Motorcycle Accident Statistics of Louisiana

Safety measures can mean the difference between life and death on a motorcycle. Knowing specific statistics can help motorcyclists stay cautious, especially if they know what to look for. According to Louisiana State University:

• There were over 1,500 motorcycle accidents in the state of Louisiana in 2019.
• Over 80% of the motorcyclists involved in the accidents wore helmets.
• Around 80 motorcyclists were killed in accidents in 2019.

Although the number of motorcycle accidents has decreased compared to previous years, this doesn’t mean the risk of driving a motorcycle is lower.

However, when every motorist on the road is cautious, it can save lives; one type of precaution that can be taken is the wearing of a helmet while riding motorcycles in New Orleans or elsewhere in Louisiana. Helmet use reduces the risk of fatality by 37% and helmet usage also decreases the risk of injury to the head by nearly 70%. Of the less than 100 motorcyclists who were killed in 2019, about one-third of those accidents involved alcohol.

Additionally, most motorcycle deaths occur in the summer months and riders over the age of 50 make up more than one-third of the fatalities.

Time of day plays another factor in motorcyclist safety. On a weekday, after the morning rush, around 9 am, is one of the safest times for motorcyclists to be on the road. Conversely, during rush hour, between 3 pm and 6 pm, is when most accidents occur. Due to the number of cars on the road and to the urgency to get home, drivers may get careless.

Most drivers assume that motorcycle accidents happen on the highway, but that’s not true. In Louisiana, most motorcycle accidents happen in cities, especially in highly populated areas, such as Jefferson Parish, Lafayette Parish, East Baton Rouge Parish, and Orleans Parish.

Top Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents in New Orleans

While there are a number of reasons motorcycle accidents happen, there are a few that reoccur nationwide. Here are the top ten reasons:

1. When a driver fails to assess the speed at which a motorcyclist is driving or the motorcyclist’s distance from their own vehicle, accidents happen. Additionally, when a vehicle suddenly stops and a motorcyclist is behind said vehicle, this can lead to serious bodily harm or death, especially if traveling at speed. It is important to be extremely aware of one’s surroundings while in a car or on a motorcycle to avoid such incidents.
2. When a driver doesn’t yield to motorcyclists, this is not only a traffic violation, but it’s extremely dangerous. The same concept applies to sudden lane changes by a vehicle. If a motorcyclist is in a driver’s blind spot and they change lanes without indicating, this can lead to a severe accident. Obeying traffic laws, such as signaling and giving ample notice to other drivers on the road when changing lanes, is important and ensures safety on the road.
3. A driver following a motorcycle too closely is a recipe for disaster. Not only is a motorcycle much smaller than a car, but it doesn’t provide the safety a car does; therefore, keeping a safe distance from a motorcyclist is key for both driver and motorcyclist.
4. When the driver of a vehicle doesn’t see a motorcyclist in his or her blind spot. Even when a driver and a motorcyclist are obeying traffic laws and driving safely, if a car is changing lanes or makes a turn and a motorcyclist is in the driver’s blind spot, an accident can occur. Statistically, close to half of all motorcycle accidents happen when a driver is taking a left turn and doesn’t see a motorcyclist coming through an intersection.
5. Distractions or negligence can cause major accidents, especially for motorcyclists. If a driver is not paying attention due to texting while driving, talking to someone, or doing something other than keeping their eyes on the road, the threat of an accident to motorcyclists is great. Distracted drivers can be unaware of changes to the speed of traffic around them and often don’t see stop signs, traffic lights, or fixed objects. If a driver fails to obey traffic law, they will be found liable for an accident and damages will be owed to any injured persons as a result.
6. Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol increases the risk of an accident occurring. Driving while impaired is against the law. The consequences of a driver getting behind the wheel while drunk and getting into an accident are serious.
7. Fatigue is a major cause of motorcycle accidents. When someone is sleep deprived, such as delivery drivers who are on strict deadlines and drive across multiple states to reach their destination, accidents happen
8. It goes without saying that speeding can significantly increase a motorcyclist’s risk of an accident. Additionally, driving in between lanes or cars is not only dangerous, it’s illegal in Louisiana. Statistically, over 30% of motorcyclists who die during an accident were speeding. Closer to 60% of sports bike accidents occur when motorcyclists were speeding.
9. Defects in motorcycles or any faulty part of a bike can lead to an accident and a driver can sue the manufacturer for defective parts that cause harm. If there is a lack of maintenance on a motorcycle or faulty repairs and an accident occurs, the motorcyclist can be seriously injured.
10. Hazardous road conditions can lead to accidents and, in Louisiana, if a biker is hurt due to a pothole or road hazard, the appropriate governing bodies whose responsibility it’s to maintain those roads can be held accountable.

Motorcyclists must take extra precautions to be as vigilant as possible when on the road, especially those who are new to motorcycling Over half of all motorcycle accidents are due to inexperienced motorcyclists, most of whom have been on the road for less than a year and have had less than three years of experience riding a bike.

Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

When it comes to motorcycle accidents, injuries can be devastating. Some common injuries from motorcycle accidents in New Orleans include road rash, severe burns, head trauma, broken bones, spinal injuries, or loss of limbs.

Motorcycle accident injuries can take a long time to heal and can cause motorcyclists further trauma even after the accident or, worse, death. If you find yourself suffering from injuries due to a motorcycle accident but have not filed a claim, you may still have time.

Louisiana Motorcycle Law 

Around the nation, motorcycle laws differ; at Breaux Law Firm, we know how the ever-evolving laws work here in Louisiana.

According to the Louisiana State Legislature, a few examples of Louisiana motorcycle laws include:

• Motorcyclists must wear a helmet and any passenger on the bike must also wear a helmet.
• Motorcyclists must wear eye protection gear.
• Motorcyclists must have a motorcycle license to own or operate a motorcycle.
• Motorcyclists must avoid driving in between cars, which is known as “lane splitting.”
• Motorcyclists must drive with both hands on the handlebars when the vehicle is in motion.