In the latest study available, the New York State Department of Health reported that motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of death and injuries in the state. Between 2012 and 2014, around 1,098 people died annually in these collisions. Another 12,093 ended up having to be hospitalized. Overall, 136,913 people visited emergency departments because of their injuries.
Motorcyclists are often at a higher risk of death if they are involved in a crash. They have fewer protections against the impact and may end up with more serious injuries. On average, the statistics show that there were around 141 motorcyclist deaths annually. The rate of death was highest among males between the ages of 20 and 44.
Emergency department visits and injuries were more common. 4,458 emergency department visits took place on average, and around 1,558 hospitalizations occurred annually, on average, each year.
What do these statistics really tell you?
While motorcyclists are not the only people who are hurt or killed in crashes, they do make up a fair proportion. Even though these figures are already a few years old, they show that the rate of hospitalizations and deaths due to car accidents has increased over time — and probably continues to do so.
When you’re riding, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. New York doesn’t always have the right weather for riding, so if you do plan to ride, always check the weather before you go out. You want to drive when you have the best chances of getting to and from your destination safely. If you are injured as a result of another driver’s actions, it may be possible to hold them accountable for your injuries and any financial losses you suffer.