Motorcycle accidents resulting in injury or death are more common on a per-mile basis than car accidents, and the comparison is not even close. If they spend the same amount of time on the road, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die and five times more likely to suffer a nonfatal injury than vehicle occupants.
There is no easy way to calculate the percentage of motorcycle riders who get into accidents. However, the following methods can be used to estimate a motorcyclist’s risk of crashing.
Using Motorcycle Registrations To Estimate Crash Risk
In 2023, Maryland had 119,139 registered motorcycles. That same year, the state recorded 1,350 motorcycle accidents. At first glance, this might suggest that just over 1% of registered motorcycles were involved in crashes.
However, that number doesn’t tell the full story. Many registered motorcycles aren’t road-ready—some are stored, inoperative, or simply not ridden during the year. As a result, the number of bikes actually on the road in 2023 was likely much lower than the total registered.
Additionally, not every crash in Maryland involves a locally registered motorcycle. Riders from neighboring states like Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. often travel into Maryland for work or recreation.
This means out-of-state riders are contributing to Maryland’s crash statistics, making it inaccurate to base crash risk solely on in-state registrations.
Motorcycle Licenses and Crash Risk
While Maryland doesn’t report the total number of motorcycle licenses, motorcycles make up about 3% of all registered vehicles. If 3% of the state’s 4.3 million drivers are licensed motorcyclists, that suggests roughly 130,000 riders in Maryland.
With 1,350 crashes in 2023, about 1% of licensed riders were involved in a crash—similar to the estimate based on motorcycle registrations. However, this estimate has limitations. Many crash-involved riders are unlicensed—some reports suggest up to 40%. Plus, out-of-state riders are included in Maryland crash stats, which can skew risk estimates.
Lifetime Odds of Crashing a Motorcycle
While roughly 1% of Maryland motorcyclists crash each year, a more meaningful figure for riders is the lifetime risk. According to the National Safety Council, the average American has a 1 in 706 chance of dying in a motorcycle crash over their lifetime.
This risk is based on the general population—not just riders. So, for someone who frequently rides, the true odds of a fatal crash are much higher. For comparison, the lifetime risk of dying in any motor vehicle crash is 1 in 95, and for a pedestrian accident, it’s 1 in 471.
What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents are often the result of preventable mistakes—either by the motorcyclist or another driver on the road. Understanding the most common causes can help riders stay alert and reduce their risk.
Here are some of the leading factors behind motorcycle crashes:
- Left-turn accidents: Many collisions happen when a vehicle turns left across a motorcycle’s path, often because the driver didn’t see the rider or misjudged their speed.
- Speeding: Excessive speed—by either the motorcyclist or another driver—reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.
- Distracted driving: Drivers using phones or not paying attention can easily overlook a smaller vehicle like a motorcycle, leading to dangerous situations.
- Unsafe lane changes: Drivers who fail to check blind spots or signal can sideswipe or cut off motorcyclists.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug use—on the part of the rider or another motorist—remains a leading contributor to fatal crashes.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, loose gravel, and wet pavement pose greater hazards to motorcycles than to cars.
- Lack of visibility: Motorcycles are smaller and less noticeable, especially in low-light or high-traffic situations, making visibility a critical safety issue.
While not every crash is avoidable, awareness of these common causes can help riders take extra precautions. Defensive driving, proper gear, and training all play a key role in staying safe on the road.
Estimating Your Motorcycle Crash Risk
The statistics allow for a rough estimate of what percentage of motorcycle riders get in accidents: About 1% of Maryland motorcyclists are involved in a motorcycle accident each year. However, this number may not fully capture your risk as a motorcyclist. How frequently and how safely you ride are also important factors.
When you are involved in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver, you may have the right to seek injury compensation. Contact our law firm, Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers, for a free consultation at (301) 932-9997 to discuss your injuries and the compensation you can seek for them.
