Are Motorcycles More Dangerous Than Cars?

Have you ever heard of a motorcycle rider being called an organ donor? Or a SQUID (stupidly quick, underdressed, and imminently dead)? These terms are often used in reference to motorcyclists who hit the road without a helmet.

Motorcycles often get a bad reputation as being unsafe. However, are motorcycles more dangerous than cars? There are risks associated with both.

Knowing those risks and protecting yourself is important when you hit the road. Keep reading to learn why a motorcycle crash can be more dangerous than a car accident.

Accident Statistics: Understanding the Numbers

Accidents happen every day on the roads, but when it comes to motorcycles and cars, understanding the numbers is crucial in assessing their relative safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2021, there were a total of 42,939 fatalities from motor vehicle crashes in the United States.

Of these fatalities, motorcycle accidents accounted for approximately 14% of the total. This was the highest number of motorcycle fatalities since 1975.

Digging deeper into these statistics reveals some interesting trends. While motorcycles make up just a tiny fraction of vehicles on the road, they are disproportionately involved in fatal accidents. In fact, per mile traveled in 2021, motorcyclists were about 24 times more likely to die in a crash compared to occupants of passenger cars.

In addition, motorcycle riders were four times more likely to be injured.

Driving Factors Behind the Numbers

One contributing risk factor is that motorcycles lack many of the safety features found in cars. There are no seatbelts or airbags protecting riders during an impact. Additionally, motorcycles offer less stability and protection overall due to their smaller size and lighter weight.

Another noteworthy statistic is related to helmet usage. The NHTSA reports that helmets saved an estimated 1,872 lives nationwide in 2017 alone.

It’s estimated that helmets could have saved around 749 more lives if worn. However, despite this potentially lifesaving equipment being widely available and proven effective at reducing head injuries and fatalities among riders involved in accidents, not all states have mandatory helmet laws for adult motorcyclists.

Left-Hand Turns: The Risks for Motorcycles and Cars

Left-hand turns can be tricky for motorcycles and cars on the road. It’s a common scenario where accidents occur due to misjudgment or failure to yield.

In 2020, 10,626 traffic fatalities happened at an intersection. This is almost a quarter of all fatalities for that year.

But are left-hand turns more dangerous for motorcycles compared to cars? Let’s take a closer look at the risks involved.

Visibility

Motorcycles, being smaller in size, can easily go unnoticed by drivers making their turn. This lack of visibility can lead to collisions when cars fail to see approaching motorcycles and turn directly into their path.

Speed

When making a left-hand turn, vehicles must slow down before completing the maneuver. However, some drivers may underestimate the speed at which motorcycles travel and misjudge when it is safe to make their turn, resulting in potentially catastrophic consequences.

Stability

Motorcyclists face an added challenge during left-hand turns – stability. The nature of riding on two wheels makes balancing more difficult while navigating corners or executing turns compared to driving four-wheeled vehicles like cars.

Distracted Driving

Factors such as distracted driving and driver error come into play during left-hand turns for motorcycle riders and car drivers alike. Distractions such as using mobile phones or engaging in other activities while behind the wheel can impair judgment and increase the likelihood of an accident.

Speeding: Magnifying Danger for Motorcyclists

When it comes to the dangers of speeding, motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable. The thrill of the open road and the adrenaline rush with high speeds may be enticing, but it significantly increases the risk of accidents for riders on two wheels.

Less Stability

For starters, motorcycles have less stability than cars due to their smaller size and lighter weight. This makes them more susceptible to losing control at high speeds, especially in unexpected situations like sudden turns or obstacles on the road. Even a slight miscalculation can lead to devastating consequences.

Reduced Protection

Motorists have the luxury of seat belts, airbags, and a metal frame surrounding them in case of an accident. In contrast, motorcyclists only have helmets and protective gear to defend against impact forces. These safety measures may prove inadequate with higher speeds involved in speeding incidents.

Reduced Reaction Time

The increased speed also reduces reaction time for motorcyclists and other road drivers. When traveling at high velocities, limited time is available to make split-second decisions or avoid potential hazards. This lack of response time can be disastrous when evading a collision or maneuvering through traffic.

Amplification of Mistakes

Speeding amplifies any mistakes made by either party involved in an accident. For instance, if a driver fails to see or misjudges the distance between themselves and an approaching motorcycle while driving above the speed limit – even by just a few miles per hour – it drastically decreases the chances of avoiding a crash.

Alcohol Involvement: Assessing the Risk on Two Wheels

When it comes to assessing the risks of alcohol involvement, both motorcycles and cars are not exempt. However, some unique factors make riding a motorcycle under the influence even more dangerous.

Going back to 2019, according to the NHTSA, 41% of motorcycle fatalities in single-vehicle accidents involved alcohol.

Both motorists and motorcyclists need to understand that operating any vehicle under the influence is never worth the risk. Alcohol impairs judgment and decision-making abilities necessary for safe travel on our roads.

Skill and Coordination

Motorcycles require a higher level of skill and coordination compared to driving a car. Alcohol impairs judgment, reaction time, and overall motor skills. These are all crucial when navigating on two wheels.

With less protection than cars, motorcyclists face an increased risk of injury or fatality if involved in an accident while impaired.

Smaller Profiles

Motorcycles have smaller profiles and are less visible on the road than cars. This already puts riders at a disadvantage in terms of safety.

Add alcohol into the mix, and you have a recipe for disaster. Impaired motorcyclists may struggle to maintain proper lane position or react quickly enough to avoid potential hazards.

Helmet Usage: Does it Truly Make a Difference?

When it comes to motorcycle safety, one of the most controversial topics is helmet usage. Some argue that helmets are essential for protecting riders from head injuries, while others believe they limit visibility and freedom on the road.

We’ve already discussed the numbers somewhat. However, is there truly a difference between states with motorcycle laws and those without?

Let’s break it down with numbers from the NHTSA for 2020. In states with motorcycle helmet laws, 11% of people not wearing a helmet died in a motorcycle accident.

In states without these laws, 57% of people not wearing a helmet were killed. Helmets provide crucial protection in a couple of ways.

Protect Against Traumatic Brain Injuries

The human brain is delicate and vulnerable to impact forces during accidents. A well-fitting helmet absorbs many of these forces, protecting the skull from fractures or penetrating objects. It acts as a shield between your head and potential life-altering consequences.

Enhance Rider Visibility

Helmets also play a role in enhancing rider visibility on the road. Modern designs incorporate reflective elements that improve visibility during low-light conditions or bad weather situations. This increased visibility can be vital in avoiding collisions with other vehicles or obstacles on the road.

Seeking Legal Help: What to Do if Injured in a Motorcycle Accident

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be a traumatic experience, both physically and emotionally. Seeking legal help can help protect your rights and ensure fair compensation for your injuries.

Here are some steps to take if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident.

Prioritize Your Health and Safety

Seek medical attention immediately, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries may not manifest right away, so it’s essential to have a professional evaluate your condition thoroughly. Document any medical treatment you receive; this will be essential evidence for your case.

Collect Evidence

Gather as much information about the accident as possible. Take photos of the scene, including skid marks or debris that could indicate fault or negligence. Collect contact details from witnesses who saw what happened and ask them for their statements regarding the incident.

Report the Accident

It is vital to report the accident promptly to law enforcement authorities and obtain a copy of the police report. This official documentation will provide valuable evidence when seeking compensation for damages sustained during the accident.

Contact an Attorney

Once you’ve taken these initial steps, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney specializing in motorcycle accidents. They will guide you through the legal process and advocate on your behalf against insurance companies or other parties involved in the accident.