Motorcycle Fatalities
Motorcycle deaths are an unfortunate reality for Illinois cyclists. The motorcycle accident attorneys of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. in Chicago, Illinois have extensive experience in helping riders and their families with legal claims. If you or someone you love has become the victim of a motorcycle accident because of another motorist's negligence, please call our qualified motorcycle injury lawyers at 1-877-249-1227 or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.
The following information about motorcycle accidents was compiled from statistics provided by the Illinois Depart of Transportation (IDOT).
- Motorcycle fatalities of operators and passengers in Illinois account for about 10 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in our state. This is a rather high number considering that motorcycle registrations account for only 4 percent of all motor vehicles registered.
- Weather and roadway surface conditions are generally not factors in fatal motorcycle crashes. In 2006, over 92 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes occurred in clear weather, on dry pavement.
- In 2006, there were 132 motorcyclists killed in 128 motor vehicle crashes. This is an increase in fatalities of 27 percent compared to 1999, when 103 motorcyclists were killed in 101 crashes. Part of the increase can be attributed to the rise in popularity of motorcycles. In 2006, there were 287,892 motorcycle registrations - an increase of 45 percent when compared to the 198,444 motorcycle registrations in 1999.
- Since 1999, motorcyclists in the 45 or older age group have experienced the largest increase in fatalities of any age category. In 1999, there were 14 from this age group who died in motorcycle crashes (14 percent of all motorcyclists killed). By 2006, this number had increased to 52 motorcyclists (40 percent of all motorcyclists killed).
- In 2006, 22 motorcyclists under the age of 25 were killed (17 percent of all motorcycle fatalities). The youngest was 10. Nearly 90 percent of the fatalities, or 116 motorcyclists, were male.
- One of the largest problems with motorcycle accidents is the lack of personal protection. Almost 80 percent of the motorcyclists killed in 2006 were NOT wearing a helmet.
- Generally, more fatal motorcycle crashes occur on the weekend than during the rest of the week. In 2006, there were 127 fatal motorcycle crashes. Of those, 68 (54 percent) occurred between the hours of 6:00 p.m. on Friday and 11.59 p.m. on Sunday.
- Sixty percent of the fatal motorcycle crashes occurred during the months of May through September, with May and June having the most fatalities. May is generally the month where motorcycles begin to reappear on the roadways after the cold winter months, and many passenger car and truck drivers are not conditioned to keeping an eye out for the smaller vehicles.
- Motorcycle fatalities often occur in the densely populated northeast area of the state. The five counties having the highest number of motorcyclists killed in 2006 were: Cook, 35 deaths; Madison, 9; Will, 7; McHenry, 6; and St. Clair, 4.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident caused by the negligence of another motorist, please do not hesitate to call the motorcycle injury lawyers of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. at 1-877-249-1227, or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.
We have more than 25 years of committed service to the people of Illinois and we know the laws governing our roadways. If you need a competent and compassionate attorney at your side to help you win the compensation you deserve, contact us now.
