Oklahoma Motorcycle Accident Causes

Motorcycles have become an increasingly common sight on Oklahoma’s roads, with these vehicles providing a cost effective and fun way to get around town and enjoy the state’s diverse landscapes. Unfortunately, riding motorcycles does come with its own set of risks, including a higher chance of being involved in a crash. Having a thorough understanding of these risks, including the most common causes of accidents in Oklahoma, can go a long way towards helping riders avoid potentially deadly collisions.

National Motorcycle Accident Statistics 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists have a much higher risk of being involved in a fatal accident than other motorists. In 2021, for instance, motorcyclists represented 14 percent of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. Based on these statistics, the NHTSA estimates that per miles traveled in 2021, motorcyclists were almost 24 times more likely to die in a crash than a passenger vehicle occupant. Motorcyclists were also shown to be four times more likely to be injured in a crash than occupants of standard passenger vehicles.

Oklahoma Motorcycle Accident Statistics 

The motorcycle accident statistics in Oklahoma are similar to those reported by the NHTSA. There were, for instance, 762 traffic fatalities in Oklahoma in 2021, 76 of which were motorcyclists. These numbers are alarming, especially when you consider the relatively low number of motorcyclists on our state’s roadways (in comparison to standard passenger vehicles). Furthermore, fatalities aren’t the only measurable risk that motorcyclists face, as at least 990 motorcyclists were injured during the same year. Many of those injuries were catastrophic and resulted in permanent disability or disfigurement.

Motorcycle Accident Causes 

The accidents referenced in the aforementioned statistics were the result of a wide range of causes, including:

• Traveling at an unsafe speed, which accounts for 23 percent of motorcycle accidents in Oklahoma;
• Improper maneuvers or movements, which accounts for around seven percent of accidents;
• Following too closely, which accounts for nearly five percent of motorcycle accidents;
• Failing to yield, which accounts for a little over four percent of motorcycle crashes in Oklahoma;
• Inattention, which accounts for almost four percent of motorcycle accidents;
• Driving under the influence, which accounts for more than two percent of motorcycle accidents in Oklahoma; and
• Driving an unsafe vehicle, which accounts for 2.3 percent of motorcycle crashes in the state.

These are by no means the only causes of motorcycle accidents in Oklahoma. Other common causes include making unsafe lane changes, driving while distracted, and road defects. Whatever their cause, motorcycle accidents tend to have serious consequences for the rider, who is much more likely to suffer serious injuries.

Call Today for Help with Your Oklahoma Motorcycle Accident Claim 

If you or a loved one were involved in a motorcycle accident that led to a serious injury, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other losses. The dedicated Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyers at Levinson Law, P.C. are here to answer your questions and help you begin the claim filing process. Call us at 918-492-4433 to schedule a free consultation today.

Sources: 

nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles#the-topic-on-the-road

ohso.ok.gov/sites/g/files/gmc751/f/2021_s5_motorcyclists.pdf