South Carolina is one of the most dangerous states for motorcycle riders. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, there were 135 motorcyclist deaths on South Carolina roadways last year. A report from the Post and Courier found that South Carolina’s average fatality rate over a five-year period ending in 2015 was the second highest of states in the Southeast region. Nearly three-quarters of motorcycle riders who died on roadways in South Carolina over the past 10 years were not wearing a helmet at the time of their crashes. Riders are quick to point out a variety of factors that contribute to the fatality rate in South Carolina, including bad roads and inattentive drivers.
U.S. Motorcycle Crash Statistics
- In 2015, 4,693 motorcyclists were killed in crashes across the U.S.
- Motorcycle rider fatalities accounted for 13 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths in 2015.
- Per vehicle mile travelled in 2014, the number of deaths on motorcycles was more than 27 times the number of deaths in cars.
- 49 percent of motorcyclist deaths in 2015 happened on weekends.
- 91 percent of motorcyclists killed in 2015 were males.
Distracted Drivers: A Danger to Riders
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 9 people are killed and more than 1,000 are injured in crashes involving distracted drivers every day. Distracted drivers are an especially dangerous problem for motorcycle riders. Not only are motorcycles smaller than traditional passenger occupant vehicles, riders need additional room and time to maneuver safely in the event of a roadway emergency. If drivers are texting or engaging in other distracted behaviors behind the wheel, they’re not safely sharing the road with other roadway users.
Asheville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Without seat belts, air bags or steel safety cages, motorcycle riders are at the mercy of the drivers around them. Even with helmets and other safety gear, motorcyclists can become severely or catastrophically injured in crashes involving larger motor vehicles. If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident in or around the Asheville area, contact the skilled and proven team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 888-773-8388 for a free case consultation.