Tennessee Motorcycle Accident Statistics

While the number of motorcycles registered in the state of Tennessee increased slowly but steadily during a recent five-year study period, the rate of increase in the number of motorcycle crashes reported each year declined, falling below the rate of registration increase in the final year. During the same period, the number of accidents at intersections increased, stressing the importance of defensive riding.

Latest Report Covers 2004 through 2008

The Tennessee Department of Safety's most recent annual Motorcycle Crash Statistics report covers the years 2004 through 2008. During that period, registrations rose from 246,150 to 307,178, at an average annual rate of 5.7 percent.

Motorcycle crashes rose from 2,293 in 2004 to 3,257 in 2008. The annual rates of increase were 17.7 percent from 2004 to 2005, 9.7 percent from 2005 to 2006, 8.4 percent from 2006 to 2007, and 1.4 percent from 2007 to 2008.

Crashes at intersections increased from 611 in 2004 to 951 in 2007, rising by an average of about 16 percent each year. The number was 950 in 2008. Studies of motorcycle crashes show that up to half occur at intersections and that up to two-thirds occur because the driver of the other vehicle did not see the motorcycle in time to avoid a collision.

Tennessee Offers Motorcycle Safety Courses

Like many states, Tennessee has a program to teach motorcycle safety, including defensive riding techniques. One of the best defensive tactics is to assume other drivers don't see you, since that is often the case. In addition to wearing bright colors, careful, deliberate adjustments to your position in the traffic lane is a good way to get the attention of other drivers, as well as making eye contact as often as possible.

No matter how diligently you apply the best safety practices, you may still be involved in a motorcycle accident. That's when you need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. To get the financial compensation your deserve to cover medical bills, loss of income, and other expenses, you need someone on your side who understands motorcycles and how to fight for the legal rights of their riders.

The motorcycle accident lawyers of Proner & Proner have experience helping victims of Tennessee motorcycle accidents.