Motorcycle accidents pose a deadly threat in Ontario, with statistics showing that riders face a dangerous risk. In fact, data proves that motorcyclists are 15 times as likely to suffer serious injury as a motor vehicle operator.
Speed, poor road conditions, and limited visibility are just a few of the factors that make these accidents so deadly. The more we understand these numbers, the better we can advocate for safer roads and greater awareness.
A sincere goal of ours is to provide the best possible assistance to injured motorcyclists and help them get the care and compensation they need and deserve.
Overview of Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Frequency of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle crashes are more common than you would expect. 2022 was the deadliest year on record for motorcyclists, with a staggering 6,222 riders killed in crashes just last year. That’s the most ever recorded, including a steep 23% rise since 2019.
Motorcyclists are in greater danger on our roadways. Their vehicles are harder for other drivers and pedestrians to see, and they miss the added stability that four-wheel vehicles offer. Hence, collisions are usually the result of this complex interaction of factors. That’s why it’s important for injured motorcyclists to obtain aggressive legal advocacy to help them through the recovery process.
The federal government reports that per kilometer traveled, motorcyclists are nearly 24 times more likely to die in crashes compared to car occupants. This shocking discrepancy illustrates the increased dangers that riders encounter every time they take to the streets.
Insurance companies frequently try to minimize the impact of crashes. This further emphasizes the essential need for experienced motorcycle lawyers that can truly fight for injured riders.
Key Trends in Accident Rates
According to the most recent statistics, there are a few key trends that show a troubling reality of motorcycle crashes. The second most common cause is losing control, which is 27% of all motorcycle deaths. Over 50 percent of all fatal crashes involve at least one of these dangers—speeding, alcohol impairment, or distracted driving.
Alarmingly, almost a third of these crashes include two or more of these deadly ingredients. These trends are an indication that most of these accidents are preventable, but the results are frequently fatal.
Perhaps the most shocking trend is the demographic change in rider fatalities. The number of motorcyclists 50 years and older involved in fatal crashes has more than tripled. It increased from a mere 3% in 1975 to an incredible 34% in 2022.
This increase is indicative of shifting rider demographics, as more older adults are starting to ride motorcycles. Unfortunately, insurance companies can use these trends to push back on what’s fair in terms of compensation, which is why advocacy through the law becomes even more necessary.
Injury and Fatality Rates Overview
The injury and fatality rates for motorcyclists are shocking. Men are at a drastically higher risk, with fatality rates more than seven times higher than women. This highlights the importance of taking proactive steps such as increasing rider education and using advanced safety equipment.
Motorcycles are inherently unstable and less visible to other drivers. This presents continuing hurdles, even when someone does exercise caution.
In fact, the data further reveals that more than half of all fatal motorcycle accidents are due to only three types of collisions. This highlights the need to understand the how and why behind these accidents in order to minimize the risks and avoid these tragedies.
For victims and their families, having a legal team like Bergel Magence LLP can provide not only financial relief but the peace of mind needed to focus on recovery.
Demographics and Risk Factors
Age Groups and Accident Trends
Motorcycle crashes are overwhelmingly represented by younger adults. Nearly half of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2020 were between the ages of 18 and 49. In fact, riders 50 and older make up just 2.7% of these statistics. Younger riders are usually less experienced and more risk taking. This puts them at increased risk on the road.
Riders involved in these fatal crashes had a mean age of 28.1 years. This age tends to be when riders feel invincible and take more risks associated with riding. We’re in a perilous time, but the same age trend reveals a tremendous opportunity. With this information, we can do more focused safety campaigns and educational programs targeting younger demographics.
We’ve seen how these crashes can devastate communities. Our coalition has witnessed firsthand the trauma and pain of so many families as they cope in the difficult aftermath. Legal assistance is critical in these instances. Younger victims don’t always realize how difficult it can be to navigate the insurance industry, whose business model prioritizes profits over justice.
Male Riders and Higher Fatality Rates
Male riders account for nearly all motorcycle accidents statistics, with 84% of motorcycle drivers being male. This trend is further reflected in fatality data even more starkly. Of male motorcycle operators killed in crashes, a shocking 28% were speeding. Just 8% of women motorcycle operators were killed in a similar fashion, underscoring a major demographic risk factor.
The information shows that 34% of these deaths were on bikes with more than 1,400 cc of engine displacement. This underscores the threat that these high-performance vehicles can pose in the hands of reckless and irresponsible speed enthusiasts. Even more disturbing is that 80.1% of motorcyclists participating in fatal crashes were unlicensed.
Without formal training and not following legal requirements, male riders are probably at greater crash risk. This lack of visibility places them at increased risk when traveling on the road. The legal process after such accidents can be intimidating, particularly as insurance companies take advantage of these situations to reduce their payout. Experienced personal injury attorneys can make a big difference in victims’ and their families’ lives. They make sure that people actually impacted get the compensation they should.
Passenger and Rider Death Rates
Crashes involving motorcycles typically lead to death not only for the rider, but the passenger as well. Riders who ride motorcycles every day have the greatest risk of getting into a crash, highlighting the heightened dangers of regular exposure. In 56% of the fatality cases examined, at least one demographic or situational risk factor existed.
This covers things such as too high speed, inexperience, or no proper license. Together, these tragic events demonstrate the devastating impact of motorcycle crashes, ripping apart families and communities in immeasurable ways.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Single versus Multi-Vehicle Collisions
Motorcycle accidents can occur in single-vehicle or multi-vehicle incidents, and both present distinct dangers. Most single-vehicle collisions are the result of loss of control, road defects, or something like DUI. For example, a rider can lose control after hitting gravel or run off the road on a sharp turn.
Causes of multi-vehicle collisions are different. Multi-vehicle collisions often involve cars or trucks not seeing motorcycles or misjudging their speed. Intersection-related accidents, like T-bone crashes or cars turning through oncoming traffic, are especially lethal. These crashes drive home the point about how susceptible motorcyclists are while traveling. They experience a shocking 28 times increased risk of fatality compared to people in passenger vehicles.
Risks from Left-Turning Vehicles
Another common cause of motorcycle accidents that frequently occurs at crowded intersections is the left turning vehicle. These types of crashes typically occur when a vehicle performing a left turn directly in the path of an oncoming motorcycle. Drivers often miscalculate the speed of the bike or entirely fail to see it.
These circumstances are particularly perilous. They frequently result in head-on or T-bone collisions that result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. In most of these instances, insurance companies will still attempt to pin the fault on the motorcyclist. That’s why it’s incredibly important to have qualified legal representation. Our team has witnessed these cases unfold and understands how to fight back against bad faith strategies.
Dangers of Lane Splitting
Lane splitting, which is when motorcyclists drive between lanes of traffic that are moving slowly or are stopped, can be dangerous. This common practice cuts off the motorcyclist’s line of escape. It further increases the chance of being sideswiped by a car that decides to change lanes without looking.
Lane splitting is not technically illegal in Ontario. However, it can be quite damaging to your case in personal injury accident claims, adding a layer of complexity to insurance disputes. With the right legal representation, motorcyclists can make sure their rights are protected, even in these gray area cases.
Impact of Speeding on Accidents
Speeding is a major factor in motorcycle crashes, as speeding was a factor in 28 percent of motorcycle fatalities. High speeds reduce your reaction time drastically. They further add to stopping distances, making it more difficult to avoid an unexpected hazard or shift in traffic conditions.
When an accident does occur, speeding increases the severity of the injury due to increased force on impact. As motorcycle accident attorneys, we understand that insurance companies tend to blame reckless driving in all accidents. That’s why it’s so important to have a dedicated and experienced legal team fighting for victims.
Influence of Rider or Driver Impairment
Impairment, whether from alcohol, drugs, or even lack of sleep, is another big cause of motorcycle accidents. Indeed, statistics reveal that 31% of motorcycle fatalities include alcohol or drugs, with even more of this occurring in single-vehicle crashes.
In particular, impaired drivers tend to be less aware of motorcycles or respond erratically, making the roads more dangerous for all motorists. To motorcyclists, riding impaired isn’t just illegal; it dramatically increases the risk of a collision. We advocate for all riders to ride responsibly, and for impaired drivers to be held accountable in the courts.
Environmental and Situational Factors
Motorcycle accidents are frequently caused by a variety of environmental and situational factors, most of which are outside the rider’s control. Being informed about these factors can help victims and their families understand how vital legal support can be in helping them navigate the aftermath.
Role of Location in Accident Rates
Where a crash occurs has a huge impact on whether or not the crash occurs and how severe it is. Provincial urban centers such as Toronto have higher rates of motorcycle collisions. This is due to aggressive driver behavior, heavy congestion and lack of room for them to change direction when needed.
For example, intersections are extremely hazardous since they make up a huge majority of motorcycle crashes. Those making left-hand turns frequently do not notice motorcycles, resulting in tragic consequences.
In rural communities, the dangers are more acute. Wide open roads can promote dangerous speeds, and lack of visibility from sharp curves or hilly landscape makes crashes more likely. We’ve observed examples in which inadequate road maintenance directly caused serious injuries.
These place-centric issues make it more difficult to file claims against insurance companies, which might assert shared fault for damage or refuse to pay for liabilities. This is why having a lawyer makes sure every detail is investigated to create the strongest case possible.
Timing and Seasonal Patterns of Crashes
The distribution of fatal motorcycle accidents is not equal over the course of the year. These warmer months, especially between May and September, are infamous for their increase in crashes. Now that it’s spring, more riders are hitting the road.
Sadly, drivers could be adjusting again to sharing the road with motorcycles following winter hibernation. Early spring brings new dangers. Retreating winter road treatments with leftover sand and debris can create loss of traction.
Time of day is another factor. Accidents are more likely during rush hour, when the congestion is worst, and drivers might be in a rush or distracted. Evening rides, though beautiful and magical, can be quite dangerous as the sun sets and visibility decreases.
We’re always trying to warn our clients about these trends. While they seem like common sense, insurance companies use them to deny or reduce claims, claiming riders should be more careful. A good plaintiffs’ lawyer understands how to avoid these arguments or rebut them.
Common Road Conditions Linked to Accidents
In fact, road conditions are the second biggest factor. Potholes, uneven pavement, and poorly marked construction zones are often the culprits here in Ontario. Wet or icy roads with the change of seasons bring in yet another risk, frequently resulting in a lack of control.
Even minor road hazards, such as loose gravel or oil slicks, are enough to lead to deadly accidents for riders. Often, these circumstances can serve as indicators of liability on the part of municipalities, contractors, and other entities charged with maintaining roadways.
It is not an easy thing to prove this negligence. It takes a lot of proof: pictures of the hazardous conditions, accounts of witnesses, and sometimes expert testimony. At Bergel Magence LLP, we have years of experience untangling complicated claims.
We have mastered the art of holding the wrong parties accountable.
Helmet Use and Safety Gear Trends
Helmet Use Over Time
Helmet use trends are a stark reminder of this, especially among motorcyclists. This change has been propelled by the adoption of new safety standards, more public awareness campaigns, and legislative efforts. In Ontario, for example, helmet use is required by law and there’s no doubt this regulation has helped save thousands of lives.
A 2016 study by Transport Canada found that helmets were associated with a 37% reduction in the risk of fatal injuries. This unexpected finding underscores why they are vital pieces of protective equipment. As this case shows, non-compliance continues to be a concern, sometimes resulting in tragic or life-changing outcomes for riders.
From our work with motorcycle accident victims, we have seen first-hand the dramatic difference helmet use makes. Clients who were wearing helmets at the time of their accidents frequently experienced less severe head injuries. Conversely, helmetless riders face greater medical and legal difficulties.
This non-compliance can be taken advantage of by insurance companies to reduce the claim amount, even if the rider was not at fault in the accident. This is where the value of having a committed personal injury lawyer can’t be underestimated. We navigate these situations to ensure that clients receive the compensation they deserve, regardless of the challenges posed by insurance companies.
Importance of Protective Gear in Reducing Injuries
While helmets are absolutely necessary, they are not the only ingredient in the recipe. Armored jackets, gloves, pants, and boots offer significant coverage in the event of a crash. They are really effective at protecting people.
Studies have found that riders in full protective gear greatly mitigate their risk of serious road rash and fracture. This equipment protects against other life-changing injuries. These things cushion impact like a champ. They offer cushioning crumple zones that serve as a secondary barrier between the rider and the ground, providing an additional layer of protection.
In our experience, riders that aren’t wearing the proper gear have a longer recovery. That can create insurmountable real-life hurdles and increased healthcare expenses. Insurance companies are all too eager to fight to minimize these costs.
Or they might claim that the injuries were preventable through use of more effective gear, further blaming the rider for their injuries. This is yet another example of why legal counsel is, as we’ve said, quite literally a matter of life and death. We strive to combat these tactics and make sure clients receive the justice they deserve, no matter the situation.
For most of our motorcycling clients, the days and weeks after a bike crash are a painful blur. Safety gear can’t protect against all injuries. It makes a huge difference in the kind and extent of harm you’ll experience.
We want riders to spend money on quality gear and stay protected. If the worst occurs, finding experienced motorcycle accident lawyers will ensure that you have the best possible advice when dealing with any motorcycle accident claims process.
Alcohol-Related Motorcycle Crashes
Alcohol-related motorcycle crashes are a serious problem in Ontario, causing life-changing impacts for riders and their families. It is important to know the stats to know how alcohol affects motorcyclists. It highlights the importance of pursuing legal action to seek justice and fair compensation.
Statistics on Alcohol-Impaired Riders
Alcohol is the second most common factor in motorcycle crashes. In reality, data shows that drunk riders are responsible for nearly one-third of all fatal crashes. In Ontario, research shows that alcohol impairment is a factor in almost 30% of motorcyclist fatalities. This isn’t only a number.
It’s a symbol that stands for the thousands of real people whose lives were taken or irrevocably altered because of unnecessary, bad decisions. Perhaps the most frustrating trend is the staggering 85% of impaired riders who are male, aged 25-45. These are the people who have families depending on them, so the loss is all the more tragic.
Weekend evenings have the most alcohol-related crashes. This increase happened around the same time as the increase in social drinking during those hours. Insurance companies will argue that impairment lessens their responsibility to pay victims.
This argument only serves to further complicate the burdens families are already dealing with at a time often marked by overwhelming grief and financial strain. This is where having a motorcycle personal injury lawyer can make all the difference. At Bergel Magence LLP, our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers works to ensure clients are protected when they are at their most vulnerable.
We ensure they are not scapegoated or exploited.
Impact of Alcohol on Reaction Times and Awareness
Alcohol dramatically impairs a rider’s ability to respond to new roadway challenges and quickly make judgments. Research shows that just a small amount of alcohol in your system can impair your reaction speed. In fact, it makes them worse—boosting crashes by as much as 20%!
For motorcyclists, for whom the margin for error is already extremely slim, this delay can be deadly. Even basic maneuvers, such as negotiating a tight curve or swerving to miss an animal on the road, become infinitely more difficult while intoxicated. Alcohol also affects higher cognitive processes, including the ability to judge speed and distance.
Potentially more dangerous decisions arise when riders might overestimate their skills and/or underestimate hazards when impaired. This can create opportunities for more reckless choices. An impaired motorcycle rider can fail to accurately judge the speed of a car that is approaching.
Or they may fail to stop for a pedestrian in the crosswalk. The consequences of such lapses frequently lead to crashes that leave victims with permanent, catastrophic injuries. In these situations, the insurance companies may try to blame these well-known impairments to avoid paying for damages.
Our experienced legal team leaves no stone unturned in these troubling occurrences, making sure that victims’ stories are told and their rights are defended.
Motorcycle Types and Accident Risks
Motorcycle accidents are a continuing deadly peril throughout the entirety of Ontario. The kind of motorcycle a rider opts to ride can significantly influence the chance and seriousness of such crashes. Motorcycles have greater performance capabilities and fewer safety features.
These factors not only limit the control riders are able to exert, but increase the hazards they face while on the road. By knowing these differences, we can better advocate for victims and their families, helping them recover the compensation they need and deserve.
Engine Size and Crash Likelihood
In addition to the drivers involved in the crash, the size of a motorcycle’s engine is a significant factor in accident risks. Motorcycles with bigger engines, often measured in cubic centimeters (cc), tend to be more powerful and faster. Although this may be attractive to experienced riders who are looking for high performance, it raises the risk for high impact crashes.
For example, motorcycles with engines over 1,000 cc are linked to higher crash fatalities compared to those under 500 cc. The heightened velocity can put your reaction time to the test when unexpected hazards appear on the road. For instance, another car could cut in front of you, or road debris could unexpectedly enter your lane.
Smaller-engine motorcycles, though safer overall, are not without risk. It’s because riders of these motorcycles are typically newer to the riding experience, and thus aren’t as adept at maneuvering through difficult traffic situations. This puts them at risk for accidents, especially in places like Toronto’s downtown, where traffic is often backed up in gridlock.
Insurance companies would have you believe that inexperienced riders shoulder more blame. This leaves victims out to dry without the financial assistance they’re in dire need of. That’s why it’s so important to have a skilled personal injury lawyer fighting for you. Contact us At Bergel Magence LLP, we believe that your experience on the road shouldn’t be unfairly used against you.
Collision Statistics by Vehicle Type
Compared to cars, trucks, and other vehicles, motorcycles carry a significantly higher risk of accident and injury. The crash data strongly underscores this disturbing inequity. Newly released data shows motorcyclists remain at a shocking risk.
They are nearly 27 times as likely to be killed in a crash as car occupants per kilometer traveled. This difference is not simply a result of going faster or having a more powerful engine—it’s often due to the inherent vulnerability of motorcycles. Motorcyclists experience more direct impacts in a collision since they do not have a car surrounding them.
This exposure frequently leads to life-altering injuries like broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injury. Additionally, specific types of motorcycles, like sport bikes, are more accident-prone. These high-performance motorcycles can really be a speed demon’s dream come true and lure some riders into taking dangerous risks.
Cruisers and touring motorcycles focus on comfort and long-haul travel. Though they are participating in fewer high-speed crashes, their size and weight still create a greater risk of fatal accidents. We’ve handled instances where visibility concerns led to crashes with wide, heavy, visible touring motorcycles.
In these circumstances, insurance companies frequently sought to minimize the severity of the injuries individuals suffered. Our team goes above and beyond to fight against these tactics and get the compensation our clients are owed.
Prevention and Safety Measures
1. Follow Motorcycle Safety Guidelines
Motorcycle safety begins with understanding and practicing essential safety precautions. One of the main recommendations is increasing your visibility by using reflective materials on your bike and wearing reflective clothing. Even in the middle of the day, driving with your headlights on or use of high beams where allowed makes a huge impact on visibility.
Riders should practice new or unfamiliar motorcycles in controlled environments before bringing them into traffic. Getting used to the feel and controls of the bike goes a long way towards preventing accidents due to handling mistakes.
It’s equally important to identify dangerous places. Highways, for example, are one of the number one locations for motorcycle fatalities. Knowing this risk can help riders mitigate it by riding and anticipating danger, including riding at a safer following distance and not making sudden lane changes.
Riders need to be extra careful when going through intersections, as crash statistics indicate that they’re often hotspots for deadly collisions.
2. Avoid Risky Behaviors While Riding
Risky behaviors such as speeding, impaired driving, or riding without a valid motorcycle endorsement are major contributing factors in serious crashes. Alarmingly, that number rises to 35% for motorcyclists in fatal crashes in 2022 who were unlicensed.
Avoiding these behaviors isn’t just about keeping riders safe — it’s about leading by example and encouraging everyone else to do the same. Impaired driving is still a major issue. Alcohol and drugs diminish judgment, reaction time, and coordination, all crucial ingredients to safely operating a motorcycle.
We all know that even just one bad decision can have life-changing effects. Being alert and sober helps a rider have more control over their motorcycle while being aware of their surroundings, which decreases the risk of crashes.
3. Use Proper Training and Education Programs
Proper training and licensing are key components to motorcycle safety. Completing a government-approved training program equips riders with essential skills to navigate traffic, handle emergency situations, and understand vehicle dynamics.
First-time riders who don’t take this important step will lack the skills and knowledge to ride safely, putting their lives at risk. Education can prepare new riders to know and follow traffic laws, and recognize the distinct set of challenges that motorcyclists endure on the roadway.
For experienced riders, refresher courses are a great way to sharpen skills and correct bad habits that might have formed over the years.
4. Invest in High-Quality Safety Gear
When it comes to gear, there’s no cutting corners. Motorcyclists should consider wearing the best safety gear available. Helmets specifically are lifesaving. Universal helmet laws are the most effective ways to prevent motorcycle fatalities and head injuries.
Riders should consistently choose helmets that are certified to safety standards to provide the best possible protection. Aside from helmets, heavy duty jackets with reinforced padding, gloves, and riding boots can further protect riders from serious injuries.
These protect against serious injury in the event a crash or fall does occur. Investing in quality gear may seem like an upfront cost, but it’s an investment in your safety and peace of mind.
5. Promote Awareness of Road Safety Initiatives
A greater awareness of road safety helps us all—not just riders. Campaigns that highlight the importance of sharing the road, recognizing blind spots, and understanding motorcycle vulnerabilities can lead to safer driving behaviors among all road users.
Motorcyclists can take an active role, too, whether it’s joining a community initiative or lending their support to National Walk/Bike to School Day or similar events. These efforts all help foster a culture of mutual respect on the road, which helps create a safer environment for everyone.