Motorcycle accidents in the state of Kansas have remained remarkably consistent over the last decade. Consistency is not exactly something you want to celebrate when it comes to motor vehicle accidents of any kind, but it is interesting just how consistent the statistics are for motorcycle accidents in Kansas.
For example, from 2005 to 2015, there were never fewer than 954 motorcycle accidents in a given year and there were never more than 1,139 motorcycle accidents — with the exception of 2012 when there was an incredible spike in motorcycle accidents. 1,328 such wrecks occurred that year.
The number of fatal motorcycle accidents, however, are all over the place. In 2012 when motorcycle accidents spiked, there were only 46 fatal motorcycle accidents. But in 2016, when there were 316 fewer motorcycle accidents in Kansas when compared to 2012, there were 58 fatal motorcycle accidents.
Unfortunately, the most disturbing statistic for motorcycle accidents in the state of Kansas is the startlingly low rate of helmet usage for motorcyclists. In 2015, only 41.5 percent of motorcyclists who were involved in a crash used a helmet. In fatal crashes, the numbers are lower. All motorcyclists should be wearing helmets when they are out on the road. The risks are simply too great.
However, the ultimate point of this post is to highlight the thousands of people that are affected by motorcycle crashes in Kansas City every year. Some of these wrecks occur because of negligence or recklessness on the part of other drivers. The motorcyclists in these cases should consider their legal standing.