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How Likely Are You to Get in a Motorcycle Accident in Denver?

How Likely Are You to Get in a Motorcycle Accident in Denver?

As a motorcycle rider, you already know that riding comes with certain risks. You have virtually no protection in a crash and are likely to be thrown from your bike, even at low speeds. Road hazards like gravel or potholes that may be insignificant to a car can cause a serious accident on a motorcycle. Still, you may wonder just how likely you are to get into a motorcycle accident in Denver, CO. 

Motorcyclists have a much higher rate of accidents and fatalities per mile driven and per registered vehicle compared to other motorists. While motorcycles account for a disproportionate share of fatal accidents in Colorado, a handful of dangerous behaviors and risk factors dramatically increase the odds of an accident. 

Here’s a look into the likelihood of being involved in a crash and the factors that make an accident more likely. 

How Likely Are You To Get into a Motorcycle Collision?

Motorcycle accidents are more likely than car accidents by almost any metric. As a motorcyclist, you are about 12 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than a car driver based on miles traveled. The fatality rate for motorcyclists is 60.03 deaths per 100,000 registered motorcycles compared to 12.53 for cars. There are 30.05 motorcyclist fatalities per 100 million miles traveled compared to 1.26 fatalities for car drivers. 

Motorcyclists are also more likely to be injured in an accident. There are 837 motorcycle rider injuries per 100,000 registered bikes. Per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, there were 419 motorcycle injuries and 103 car occupant injuries. 

Nationwide, motorcycles account for only 3.5% of vehicles on the road, yet they are responsible for 14% of traffic deaths.  

In 2022, motorcycle fatalities in Colorado reached an all-time high, with 149 riders killed on the state’s roads. That was 20% of all traffic deaths in Colorado, even though motorcycles are just 3% of registered vehicles in the state. 

Factors That Increase Your Chances of a Motorcycle Crash

Overall, motorcyclists are four times more likely to be injured and 12 times more likely to be killed based on miles traveled. That doesn’t reflect your individual risk of being in an accident, though. Here are important factors that make a crash more likely. 

Motorcycle Type

Motorcycles with large engines of 1,000 to 1,500 cc are harder to control and make it easier to crash. Super-sport bikes are also notorious for their power, speed, and difficulty to control. These bikes compose just 6.3% of registered motorcycles but account for 20% of motorcycle deaths. 

Rider Age and Experience

Experience is important to stay in control of a motorcycle, detect and respond to hazards correctly, and perform complex maneuvers when necessary. Age also plays a role. Younger riders have less experience and are more likely to engage in risky behavior like speeding. However, older riders may have reduced reflexes and vision. 

Younger riders between 21 and 24 are most likely to speed. They tend to ride faster bikes, too: 52% of super-sport rider deaths were 30 or under in 2019, while most cruiser and touring bike rider deaths were 40 or older. 

Riders under 30 and riders 50 and older have an increased risk of being in an accident. Riders 55 and older alone accounted for 27% of motorcycle deaths in 2020. Riders aged 30 to 49 had the lowest rate of accidents, thanks to a combination of experience, ability to assess risks, and reaction time. 

Speeding

Speeding is one of the top factors contributing to motorcycle crashes. In 2020, 34% of motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were speeding, compared to 22% of car drivers. 45% of riders in fatal crashes between 25 and 29 years old were speeding. 

Alcohol Consumption

In 2020, 41% of motorcycle riders killed in single-vehicle crashes were impaired by alcohol. Motorcycle riders involved in fatal collisions also had the highest percentage of alcohol impairment compared to all other vehicle drivers. 27% of motorcycle riders in fatal collisions were drunk driving, compared to 23% of car drivers and 19% of light truck drivers. 

Lane Splitting and Other Dangerous Behaviors

Aside from speeding and riding under the influence, other dangerous behaviors can increase the chances of an accident. Lane splitting is an example of potentially dangerous behavior, and it is illegal in Colorado. Lane violations are one of the most common causal factors in fatal motorcycle crashes in Colorado. 

A Motorcycle Safety Course Can Help You Learn or Refresh Your Skills

Some factors that make an accident more likely are out of your control, but there are many ways you can lower your odds of being in a crash. Practice defensive driving and avoid speeding. Never ride under the influence of alcohol, even if it’s just a single drink. A motorcycle training course can also help you refresh your skills or learn new techniques to ride safely. The Colorado State Patrol runs the Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) program, with 19 courses offered throughout the state. Courses are designed for beginners to advanced riders. Completing a safety course can even earn you a discount on your motorcycle insurance, usually around 10%.

Contact our Denver Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Today For Help

For more information please contact Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation with a Denver motorcycle accident lawyer.

Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawyers

1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120. Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
24/7

Where We Are

We are located across the street from Union Station in downtown Denver and offer validated parking for all our clients. We also have offices in Boulder and Colorado Springs.