Maryland Injury Attorney Blog
The allure of motorcycling is unmistakable. Motorcycle enthusiasts describe a feeling of freedom, being close to the environment, and enjoying the open road. It’s all about the ride. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates the number of registered motorcycles in the U.S. doubled from 4.3 million in 2002 to 8.6 million in 2021.
Unfortunately, what makes motorcycling so appealing also creates serious risks for motorcyclists and their passengers when they’re involved in traffic accidents. Unlike motorists in passenger vehicles, who are surrounded by reinforced steel, motorcycle riders are exposed and vulnerable when involved in a crash with a car, truck or SUV. This means motorcyclists are at higher risk for injury or death when involved in traffic accidents.
As Maryland motorcycle accident attorneys, we know too well what can happen when a motorcycle and an automobile collide on the road, or when a motorcycle goes off the road and crashes. Zero Deaths Maryland reports that in 2020, nearly 1,300 motorcycle-involved crashes occurred statewide, with more than 75 percent resulting in injury or death. Between 2016 and 2020, motorcycle-related crashes accounted for about 14 percent of Maryland’s traffic crash-related deaths. Read on for more Maryland motorcycle accident statistics and characteristics.
Maryland Motorcycle Accident Characteristics
- Each year in Maryland, more than 70 motorcycle riders and passengers are killed in traffic crashes and nearly 1,000 riders and passengers are injured.
- The highest concentration of Maryland motorcycle crashes occurs in densely populated areas, including Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Montgomery, and Prince George’s Counties, as well as Baltimore City.
- Motorcycle-involved crashes occur in greater numbers during the warmer months, from April through October, reaching their height in the summer, and declining through fall and winter months.
- Young people and men make up the majority of motorcycle accident victims. Motorcyclists in their 20s and 30s account for a large number involved in crashes; males account for 93% of those injured and 97% of those killed in Maryland motorcycle accidents.
- Weekends are the most dangerous times for motorcycle accidents to occur, with 54% happening between Friday and Sunday, with fatalities the highest between 7 and 9 p.m.
Public safety advocates have urged motorists for years to be cautious and safely share the road with motorcyclists. At the same time, motorcyclists have a responsibility to drive safely and make sure they are seen by cars, trucks, SUVs and other vehicles.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Maryland, please contact our experienced personal injury attorneys to discuss your case. See our contact us page for more information. Thank you and whatever you’re driving, be safe out there!
Sources:
Motorcycles registered in the United States, 2002–2021
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) March 2021
Motorcycle Program Area Brief (PDF)
Maryland Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Administration
Zero Deaths Maryland, collected online September 2023