective gear, such as red or orange helmets and vests, can help prevent an accident. Reflective gear helps you stay visible on the road. Keeping your headlights on at night and using hand signals to tell the other drivers which way you are turning can also help remind drivers that you are out there.
• Maintain a safe distance. You may want to consider adhering to the three-second rule on the road. This rule provides the car ahead of you with at least three seconds’ worth of space. Adjust the distance accordingly to account for bad weather or poor road conditions.
• Proper maintenance. It is vital to your road safety that you keep your motorcycle properly always maintained. If you are unable to do the maintenance yourself, make sure you take it to a mechanic to have it looked at on a consistent basis.
• Avoid road rage. It can be very easy to fly into a rage on the road, especially when another driver does something that puts you in danger. Calm yourself and try your hardest to ignore the situation before you do something you will likely regret.

Unfortunately, a motorcycle’s small size makes it easy to miss in a blind spot, when traveling towards oncoming traffic that may be turning, or several other situations. For riders, it is important to ride safely and have awareness of others on the road. While all drivers have a duty of care to others, motorcyclists may need to take extra precautions to help keep themselves safe.

FAQs

How Many Motorcycle Deaths Are There Per Year in Michigan?

Generally, there are a little under 200 motorcycle fatalities per year in Michigan. The number appears to be steadily declining in recent years, with a five percent decrease occurring between 2022 and 2023. Motorcyclists are easy to miss on the road and are afforded little protection while driving. Other drivers can try their hardest to remain alert on the road and look out for motorcyclists who may pop into their blind spot.

What State Has the Highest Rate of Motorcycle Accidents?

The state with the highest rate of motorcycle accidents, according to the most recent data, is Florida. Florida provides all-year options for riding, whereas Michigan finds an increase in motorcycles in the warmer months. Michigan, however, provides some of the most beautiful landscapes and roadways on which to enjoy a ride. Staying safe in Michigan can allow you to enjoy the Spring budding, the summer warmth, and the fall colors.

Where Do 70% of Motorcycle Accidents Occur?

Approximately 70% of all motorcycle accidents tend to occur at intersections, particularly busy intersections. There is often a lot of activity happening at these locations, and some drivers may fail to notice incoming motorcyclists until it is too late to do anything about it. Drivers may also have trouble judging the motorcycle’s speed and may jump out in front of motorcyclists, expecting them to be going much slower.

What Are the Odds of Having a Motorcycle Accident?

While it can be difficult to know the exact odds of an accident occurring, the risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident is greater than being in a car accident. Motorcycles are inherently dangerous. They are small, fast, and difficult to see on the road. All those traits contribute to a dangerous situation.

Reach Out to an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Dealing with a motorcycle accident can be terrifying, painful, and devastating in certain situations. You may want to seek compensatory damages from the party that caused your accident. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you work out the most effective way to approach your case.

The legal team at Wigod & Falzon knows how to help you develop a claim for a motorcycle accident. We can help you build up your case, conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, and make sure you are not taken advantage of by insurance companies. Contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can.