Death rates for crotch rocket supersport bike riders are four times higher than those for riders of other types of motorcycles, according to available data. The majority of supersport riders who are killed in accidents are young adults. As much as 57% of these tragic outcomes can be attributed to excessive velocity.
What is a crotch rocket?
A crotch rocket motorcycle, also known as a supersport motor bike, is a street-legal version of a high-performance racing bike. Lighter and more powerful, it can sprint off the line and manoeuvre with ease. It has the potential to achieve speeds of 190 miles per hour.
Urgent need for quick action
According to the statistics, 57% of the deaths involving supersport motorbike riders can be attributed to high speeds.
Supersport motorcycles’ allure stems in large part from their rapid acceleration. But all that pre-programmed velocity also has a nasty habit of speeding up the process of death and serious injury for supersport motor bike riders.
Death toll from crotch rockets
The mortlity rate for drivers of these high-speed motorbikes is four times that of riders of slower motorcycles. It is estimated that 60% of crotch rocket-related fatalities can be attributed to high speeds. In 2019, riders younger than 30 made up more than half of those who tragically lost their lives in a motorcycle accident.
In 2019, supersport motorcycles had the highest claim frequency out of the eleven categories or types of motorcycles, at three times the national average. Their “overall losses” were also the worst.
While supersport motorcycles only make up about 10% of all motorcycles registered, the IIHS says they are responsible for 25% of all motorcycle rider fatalities.
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More severe injuries are possible.
Although high-speed motorcycle riders are four times more likely to die in a crash than those on slower bikes, they are also more likely to sustain serious injuries. Traumatic brain injuries, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and hand and wrist injuries are among the most common types of injuries sustained.
Mortality rates for riders of supersport motorcycles who are not wearing helmets.
Curiously, the high death rate among crotch rocket motorcyclists does not appear to be associated with a lack of helmet use. Among motorcyclists riding supersport bikes, 81% were wearing helmets when they were killed in 2019. In fact, riders of these motorcycles were the ones who used helmets the most frequently.
This contradicts the common sense and data-driven belief that helmets save lives when riding motorcycles. Since 2012, when Michigan’s universal motorcycle helmet law was overturned, there has been a 14 percent increase in head injuries among hospitalised motorcyclists and the death rate for unhelmeted riders is nearly double that of helmeted riders.
In 2019, there have already been a number of fatalities among helmeted riders of crotch rocket motorcycles.
Advice on Purchasing Insurance
Having motorcycle liability insurance is mandatory in the state of Michigan if you plan on riding a supersport motorcycle. First-party health care coverage is entirely voluntary. In contrast, a medical clearance is obligatory if you intend to drive or ride a supersport motorcycle without a helmet.
Motorcycle riders in Michigan must carry liability insurance with coverage limits of $250,000 or $500,000, though they are permitted to do so with limits of $50,000 or $100,000.
Helmet-less motorcyclists are required to carry at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits insurance.
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Advice for Riding Supersport Bikes Safely
When it comes to safety advice for riding a supersport motorcycle, “don’t speed” comes out on top. Over half (57%) of all supersport motorcycle fatalities can be attributed to excessive speeding. Other suggestions include (1) avoiding driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and (2) avoiding distractions while behind the wheel.
Got hurt riding a crotch rocket motorcycle? In the event of an automobile accident, contact Michigan Auto Law.
Call (888) 280-2253 to speak with a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney if you were hurt in a supersport motor bike accident in Michigan and want to learn more about your legal options for obtaining compensation for your pain and suffering, economic damages, and auto No-Fault insurance benefits. We have a contact page and a live chat feature where you can talk to a lawyer about your No-Fault insurance case.
