Illinois Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to figures released by the Illinois Department of Transportation's Division of Traffic Safety, there were 4,901 motorcycle crashes in the state in 2008. Of these, 130 were fatal crashes, 3,166 were non-fatal personal injury crashes, and 1,605 were non-injury crashes.

Motorcyclists killed in 2008 totaled 135; five non-motorcyclists were killed. A total of 3,463 motorcyclists were injured; 229 non-motorcyclists were injured.

Fatal and Injury Accidents - 2004 - 2008
	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
Total Crashes	4,302	4,483	4,119	4,819	4,901
Fatal Crashes	154	152	128	154	130
Injury Crashes	2,799	2,923	2,573	3,108	3,166

Report Analyzes Operator Age Groups

In an analysis by age of motorcycle operators, the largest numbers killed and injured were older than 45: 51 and 1,105, respectively. In the 35 to 44 age group, 30 were killed and 689 injured. Among operators 25 to 34, 28 were killed and 683 injured. The 20 to 24 age group suffered 12 deaths and 435 injuries, and the 15 to 19 age group 2 deaths and 145 injuries.

Illinois records the situation of the motorcycle at the time of the crash. In the majority of cases, 2,605 crashes, the motorcycle was moving in a straight line. In 647 crashes, the motorcycle was skidding or the operator experiencing other loss of control. In most other instances, the operator was performing normal driving maneuvers.

Motorcyclists Killed and Injured by Age - 2007
Age	Killed	Injured
9 or Younger	0	0
10-14	0	9
15-19	2	145
20-24	12	435
25-34	28	683
35-44	30	689
45 or Older	51	1,105
Unknown	0	10
TOTAL	123	3,076

Survival Tactics Recommended

Defensive driving is recognized as even more important for motorcycle operators than those of other vehicles. The obvious reason is that motorcyclists are more vulnerable. The other is that and many automobile drivers involved in crashes with motorcycles say they did not see the motorcycle until it was too late to avoid a collision. Safety experts strongly urge motorcyclists to be prepared to get out of the way of inattentive motorists.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you've been injured while operating a motorcycle, you will have medical bills to pay and may have to deal with a loss of wages. To get the compensation you deserve, contact an attorney experienced in the special circumstances of motorcycle crashes.

The motorcycle accident attorneys of Proner & Proner have experience helping victims of Illinois motorcycle accidents.