Motorcycle road accident infographic: Breaking down the numbers

According to most motorcyclists, nothing beats the feeling of cruising the open road.But that feeling can come at a cost. Without the protection of car panels, airbags or seat belts, motorcyclists are exposed and vulnerable in a motor vehicle accident. 

At Shine Lawyers, we see the devastating consequences motorcycle accidents can have on riders and their families. We are committed to making the road a safer place for all road users. Read on as we break down the statistics for Australian motorbike road accidents, and step through some safety tips for riders. 

Understanding Australian motorcycle danger statistics in motor vehicle accidents 

Motorcycles account for around 4.5% of the Australian motor vehicle fleet. But the social cost of owning a motorcycle is higher than this figure suggests. Motorcyclists, along with pedestrians and cyclists, are classified as vulnerable road users. 

Hospitalisations from road accidents 

In 2021-2022, despite motorcycles making up only 4.5% of registered vehicles on Australian roads, 24% of the 61,500 transport injury hospitalisations were motorcyclists. Nearly 90% of motorcyclists hospitalised were male. 

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in 2021-2022, male motorcyclists aged between 15 and 24 had the highest rate of hospitalisation for injury.  

Deaths from road accidents 

Motorcyclists made up 254 (20%) of the 1272 road deaths in Australia in 2023. The age group for most motorcyclists' deaths in 2023 was 40 to 64. Most motorcyclists’ deaths in fatal accidents in 2023 occurred in Queensland.  

Of the 254 deaths in 2023, 126 motorcyclists died in a single vehicle crash and 128 in a multi-vehicle crash.  

Research conducted by the Queensland University of Technology indicates that per kilometre travelled, motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to die in a road crash than occupants of a car.  

Is speed an issue for motorcyclist fatalities? 

Motorcyclist fatalities can occur at any speed. The most recent road accident data confirms that most motorcyclist deaths in 2023 occurred in 60-70 km/h speed zones. 

Avoid motorcycle danger statistics and stay safe on the road 

There are several protective measures you can take to stay safe and enjoy your motorcycle ride in Australia.  

Wear a helmet 

All motorcycle helmets for riders and passengers in Australia must meet the Standard AS/NZS 1698:2006. The Standard details minimum requirements for a helmet’s design, construction, performance and labelling.  

A well-fitted, full-face style helmet provides the best protection for your brain, face and jaw. Your cheeks should be snug against the interior helmet wall and your vision should be clear.  

Wear protective pants and a jacket 

Always wear protective clothing when riding. This goes for your pillion passenger too, and even if you’re only going to be travelling at low speeds.  

Motorcycle pants and jackets with CE- or EN-rated armour offer the best protection against soft tissue injury. Look for layers of fabrics and as few seams as possible, as stitching can burst on impact.  

Wear protective gloves and boots 

Motorcycle gloves and boots are critical for protecting your skin, bones and nerves from burns, open wounds, fractures and dislocations. Gloves should have a retention strap to ensure they stay fastened and cover your entire hand from fingertip to wrist. Boots should have added reinforcement and cover your ankles and shins.  

Armour 

Specially designed motorcycle body armour gives you an extra layer of protection in the event of a road accident, by absorbing the energy from crash impact. Vulnerable body parts such as your elbows, back, shoulders, hips and knees can benefit from CE- and EN-rated armour. 

Increase your visibility 

Always assume other road users can’t see you and maintain a safe distance. You may be riding in a driver’s blind spot or they may be facing other dangerous distractions. Increase your visibility by adding reflective strips to your outer clothing or a fluorescent vest. 

Check your bike 

Maintain your motorcycle to ensure it’s ride ready. Ensure your headlights, tail lights, brake lights and indicators are all working. And make sure your brakes, steering, suspension and horn are all working as they should be. 

Be ride ready 

Don’t ride your motorcycle if you’re tired, distracted, emotional or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

Know the road rules, your skillset and your limits when riding. Refresh and develop your skills through group rides, online training and safe riding courses.  

Avoid risk-taking behaviour while riding, such as excessive speed, weaving through traffic and disobeying traffic control laws.  

Staying ride ready will help you to enjoy your ride and return home safely.  

Stay alert 

Riding a motorcycle is more physically and mentally demanding than driving. You must keep your full attention on the road and surroundings. Take regular rest breaks on longer journeys to ensure you avoid becoming a motorbike crash statistic.  

How Shine Lawyers can help after a motorbike crash 

If you or your loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, get in touch with our motor vehicle accident team. Our experienced team will listen to what happened and outline your injury claim options.