What Statistics Say About Motorcycle Accidents in Louisiana

Motorcycles offer a lot—fuel efficiency, convenient parking, unforgettable experiences on the open road. Unfortunately, these freedoms come with risks.

Motorcycle safety advocates are quick to note that, per mile traveled, the number of crash-related deaths on motorcycles is almost 27 times greater than it is for passengers in cars. That statistic should grab everyone’s attention, whether they ride a motorcycle or not.

All motorists share the road with motorcyclists, so it’s important that we all know how motorcycle accidents happen. We’ve put together a helpful infographic to highlight the top causes of motorcycle accidents in Louisiana and across the U.S.

Motorcycle Crashes in Louisiana

Looking at data from Louisiana State University, we can learn how common motorcycle crashes are in the state.

2019 Statistics

• There were 1,568 motorcycle crashes in Louisiana.

This is the lowest number of motorcycle crashes in Louisiana in recent years. Although the lower rate is good news, the fact that so many motorcycle crashes happen every year tells us that we can do more to protect motorcyclists.

• In those crashes, 84.9% of motorcycle riders wore helmets.

Helmets reduce the risk of death by 37% and the risk of head injury by 69%. Protective helmets save lives every year.

• 81 people died in motorcycle crashes in Louisiana in 2019.

That’s an increase from the number of fatal crashes in 2018. Alcohol was involved in one-third of these fatal crashes. As a motorcyclist, it’s important to remember that riding while impaired is just as and potentially even more dangerous than driving while impaired.

What Can We Learn from These Stats?

First, the number of deaths compared to the number of crashes indicates that motorcycle helmet laws are saving lives. Second, although we can be optimistic about the safety of motorcyclists on Louisiana roads, motorcyclists are still at risk of dying due to preventable accidents every time they ride, whether on their own part or due to careless motorists. 

As you see in the above infographic, non-motorcyclists often fail to give bikers the space they need. Louisiana can do better. We believe that raising awareness about the importance of safely sharing roads with motorcyclists will help. But we’re realistic, too. We know that holding careless drivers responsible for their actions is essential to making our roads motorcycle friendly.

Let Dudley DeBosier Hear Your Story

If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle crash in Louisiana, know that you should always consider your options and what your injuries are worth before accepting a check from the insurance company. Sadly, insurance companies aren’t known for offering a fair deal without a fight, especially when it comes to motorcyclists.

Hopefully, you’ve learned something from our guide. If you’d like to learn more about your legal options, give the Louisiana motorcycle accident attorneys at Dudley DeBosier a call to schedule a free case review.

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