New York State Motorcycle Accident Statistics ‘07
- In the state of New York, there were 5,426 motorcycle accidents in 2007. Most of those, 4,727 accidents, were nonfatal personal injury accidents. There were 164 fatal accidents in 2007, resulting in 172 deaths. There were also 535 property damage-causing accidents.
- Of the 172 fatalities, 162 were motorcycle operators. There were also 9 motorcycle passenger deaths and 1 pedestrian death. At least 24 of the 171 fatally injured motorcycle operators and passengers were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Helmet use is unknown for 5 fatalities.
- Accidents causing minor injury made up 37.4 percent of motorcycle accidents, while those causing moderate injury made up another 29 percent. Approximately 22 percent of accidents resulted in serious injury, and 3.3 percent were fatal.
- The highest numbers of accidents occurred between noon and 9 p.m. Approximately two-thirds of motorcycle accidents occurred during these hours. Accidents were significantly more frequent on Saturdays and Sundays compared to weekdays.
- Motorcycle accidents occurred most often on state routes (31.6 percent of accidents) and municipal streets (28.9 percent). A single vehicle was involved in 42.7 percent of accidents, while 53 percent involved two vehicles.
- A few human factors were involved in large numbers of motorcycle accidents. Over 13 percent involved driver inattention. An additional 16.5 percent involved failure to yield right of way. The most common human factor, cited in 16.9 percent of accidents, was unsafe speed. Driver inexperience was also commonly cited. Alcohol involvement contributed to 3.5 percent of motorcycle accidents.
- Persons aged 20-49 made up the highest percentages of fatally injured motorcyclists; 39 of the 171 fatalities were in their 20s,41 were in their 30s, and 47 were in their 40s. Males made up 93.8 percent of motorcyclists involved in accidents in 2007.
Source: http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/Statistics/2007MotorcycleSummary.pdf
