As spring officially arrives, motorcycle enthusiasts all across Connecticut may be looking forward to the joys of riding on two wheels. The freedom that comes with motorcycling is a pleasure all unto its own. Sadly, bikers must also face the all-too-real dangers associated with motorcycle accidents when they share the road with other vehicles. If you ride a bike or know someone who does, understanding how many lives are lost in these crashes each year can be important.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows a steady stream of fatalities every year between 2010 and 2014. In literally every county but one for each of these five years, at least one life was lost. It was only in 2012 in Windham County that no deaths were recorded in motorcycle accidents. New Haven and Hartford Counties experienced the highest number of motorcycle fatalities over this time with 55 and 53, respectively. These are followed by Fairfield and New London Counties with 34 and 31 deaths, respectively. The number of people who died in the remaining four counties ranged from 24 in Tolland County down to 11 in Middlesex County.
A statewide view shows a drop in the number of deaths after 2010 and then increases after that. In 2010, there were 52 state deaths followed by 37 in 2011, 48 in 2012 and 57 in 2013. A total of 55 biker deaths were recorded in 2014. These fatalities included bikers who were wearing helmets as well as bikers who were not wearing helmets.
This information is not intended to provide legal advice but general information about the number of motorcycle fatalities in Connecticut.
