Riding a two-wheeler is a fantastic way to see the world — even if it can’t get you home with a guarantee. In the U.S. and the western world, motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of accidental death among young adults, with more than 9 out of 10 motorcycle fatalities resulting from some form of driver error. Keep on reading to know How Dangerous it is to ride a Motorcycle.
Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars. They’re also more likely to crash, with riders suffering inordinately higher death rates, injury, and property damage. About 80% of motorcycle crashes are fatal. According to studies, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die than passenger vehicle occupants in a collision.
Motorcycle safety is a shared responsibility, but you’re in charge. If you want to ride safely and enjoy your motorcycle, here’s some guidance on preventing motorcycle accidents. We will also discuss some exciting insights, causes, and tips for safe riding.
How Dangerous is it to Ride a Motorcycle?
Riders aged 25 and under represent 47% of motorcycle fatalities, yet they only make up 22% of the U.S. population. It points to underage motorcyclists being over-represented in fatal crashes, partly due to rider inexperience and failure.
According to a report, motorcyclists are four times more likely to die in a crash than car occupants. So, unless it is an autonomous car with human drivers, motorcycles are more dangerous in terms of protection and controllability.
You might think motorcycles are inherently dangerous and that you shouldn’t ride them. But that’s not true, and you shouldn’t let yourself get scared about riding a bike. It’s true that they are fatal, accident-prone, and have a latency of protection. Yet, simultaneously, you must believe that a vehicle doesn’t have the power to cause accidents. Let’s discuss more on this topic in the section below.
Are Motorcycles Dangerous By Default?
Motorcycle crashes can be severe and cause many injuries, including fatalities. However, this does not mean that every motorcycle driver OR MOTORCYCLE is automatically dangerous.
America is one of the most motorcycle-friendly countries in the world. A more significant number of motorcyclists ride bikes daily here than in any other country. The NHTSA and related authorities examine the type of motorcycle with accidental chances before giving them the road permit. If a bike were to be dangerous by default, it wouldn’t have the approval as a road vehicle.
The truth is that motorcycles are not dangerous by default. They can be just as safe as cars when ridden correctly and cautiously. Unfortunately, too many people ride motorcycles unsafely, which leads to more accidents and fatalities. If you look at the rising crashes in the united states, you will notice a vast percentage of motorcycle crashes are caused by cars.
Using common sense when driving is crucial in avoiding a motorcycle crash.
Then Why Are Motorcycles Dangerous?
If you are a motorcyclist and ride daily, you know that crashes can happen anytime. Unsurprisingly, The leading cause of collisions is the rider himself. The basics of motorcycle riding are knowledge of the bike’s controls and safe operating practices. The more one rider is efficient at the motorcycling skills, the more they can expect to avoid fatalities.
So, the first thing to understand is that motorcycle safety is not entirely in the hands of the rider. While motorcycles are very stable and easy to operate, it requires lots of skills and practice to avoid crashes and collisions.
Motorcycles can easily outrun cars, so it’s essential to be very aware when riding and not take any chances. Motorcyclists also tend to be inexperienced drivers with less experience behind the wheel. That means they may not know how to handle a motorcycle in unfamiliar or dangerous situations, which can lead to accidents.
Knowing the most common motorcyclist’s faults and how one can decrease the chances of dying on a motorcycle is vital. The four most common motorcyclists’ faults are discussed below, with some information on how to avoid them.
The Fundamental Nature of a Motorcycle That is Related to Accidents
Motorcycles are intrinsically more accident-prone than other types of vehicles. The design and construction of motorcycles inherently invite accidents, as they have been optimized for speed and agility over safety features such as seat belts or airbags. Motorcyclists also tend to be younger, more reckless, and less experienced than drivers of other types of vehicles.
It is clear that motorcycles are a high-risk type of vehicle, and it is vital for riders to take all possible precautions to avoid accidents. Here are some tips.
Many motorcycle riders do not wear helmets, increasing the likelihood of suffering head injuries in an accident. Helmets can reduce the risk by up to 85%. Motorcycle riders also often ride without proper clothing to protect them from wind and cold weather conditions, increasing their crashes worldwide.
The way Speeding Increases Accident Chances
When driving, the average automobile travels between 15 and 25 mph. Motorcycles generally travel much faster. As a result, they are naturally more at risk of crashing when traveling in traffic or on open roads. Speeding increases your risk of crashing by up to 500%. As a result, if you get ticketed due to speeding, it may become hard for you to defend your speeding ticket.
Speeding also increases your chance of having an accident in other ways:
- It stresses out the motorcycle’s engine and transmission more severely than driving at slower speeds; this can cause failure or breakdowns.
- You’re more likely to lose control while speeding, especially if you don’t have proper training or experience.
- A motorcycle’s low center of gravity makes it more challenging to stay on the road, and you’re more likely to lose control in turn.
- Speeding also makes seeing other drivers and traffic more challenging, leading to an accident.
Which Country is Known Dangerous For Motorcyclists?
There is no explainable answer to this query as it depends on various factors, including the level of safety consciousness within different countries and the way road authorities treat motorcyclists.
However, some countries commonly cited as dangerous for motorcycle riders include Brazil, India, and Thailand. Motorcycle accidents are also pretty common in the United States compared to other countries worldwide.
On the other hand, not all countries share in this danger level. In Australia and Europe, motorcycle casualties account for a minority of road death rates – only 2%, respectively.
Why Do Most Guardians Say Motorcycle Riding is Dangerous?
The primary concern for older people is the risk of being injured or killed in a motorcycle accident. In addition, many seniors may be fearful of the increased risks associated with riding a motorcycle, such as:
- The more significant acceleration and deceleration power a motorcycle offers.
- They hear more news related to experiencing more frequent and severe crashes.
- Increased exposure to wind and weather conditions on a motorcycle ride;
- The potential for more severe injuries if they, by any chance, fall off their bike in an accident.
- Some seniors may have difficulty getting off the ground quickly after riding a motorcycle, which could lead to severe injuries if they fall off their bike during an accident;
Dangers of Riding a Motorcycle
You should be aware of some risks associated with riding a motorcycle. By reading this section, you will learn about these risks and how to reduce them. It is an article that you should bookmark for reference later.
(1) Poor Visibility
One of the significant road hazards of motorcycle riding is that you have minimal vision. When sitting astride a powerful two-wheeled machine, you must keep your eyes peeled for traffic and other obstacles in your path. If you can’t see what’s ahead of you, it’s difficult to avoid accidents.
To improve visibility while on the road, always wear bright colors and use accessories like lights that let motorists know you’re approaching from behind or from the side. Ensure all items attached to your bikes – such as helmets, jackets, and bags – are visible.
(2) Taking Unsafe (COOL DUDE) Rides
Staying off your motorcycle is always best if you’re not confident behind the wheel. The risk of getting hurt or killed is too high when you don’t have the experience and skill to operate a motorbike safely. If you choose to ride, take regular safety classes and practice riding in safe environments with plenty of people.
Everyone indeed wants to be a cool dude on a motorcycle. However, this doesn’t mean you can take unwise risks. If you’re not confident riding and want to minimize your chances of getting hurt or killed, don’t even think about taking a motorcycle!
(3) Being Inspired by the MOVIE RIDERS
Don’t be inspired by the police chases shown in movies and TV to disregard traffic regulations when riding a motorcycle; taking care when passing other vehicles and making turns is essential. If you’re unfamiliar with the area you live in or are driving on unfamiliar roads, it’s best to stay cautious and stick to the speed limit.
The steps you take while riding your motorcycle impact How Dangerous it is to ride a Motorcycle. Suppose you’re ever in doubt about whether or not to make a risky move on your motorcycle, consult with a professional bike safety instructor nearby.
They can help you learn how to navigate roadways and handle tricky situations without getting hurt safely. Young riders tend to be incredibly reckless, so set an example for them by behaving responsibly while on the bike
(4) Not Following Safety Guidelines
It’s always unsafe to ride without a certified helmet, even if you’re not biking in an urban area. In addition, always wear protective clothing – gloves, pants, and a shirt – when riding in cold weather conditions. And finally, obey all traffic laws while on the roadways – including stop signs and red lights.
New riders who don’t understand the motorcycle dash warning lights, engine management, and other simple things can cause crashes due to unawareness.
Motorcycles account for nearly half of all traffic fatalities. According to a study by The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 39 percent of riders involved in motorcycle fatalities don’t wear helmets. Riders under 21 are especially at risk when riding without protective gear, as they make up almost one-third of all motorcycle helmetless fatalities.
(5) Managing Your Emotions
Riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating, but it’s also risky. When you’re on the bike, focusing on your riding skills and keeping your emotions in check is crucial. If you’re feeling tense or scared, it will only make things worse. If you wonder how dangerous riding a motorcycle is, know that managing your emotions on the road can sometimes work as a lifesaver.
Be patient and stay safe while biking by following the safety guidelines. Even after clarifying the road rules for motorcyclists, they tend to be unserious and follow other reckless drivers. For example, riding motorcycles adventurously on rocks. Therefore, having a strict mind is vital nowadays.
Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Fatalities (Dangerous Scenarios of Riding a Motorcycle)
Crashes by human error, traffic conditions, and the motorcycle itself are the most common reasons. Take a look at these reasons with specific details below:
- Driver error (e.g., failing to yield the right-of-way): This is the leading cause of all motorcyclist deaths, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all fatalities. It includes a variety of behaviors, such as crossing double lines or turning without using your signal.
- Collisions with other vehicles: About one-third of motorcycle collisions involve interaction with another vehicle, most often a car or truck. Riders hit from behind are likelier to die than those struck in the front or side.
- Collisions with obstacles: Motorcycles account for a significant percentage of all fatalities caused by collisions with objects, including trees and poles. It is because motorcycles often travel at high speeds and are less able to avoid obstacles than cars or trucks.
- Riding too fast for conditions: Most motorcycle crashes occur when riders go faster than the speed limit or ride without proper equipment, such as a helmet and DOT-approved eye protection.
- Poor riding skills: A lack of experience or poor riding skills can lead to several accidents, including motorcycle crashes.
- The bike: One in four motorcycle fatalities is attributable to the bike itself. It includes crashes caused by faulty motorcycles, defective parts, and weather conditions (such as ice). The answer to How dangerous is riding a motorbike becomes complex when the bike itself has aftermarket issues.
- Alcohol and drugs: Motorcyclists who drink alcohol or use drugs are more likely to be involved in fatal collisions. Nearly half of all rider fatalities involve an impaired driver.
- Other causes: Several factors can contribute to motorcycle accidents – including mechanical problems, poor visibility, and distracted driving.
Current Situation of Riders in the United States of America
American filmmakers tend to make the most fantastic bikes in movie history. From custom ones to the speediest motorcycles, America always possesses a good rank. But do you know that statistically, America is one of the countries with the highest number of crashes involving motorcycles? The situation for motorcyclists has worsened so much that some Americans think riding motorcycles is risky.
Motorcycle involving crashes are spreading through the united states, resulting in fear among people. Especially, More than 80% of motorcyclists involved in on-road crashes were reported to the VIMD for both 18-20-year-olds and 21-24 year-olds, but the reporting rate was only 37.4% for under 18 year-olds.
In this article, I will explain motorcyclists’ vulnerabilities in the United States of America. As a result, you can decide whether you should buy a motorcycle or not. And if you’re an existing motorcyclist, you can easily avoid potential dangers and spread awareness.
Driving Motorcycles Are Riskier in America
In the United States of America, motorcycles are more vulnerable to crashes and injuries. In some cases, memory loss after a collision involving motorcyclists can happen as given in statistics. It is because most American roads are not in a good state for motorcycles.
According to Motorcycle accidents statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Motorcycle crashes generally tend to be more severe than car crashes.
A study published in Injury Prevention found that: “Motorcyclists’ crash rates were three times greater than passenger cars.” In other words, if you’re a motorcyclist in America, your chances of getting into a severe crash are high. And even if you don’t get into a collision, your risk of injuring yourself is high.
Why do Americans Think That Riding Motorcycles is Risky?
Let’s start by looking at the statistics given below. Although we will be discussing the comparative preference between cars and motorcycles further down, you can assume how motorcycle crashes impact the road.
There are a few reasons Americans might think riding motorcycles is risky.
- First, motorcycle riders are far more likely than drivers of other types of vehicles to be killed in crashes.
- Second, people may perceive motorcycles as less safe than cars or other vehicles because the same safety standards do not regulate them.
- Finally, riding a bike may be seen as an adrenaline-filled adventure unsuitable for those who aren’t comfortable with risks.
Below are a few more reasons related to the environment that makes Americans think that riding motorcycles is risky:
American Roads Are Not Entirely Optimized For Motorcyclists
While the ideal road design for motorcycles minimizes their risk of collision with other vehicles, some American roads are not optimistic for motorcyclists. For example, roads in rural areas don’t have different lanes, and there is not enough traffic security for a motorcyclist to seek justice after a crash.
Read more on why American roads are not good, a study by business-standard.
Motorcycles in America usually commute on more minor roads. Therefore, riders seeking to travel at higher speeds must travel on larger roads optimally designed for driving fast. These roadways tend to have wider lanes, smoother surfaces, and lower speed limits than the roads conducive to safe motorcycle riding.
Motorcyclists Are More Likely to End Up in Serious Crashes
Motorcycle crashes are often more intensive than car crashes. It is because motorcycle riders lack protection from a collision more than drivers of other types of vehicles. As a result, they’re more likely to suffer serious injuries (and even death). Motorcycle crashes account for about one-third of all deaths in passenger vehicles.
The rising number of motorcycles involving fatalities is one of the reasons Americans think riding motorcycles is risky. Hence, they prefer buying a car with more money than going for a motorbike.
Besides, motorcycle riders do not have the same level of protection as drivers of other vehicle types. So, when a motorcycle collides with another vehicle, it is more likely for the rider to suffer serious injuries or even death.
Motorcycle crashes are more frequent and have a higher death rate than vehicle crashes. The exact reason is that motorcyclists have less protection from collisions than drivers of other vehicles because their bodies lack the security of the outside environment. Thus, they are more likely to suffer severe injuries during a crash.
Motorcycles Are More Likely Than Other Types of Vehicles to Be Lost or stolen.
Motorbikes are more accessible to steal and lose than other vehicles because they’re both easy targets for thieves and hard to resist when the owner isn’t around.
Thieves can easily steal a motorcycle from under the user’s nose since they don’t have to stop and wait for others to move out of the way as a car would. It can be inconvenient when traveling at high speed or on an interstate highway.
Therefore, Keep your motorcycle close at hand. This way, you can notice any unauthorized movement from a safe distance. You can also think of buying a tracker device for an extra layer of security.
All of the above factors contribute to motorcycles being hazardous vehicles.
Is Driving a Car Better Than Motorcycle?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this powerful query. Whether or not to ride a motorcycle depends on personal factors such as riding experience and proficiency.
However, some general benefits may make driving a car rather than riding a bike more appealing. Let’s discuss the topic further below.
First and foremost, cars are much safer than motorcycles regarding collisions. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers of passenger vehicles claim an average of 2 lives per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. In comparison, motorcyclists lose an estimated 3.5 lives per 100 million motorcycle miles. It means a motorcyclist is 4.5 times more likely to die in a collision than a passenger vehicle driver.
Besides, injuries can be severe depending on the type of motorcycle. On the other hand, cars offer more protection as they upgrade.
Second, cars can accommodate larger loads and provide more space for passengers or cargo. Motorcycles typically can’t carry large cargo or passengers, making them less versatile regarding transportation needs.
Third and finally, car drivers have access to vast networks of roads that enable them to travel anywhere they want. Besides, with ease – something that’s not always possible when riding on the open road on a motorcycle.
All of these factors should be in consideration when deciding to ride or drive a motorcycle. Each individual may have specific reasons for choosing one over the other type of vehicle. But at the end of the day, the budget you have to select a vehicle and the necessity is what matters hugely.
Alarming Statistics Regarding The Dangerousness of Riding Motorcycles in America: This section will help you to decide whether you should buy a motorcycle in America
Motorcycles have become increasingly popular as income levels rise in many countries. Not only are they cheaper than cars, but they also provide drivers with a feeling of freedom and mobility. Unfortunately, people who ride motorbikes are at a higher risk of having an accident and are treated differently by the police.
Motorcycle accidents kill more American citizens than any other type of vehicle accident. In 2013, motorcycles accounted for 34% of all passenger car fatalities (NHTSA), even though motorcycles make up just 2% of registered vehicles in America.
Motorcycle accidents are deadly because they often result from collisions with other objects or traffic. Motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were almost twice as likely to be granted bail than those involved in similar accidents who were driving cars (IIHS 2018).
Also Read: Motorcycle Engine Damage Causes
According to a new report, those who ride motorcycles do so at their peril. It reveals that motorcyclists are twice as likely to die in an accident than drivers with four wheels. Hence, motorbikes are three times more likely to suffer severe injuries than all other drivers on the road. The report concludes that while motorcycling is safer than it used to be, there are still too many motorcycle crashes resulting in injury or death.
We can’t solely ascribe motorcycle fatalities to factors such as age and experience; instead, they represent a systemic hazard caused by dangerous driving habits on the part of car drivers. By filing a personal injury claim, you may be able to receive compensation for the cost of your injuries and lost wages.