Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcycle riders are unable to take advantage of the safety equipment available to motor vehicle drivers nor do they have the structural protection offered by a motor vehicle. Because of this, it is up to motorcyclists to exercise caution when operating their motorcycles to stay accident-free and avoid injury. If you have been injured in a crash, our Milwaukee motorcycle accident attorneys are here to help.
Operating a Motorcycle in Wisconsin is Dangerous
Operating a motorcycle in any state is risky. In 2016, The Department of Transportation (DOT) estimated that motorcyclists were twenty-eight times more likely to die in traffic accidents than other motorists.
However, a separate study was conducted using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It ranked Wisconsin as the sixth most dangerous state for motorcyclists.
That same study found nearly 15% of Wisconsin’s fatality crashes involved motorcycles.
Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident Fatalities Jumped Dramatically from 2015-2020
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reported a 40% increase in motorcycle accident fatalities in 2020. This was based on the previous five-year average.
Their data showed the following:
- 2,095 motorcycle crashes;
- 1,788 motorcyclist injuries; and
- 112 motorcyclist deaths.
The number of motorcycle deaths from 2019 to 2020 increased by thirty, and serious injuries went up by ninety-nine.
Motorcycle Accident Deaths are More Likely to Affect Those Between the Ages of Fifty and Fifty-Nine
Wisconsin studies cite motorcyclists between the ages of fifty and fifty-nine as the most likely to die from a motorcycle accident. Motorcyclists over fifty-nine ranked closely behind.
The next age groups in order of fatalities were:
- Motorcyclists from twenty to twenty-nine;
- Motorcyclists from forty to forty-nine;
- Motorcyclists from thirty to thirty-nine; and
- Those motorcyclists under twenty.
Nearly half of Wisconsin counties reported a motorcycle-related death in 2015.
Motorcycle Accident Deaths are More Prevalent Among Motorcyclists Who Do Not Wear Helmets
According to data from the Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program, 91% of the motorcyclists who died in 2011 were not wearing helmets. Of the motorcyclists killed in 2012, 75% were not wearing helmets.
Wisconsin’s helmet usage was 28% in 2014, and a staggering 19% in 2015.
Do Not Become a Motorcycle Accident Statistic
Wisconsin does not have a universal helmet law. The state requires helmet use only for those under eighteen or operating a motorcycle with an instructional permit.
However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that wearing motorcycle helmets saves more than 1,800 lives each year. Helmet use might save another 800 lives if all riders chose to wear them.
Along with helmet use, motorcyclists can improve their chances of not becoming an accident statistic by doing the following:
- Taking a driver safety course or advanced riding course;
- Being weather aware;
- Wearing appropriate motorcycle gear;
- Inspecting their motorcycle before each ride;
- Performing routine motorcycle maintenance;
- Obeying traffic laws and regulations;
- Staying visible to other motorists;
- Anticipating traffic hazards;
- Keeping a safe distance from other motorists; and
- Carrying a first aid kit.
Take safety seriously while operating your motorcycle. If you are injured in an accident through no fault of your own, contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney right away.
Contact an Experienced Milwaukee Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, call Mingo & Yankala. We have successfully handled thousands of cases in Wisconsin and are ready to put our experience to work for you.
Mingo & Yankala is a client-focused personal injury law firm determined to provide you with the best representation possible. Meet with one of our award-winning lawyers to discuss your motorcycle accident claim at no cost.
Our friendly staff looks forward to scheduling your risk-free appointment. Call us now in Milwaukee.