If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, you know every ride has risks. But did you know that some cities are more dangerous for motorcyclists than others? In this post, you’ll find the top 10 most dangerous cities for motorcycles, and some of the results may surprise you. Which cities made our list? Washington, D.C., ranked 194th out of 194 cities, is considered one of the most dangerous places for motorcyclists. 109.3% more crashes than the national average are likely due to collisions. Arlington and Alexandria in Virginia are also in the bottom ten of the same ranking.
Elpaso
Table Of Contents
On Texas roadways, one motorcycle rider passes away every day on average. It’s a sobering number that, according to transportation officials, might be averted if drivers focused more while driving. In Texas in 2019, there were 412 motorcycle fatalities and more than 1,800 serious injuries. In El Paso, 334 motorcycle accidents were reported. Forty-nine additional riders suffered significant injuries, and 13 motorcycle riders lost their lives. The summer months see a surge in traffic, so transportation officials advise Texans to drive cautiously and avoid distractions. According to safety experts, drivers frequently cause collisions between motorcyclists and vehicles when they make left turns in front of approaching motorcycles while miscalculating their distance and speed.
Washington DC
Over 3,000 of the 8.6 million motorcycles registered in the U.S. come from Washington, DC. The fact that there are numerous motorbike accidents on the road is therefore not surprising. Additionally, motorcycle accidents are the most dangerous accidents for everyone involved because bikers have minimal protection from the road and other cars. In Washington, DC, all motorcycle drivers and passengers use helmets that have received DOT approval. Motorists must wear protective eyewear like goggles or a windshield in addition to a motorcycle helmet.
Arlington
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration notes that in 2008, there were 5290 motorcycle fatalities and 96,000 motorcycle injuries. In Virginia, there were 82 fatal motorcycle accidents in the same year, with Alexandra and Arlington reporting the highest rates. The general public is prejudiced against motorcycle riders and believes they are to blame for most accidents. Most collisions occur due to careless automobile and truck drivers who fail to see the motorcycle.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville has the most significant land area of any city in the lower 48 states, at an astounding 875 square miles. Several tiny towns in Alaska have more acreage, but they have a much smaller population than Jacksonville, which is close to 900,000. Jacksonville, the most populous place in the state, has developed into a hub for several significant events, including the Gate River Run road race and the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, the second-largest jazz festival in the nation. Jacksonville has reported many motorcycle accidents for quite some time despite decreasing numbers.
Oklahoma City
The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office states that in the city in 2018, motorcycle crashes resulted in 92 fatalities and 1,189 injuries. Weekends are when motorcycle accidents happen more frequently. They often occur between 4 and 7:59 pm. Crance increases when riding conditions improve, and more cyclists are on the road in the summer. Excessive speed, including going over the posted speed limit, operating a vehicle too quickly for the road conditions, or racing, is a factor in about one-third of all fatal motor vehicle accidents.
The NHTSA reports that in 2012, 34 percent of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal collisions were speeding, as opposed to 22 percent for drivers of passenger cars, 18 percent for drivers of light trucks, and 8 percent for drivers of heavy trucks. According to the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, a quarter of motorcycle riders involved in collisions in Oklahoma in 2012 were traveling at a dangerous pace.
Miami
Motorcycle accidents cause a lot of injuries in Miami, Florida. One factor is that South Florida’s pleasant climate allows bikers to ride year-round. Additionally, motorcycles are smaller and more challenging to spot for other drivers, particularly at crossroads and in the twilight.
Motorcycle riders enjoy the pure thrill and freedom of riding outside. However, they also have the unfortunate drawback of dealing with the heightened risk and effects of a motorbike accident. Motorcycle collisions can result from accidents caused by bad weather, making it difficult for other vehicles to see the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that Florida earned the terrible distinction of being the state with the highest number of fatal motorcycle accidents in 2015.
Detroit, Michigan
The Great Lakes State is renowned for its stunning natural scenery. For many motorcyclists, riding a motorbike is the best way to take in Michigan’s more than 3,288 miles of coastline. Sadly, motorcycle crashes happen more regularly than we’d like to believe. The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning said 2,723 motorbikes were recently involved in traffic accidents in Michigan. In the same year, 122 motorcycle riders lost their lives, and 2,176 got injured in traffic accidents. 36 of the 122 motorcycle fatalities were caused by drinking, while four resulted from distracted driving.
Cleveland, Ohio
While exploring Cleveland on a motorcycle might be exciting, it can also be risky. Statewide, the number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities is rising. Understanding some of the most typical factors that lead to motorcycle incidents may help you better plan to prevent collisions and deal with them when they do happen. The state’s statistics on motorcycle crashes demonstrate how often motorcycle accidents are in Ohio. Over 200 people lost their lives, and nearly 3,000 injuries happened in almost 4,000 motorcycle accidents in Ohio in one recent year, according to data provided by the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP).
Phoenix, Arizona
In Arizona, motorcycle accidents are rarely mere mishaps. Motorcycle accident injuries can often be exceedingly serious because riders have little protection. According to the state Department of Transportation, there were 2,980 motorcycle accidents in Arizona in 2011. In Arizona, 2,553 individuals got hurt, and 132 lost their lives in the accidents. Two thousand one hundred ninety-six of these accidents, the vast majority, took place in populated areas.
Highways in the Phoenix area are also hazardous for motorcyclists because bikes and other cars share the road at high speeds. Interstate 17 and the Agua Fria Freeway to the north of Phoenix have experienced tragic collisions. Many severe and frequently fatal high-speed motorcycle accidents have occurred on Route 101 and Highway 60, which pass through Tempe and Mesa. On rural routes, the remaining 784 motorcycle accidents happened.
Memphis
In Memphis, motorcycle accidents happen frequently. Due to the high number of collisions in these areas and the high number of motorcycles on the highways, motorcycle accidents are significant safety and financial concern for riders in the Memphis area. Even with anti-lock brakes and helmets, driving a car is riskier than riding a motorcycle. On two wheels, it is more challenging to maintain control. Since there is no enclosed vehicle or safety belt to protect them, motorcyclists are more likely to suffer painful injuries or even die in incidents. Every year, Memphis draws bikers from all over the nation. Bikers come here to enjoy the fantastic food, music, and nightlife that have made Memphis so well-known.
Conclusion
As you can see, motorcycle accidents are a severe problem in many states. If you plan to ride a motorcycle, you must be aware of the risks and take precautions to protect yourself. Wearing a helmet and being alert on the road can help you avoid dangerous situations. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you must seek medical and legal help as soon as possible.