Motorcycle riding is a popular pastime in the northeastern corridor, especially during warmer summer months. While a fun and cost-effective means of travel and exploration, motorcycle riding is not without dangers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle accidents were responsible for nearly 5,000 deaths in 2015, marking a 8.3 percent uptick over the previous year.
Traffic safety officials blame inexperienced riders, lax helmet laws and driver inattention/impairment for the escalating number of motorcycle accident fatalities. Here’s a look at some alarming statistics about motorcycle crashes and deaths in New Jersey and New York.
New Jersey motorcycle accident statistics
As the temperature rises, so does the number of bikers on Garden State roads. Recent crash data from state police indicate a rash of motorcycle accident-related deaths this past year. In the summer months, many of these fatal crashes have occurred near the Jersey Shore.
- More than 13,000 motorcycle crashes were reported in New Jersey between 2010-2015
- 90 percent of riders involved in crashes had no formal motorcycle safety training
- 2006 had the highest number of motorcycle fatalities with 99 deaths in NJ
- Over the past decade, the number of fatalities has varied from year to year
- In 2014, 62 fatal crashes involved motorcyclists
- In 2015, 50 motorcyclists died in accidents (an 8.7 statewide decrease)
- Primary cause of motorcycle accident crashes and fatalities were reported as: alcohol impairment, unsafe speeds and rider distraction
Motorcycle fatalities in New York on the rise
In New York, statistics paint an equally dire picture when it comes to motorcycle accidents. More than 15 percent of all fatalities from vehicle-related crashes in the state involve motorcyclists. According to New York’s Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research, 75 motorcyclists have died in Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Westchester and Dutchess counties since 2012.
- In 2012 and 2013, there were 164 motorcycle riders killed in crashes
- In 2014, 146 motorcyclists died in crashes
- In 2015, New York state motorcycle fatalities were tallied at 154
Data compiled by the Institute for Traffic Safety and Research found that people in their 20’s accounted for more than a quarter of all New York motorcycle accident fatalities and alcohol involvement in other drivers was apparent in 2 percent of all reported accidents involving serious injury and death.
Both New York and New Jersey have laws requiring all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear a protective safety helmet when riding. Research has shown that motorcyclists (and their passengers) who do not wear helmets are three times more likely to sustain a brain injury in an accident – a leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes.
Legal advocacy for injured motorcyclists
Pursuing a personal injury or wrongful death claim following a motorcycle accident requires the knowledge and skills of an experienced attorney. Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman offer aggressive representation and a long track record of impressive case results. Protect your rights to fair compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering and a reduced quality of life by partnering with a motorcycle accident lawyer Bergen County trusts.
To arrange a free, confidential consultation, please contact our Bergen County or Rockland County, NY offices today.
Additional NY & NJ Motorcycle Accident Resources:
- New Jersey Dept. of Law and Safety, Motorcycle Safety Resources http://www.nj.gov/lps/hts/motorcycle/
- NY State Dept. of Health, Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Statistics: New York State Residents https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/prevention/injury_prevention/traffic/county_of_residence.htm
- Insurance Information Institute, Motorcycle Crashes Data http://www.iii.org/issue-update/motorcycle-crashes
- New Jersey 101.5, Will recent motorcycle deaths increase NJ fatality rate? http://nj1015.com/will-recent-motorcycle-deaths-increase-nj-fatality-rate/
- LoHud, Parkways pretty but deadly for motorcyclists http://www.lohud.com/story/news/investigations/2016/08/10/motorcycle-deaths-speeding/88304512/