According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 93,000 motorcyclists were injured in traffic accidents in 2012 while another 4,986 died. These figures include both motorcycle drivers and their passengers. In New Jersey, 77 motorcyclists died.
Out of the total number of motorcyclists killed in traffic collisions, 7 percent were passengers and 93 percent were drivers. These motorcyclists accounted for 4 percent of all occupants injured and 15 percent of all fatalities in traffic accidents.
The NHTSA reports that 56 percent of the motorcyclists who died in 2012 were at least 40 years old while 25.9 percent were under the age of 30 and 18.3 percent were between 30 and 39. The average age of motorcycle drivers killed was 43.
Data also shows that 27 percent of motorcycle drivers involved in fatal motorcycle accidents had blood alcohol concentrations higher than .08 percent, and 8 percent had BACs between .01 and .07 percent. Killed motorcycle drivers age 40 to 44 had the highest BAC rates. Forty-five percent of those with BACs of .08 percent and higher who were killed were wearing helmets. Out of the death toll for all motorcyclists during the year, 48 percent of passengers and 59 percent of drivers wore helmets.
In New Jersey, 71 motorcycle drivers died in traffic crashes, and 23 percent of them had BACs of .08 percent and higher. Despite state law requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets, only 89 percent of the 77 motorcyclists who died in 2012 were wearing them.
The risk of serious injury and death is higher for occupants of motorcyclesthan it is for occupants of passenger vehicles. All drivers are obligated to act with reasonable care, and those who do not could be held accountable for any injuries or deaths that they cause through traffic collisions. The victimized motorcyclists or their families might receive compensation via personal injury or wrongful death claims.
