Motorcycle accidents can happen at any speed, including slow speeds. According to SMARTER, a nonprofit motorcycle safety organization, motorcycles are just as dangerous at low speeds as they are at high speeds. In fact, motorcycle crashes often involve short trips, and the median pre-crash speed was 21.5 MPH. The one-in-a-thousand crash speed is 86 MPH.

At what speeds do most motorcycle accidents happen? The three most common speeds are highlighted below. But, remember that accidents can happen at literally all speeds.

86 mph

Motorcycle accidents can happen at any speed. In fact, according to statistics, motorcycle crashes are as dangerous at lower speeds as they are at higher speeds. The average motorcycle crash occurs at a speed of 86 mph, but one in every thousand crashes occurs at speeds as low as 29 mph. Motorcycle accidents are often caused by other vehicles making left turns in the path of the motorcyclist, or when a motorcycle is trying to make an overtake.

Motorcycle accidents can be deadly at any speed. Although every motorcycle collision is dangerous, accidents at higher speeds are more likely to result in fatalities. In addition, higher speeds result in more severe injuries and crashes.

29.8 mph

Although most motorcycle accidents occur at higher speeds, accidents can also happen at lower speeds. A study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that a median speed of 29.8 mph was recorded before the crash and that one in eight crashes occurred at a speed under 30 mph. This shocking statistic has many implications for motorcycle riders, including the dangers of speeding.

The NHTSA considers speeding as a contributing factor in traffic incidents only if it causes a crash. The exact speed that a motorcycle accident occurred at is often determined by police officers. Since motorcycles are smaller than cars, it is often difficult for drivers to notice them. It is also difficult to see motorcyclists if they’re in a vehicle’s blind spot.

The NHTSA’s CrashStats data report breaks down fatalities according to motorway and location. Interstates and non-interstate freeways account for only 9% of motorcycle fatalities, while regular streets account for 87% of motorcycle accidents. Furthermore, highways usually have more lanes than city streets, so they offer a safer space for motorcycle riders.

21.5 mph

Regardless of the cause of the accident, it is never a good idea to speed while riding a motorcycle. These accidents can have devastating consequences for the motorcyclist. There are many factors that play into these accidents, and knowing what to avoid can help to prevent them. A common cause is distracted driving. Distracted drivers may fail to see the motorcyclist or fail to yield to other traffic. Distractions can be as simple as listening to music, talking to passengers, or daydreaming.

Excess speed is a common issue for motorists of all speeds, but it is particularly dangerous for motorcycle riders. Speeding accounts for nearly half of all fatal motorcycle crashes in Britain. In addition, speeding is a contributing factor in nearly one-third of all motor vehicle crashes.