Mangled Motorcycles vs. Crashed Cars — How Much More Likely Are Motorcyclists To Get In Accidents?

It’s hard not to get addicted to the thrill of riding a HOG around town. While it may feel liberating to rev up your Harley-Davidson, bikers must realize they are always at an increased risk of severe injuries. Just how high of a fatality risk motorcyclists have versus cars has been up for debate, but new data suggests it may be significant. Even if you’re a veteran biker, knowing the risks associated with riding your motorcycle is essential.

Just How Much More Dangerous Is Riding a Motorcycle?

In 2019, the NHTSA released statistics that suggest motorcyclists have a fatality rate of roughly 58 per 100,000 registered vehicles. For comparison, passenger cars scored a fatality rate of only 9.42 per 100,000 vehicles in the same year. Researchers also claimed motorcyclists were 35 times more likely to get involved in a fatal crash versus a car driver. This was despite passenger cars having a noticeably higher injury rate of 1,152 per 100,000 versus 975 per 100,000 for motorcyclists.

These NHTSA findings were confirmed by exhaustive research out of the Insurance Information Institute (III). Between 2010 – 2019, the III found that the annual average fatality rates remained between 55 – 61 per 100,000 registered vehicles. Researchers also noted that over half of all motorcyclist fatalities occurred between noon and 9 PM.

What Are the Most Common Causes for Motorcyclist Crashes?

While reckless driving or DUI could be involved in a motorcyclist accident, these factors can’t explain why motorcyclists are more prone to fatalities. A far better explanation for this phenomenon has to do with the nature of a motorcycle’s design. Since motorcycles are more compact, they are often more challenging to spot on the roads.

For instance, it’s common for motorcyclists to get clipped while turning left. Often, new motorcyclists misjudge just how tight certain turns are, which could lead to a catastrophic scenario. Plus, due to the motorcycle’s diminished visibility, other motorists sometimes can’t see motorcycles until it’s too late.

Another issue motorcyclists face is a relative lack of stability. With only two wheels, motorcycles are far more sensitive to inclement weather such as rain, sleet, or snow. When weather is less than ideal, bikers must be extra cautious on the roadways.

What Should Motorcyclists Do To Protect Themselves?

Riding a motorcycle may be more dangerous than driving a car, but that doesn’t mean bikers can’t take simple steps to boost their road safety. The easiest way bikers could stay safe on the roads is to wear a DOT-approved helmet. According to the III, helmets saved over 1,800 motorcyclists in 2017 alone. Recent statistics also suggest motorcyclists who wear a helmet are 37 percent more likely to prevent a crash fatality.

In addition to wearing a helmet, motorcyclists should take steps to increase their visibility on the roads. This could include wearing a reflective coat or putting reflectors on their motorcycle. It’s also crucial for bikers to frequently check their lights to ensure they’re bright. All of these strategies should help fellow drivers see motorcyclists before making dangerous turns or switching lanes.