If you ride a motorcycle, you know that nothing compares to the exhilarating feel of the wind whipping by you on a scenic drive. You are also likely aware that you face greater dangers than other motorists in their enclosed vehicles.
Most of the time, motorcyclists are following the rules of the road. What happens when they don’t or when other drivers fail to pay attention? Ryan Bruning, an attorney from this law firm, explains that the consequences often result in severe injuries or death.
Quick Statistics About Missouri Motorcycle Accidents
There is very little to protect you when you’re riding a motorcycle, especially when compared to those in passenger vehicles. According to Save Mo Lives, 138 motorcyclists died on Missouri roads in 2024. They accounted for 15% of all traffic fatalities throughout the state.
Just the year before in 2023, 82% of motorcycle crashes resulted in injuries or death. Well over half of those at 62% collided with another motor vehicle. In all motorcycle-related crashes throughout Missouri for 2023, 98% of the people who died were motorcycle riders. Motorcyclists also have a 38% increase in the chance of death if they are not wearing a helmet.
A Word About Wearing Helmets
Motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of head injuries by 69%, as noted by the Missouri Department of Transportation. Unfortunately, when the state repealed helmet requirements in 2020, it only made things worse.
Previously, the law required all riders of all ages to wear a DOT-approved helmet. Since that repeal, Missouri has seen a 570% increase in motorcyclists fatalities with riders who were not wearing helmets. New laws are being proposed to reinstate the all-rider helmet law, though until that happens, it is vital that all motorcyclists consider these statistics.
Current Laws for Motorcyclists and Motorists in Missouri
Both motorcyclists and other drivers should pay close attention to all traffic laws and the current conditions of the road while they are driving. Other motorists need to remember that motorcycles are vehicles that have the same legal rights and privileges on the roads. This means that under no circumstances should a car, truck, van, SUV, or commercial vehicle ever share a lane.
Anyone under the age of 26 or operating with an instruction permit is required by law to wear a DOT-compliant helmet on their motorcycle. When riding your motorcycle and you are above the age of 26 or have a license to operate a motorcycle, consider wearing a helmet. The law might make it your choice, though these statistics reveal that plenty of people thought it would be fine to go for a ride without one, and the majority of them did not live to tell about it.
Motorcyclists should also remember that following the speed limit, adjusting to a lower speed when the weather is inclement, and calling for a sober ride when they’ve been drinking are rules they need to follow just like anyone else on the road. As for drivers in motor vehicles, pay attention to your surroundings and double check your blind spots. Motorcycles have a low profile and you might not see them in those hidden areas around your vehicle.
More Missouri Motorcycle Facts
A fatal motorcycle crash can happen anywhere, though certain areas see more than their fair share of fatal crashes. St. Louis, St. Charles, Jackson, and Greene counties have the highest motorcycle fatalities.
Most fatal motorcycle accidents happen between June and September. There would likely be more of them throughout the year, though the weather tends to make it harder to ride. It should be noted that although motorcycles make up only 2.6% of all registered vehicles in Missouri, they account for around 17% of all traffic deaths. Since the overwhelming majority of them involve a crash with another motor vehicle, greater awareness needs to be promoted to drivers of passenger vehicles to watch out while motorcyclists should take additional precautions to protect themselves.
Important Safety Reminders for Motorcyclists and Drivers
Before your next motorcycle ride, take a moment to reflect on safety to avoid being part of these statistics.
Wear a Helmet No Matter What the Law Says
Until the laws are changed to protect everyone, you should wear a helmet while on your motorcycle even if the current law excludes you from the requirement with proof of insurance. Not wearing a helmet drastically increases the chances that you will die in a motorcycle accident.
Helmets may not always stop injuries from happening, but they can reduce injury severity. All it takes is a pothole or a near miss with another driver and you could tumble off your bike into the roadway. Put on the helmet and have a greater chance of spending many more years with your loved ones.
Left Turns Are the Most Dangerous
Drivers in passenger vehicles need to be extra vigilant when making left-hand turns. Over 42% of accidents with motorcycles occur due to motorists not seeing a motorcycle when they make this maneuver.
Count to 12
Motorcyclists can also save themselves by counting to 12 when scanning for any potential hazards down the road. It also helps to assume that other drivers do not see you, and since many are distracted, you will be correct in this assumption.
Always Wear Protective Gear
In addition to donning a helmet, consider wearing other types of protective gear. Even in a low-speed collision, you may not hit your head though road rash is extremely painful, and if serious enough, could require many expensive skin graft surgeries.
Stay Sober
All drivers and motorcyclists should be responsible when they get on the road. If you plan to drink, don’t plan to drive, and with the abundance of rideshare options, there’s always a safe and sober way home. Alcohol was a factor in 28% of motorcycle fatalities in Missouri. You do not want to be the reason why someone is grieving the loss of a loved one.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Even when you follow the rules of the road and are cautious, a negligent motorist could cause your accident. Since insurers love to blame motorcyclists, talk to an attorney first to help prevent insurance company bias from lowering your settlement.