Odds of Surviving a Motorcycle Accident Depending on Situations

Unfortunately, motorcycle crashes are too common, resulting in thousands of injuries yearly and many fatalities. Given the popularity of motorcycle riding, it’s probably nearly impossible to avoid a crash at some point. But as a rider, wouldn’t it be nice to know the chances of surviving a motorcycle accident?

Motorcycles have a much lower chance of survival. It is estimated that 60% of motorcycle riders die compared to 30% of cars and trucks. When you think about motorcycle accidents and their statistics, it is hard to imagine how 40% of those involved would survive. Fortunately, the numbers are not as high as they could be, but the chances of surviving a motorcycle accident are considerably higher than those of other vehicle crashes.

The odds of surviving a motorcycle wreck may seem grim, but you can relax because we’ve done all the hard work for you. We’ve compiled some of the most critical information on managing your injuries best while explaining exactly how you’re likely to fare in a motorcycle accident.

The following sections will consider everything from clothing to wear on your ride to the perfect Helmet. Our guidelines are based on decades worth of research and expert opinions, so you can rest assured that you’ll be safer than ever before the next time you get on your Motorbike!

Situations That Influence Your Chances of Surviving a Motorcycle Crash

The dangers of riding a motorcycle can be life-threatening sometimes. The more you know about the variables of crashes and the factors that affect your chances of surviving, the better. Use this information to make intelligent decisions about riding safely on the road.

Some crashes involving motorcyclists occur due to drivers who don’t see motorcyclists. That’s why a rider needs to be aware and maintain situational awareness.

The following five factors increase the probability of getting poorly hurt on a motorcycle:

• Not Wearing a Helmet.
• Other Negligent Drivers.
• Speeding.
• Lack of Protection on a Motorcycle.
• Driving Under the Influence.

There are many preventative measures that you can take to reduce the risk of being injured in a motorcycle accident. Let’s explore some of the most common questions regarding motorcycle crashes and address them with you to help you have a safe riding experience.

Surviving a Motorcycle Accident Vs. Car Accident

While some statistics predict that 10% of motorcyclists will die within the first five years of getting a license, this number is much higher. In fact, Up to 75% of riders injured yearly will be incapacitated for another three months or more by these injuries.

If you ride a motorcycle, you’re aware of the risks involved in this activity. But chances are there’s still some level of danger. It turns out that having less body mass than an average-sized passenger car makes it difficult for motorcycles to withstand impacts with other vehicles. There is a 22% higher chance of dying in a motorcycle accident than in another kind of crash.

After riding a motorcycle, you’ll appreciate the convenience of knowing how to balance it. However, this is not an essential skill every rider has mastered. Most drivers do not have to worry about balancing while driving in traffic. But when you head out on your bike, you must learn how to balance to keep yourself on track and avoid crashing.

Motorcycle Accidents by type are more alarming in present days. The fatality rate for a motorcycle rider is 20 times higher than that for a car occupant in the United States. A report by NHTSA says, In 2016, there were 34,000 injuries caused by crashes involving motorcyclists in the U.S. alone. In the same year, 4,668 people died due to those crashes.

Awareness Could Help Most Victims!

The above risk factors determine a person’s likelihood of surviving a motorcycle crash. It is always essential to keep these factors in mind, no matter where you are riding.

Being aware of the reality of your surroundings is vital when it comes down to maintaining safety and security! It is also crucial to understand what you can do to help yourself avoid crashes, as they may occur on busy streets during rush hour or coming around blind curves. For example, the chances of surviving a motorcycle accident without a helmet are nearly impossible in highway crashes.

As you know, the United States is a large and diverse country. Drivers vary as much as the terrain they drive through Nationwide; most motorists know the road rules and have been licensed after passing the motorbike road knowledge test. Nonetheless, it’s technically possible to get into an accident without doing anything ordinary!

The numbers speak for themselves. Don’t worry! We will focus on the dangerous aspects of a motorcycle accident, how fatality rates will drop, and how to help yourself survive a fatal crash.

Chances of Dying on a Motorcycle (No Good News)

The main reason for the increasing number of motorcycle deaths is the lack of safety features that other vehicles have, such as airbags, crumple zones, and seatbelts. However, some accidents occur by careless drivers who either don’t see you or are under the influence. The statistics show that around 40% of accidents involve motorcycles compared to 10% in cars.

The NHTSA estimates that in 2018, almost 5,000 motorcyclists died in crashes on America’s roadways. And if you break down this statistic by percentage, motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die from injuries sustained during a crash than automobile drivers or passengers. That means surviving a motorcycle crash if hit by a car becomes significantly lower.

Check: Motorcycle Accident Recovery Time For Injuries

According to another study, the chance of dying while riding a motorcycle accident is 21% per vehicle mile traveled.

While we’re not pointing fingers at the reasons for these figures, we believe drivers must understand how to increase their survival chances. This way, identifying the vulnerabilities of your odds of being in a motorcycle accident will depend on each motorcyclist’s riding habits, performance, and lifestyle.

When it comes to motorcyclists, some statistics are essential to know for you. These statistics can help you understand how a motorcycle accident happens and how some factors affect the chances of surviving a motorcycle accident. Now, let’s dive deep into the aspects and statistics.

Your chances of Surviving a Motorcycle Accident in Your Lifetime

We have the answer if you’re wondering how likely you are to die in a motorcycle accident in your whole life. Be informed that 1 out of every 899 riders died in motor accidents during the first half of 2019. A recent statistic from NHTSA shows that one person dies every 13 hours due to motorcycle accidents. And another study shows that motorcycle deaths per year are increasing.

However, a report published by the American Medical Association’s Injury Report Group, the odds of dying in a motorbike crash in 2022 has increased to 1 out of every 100 motorcyclists. Road hazards, bad situations, and fatalities are some responsible factors for that increase.

And if you explore whether you can survive a motorcycle crash, you can understand what factors influence the chances of an accident. Knowing this information will help you take safety precautions and avoid minor and even major accidents. We will be discussing this topic further below.

Before anything else, see below a table showing where most motorcycles involving crashes occur.

Pro Riding Skills Won’t Always Help You to Survive!

It is helpful to remember that no matter how skilled a rider is or what type of riding scenario they encounter, at some point, someone will be taking their lives into their own two hands and possibly failing miserably as well. That’s why You probably should not ask yourself, “how likely am I to die in a motorcycle accident?”

Twenty-five percent of riders surveyed believe they will die in a motorcycle accident. If you have not been on a motorcycle before, you probably do more than your fair share to protect yourself.

Given the low chance of survival, focusing on your safety and those around you would be more beneficial. It means taking protective measures such as wearing a helmet and not drinking alcohol before riding. If there are more people than usual on a ride, carpooling can make things easier too!

We know you’re constantly looking for new tricks and techniques to help you thrive daily. Fortunately, you can expect to live a longer and accident-free life if you aim to avoid the mistakes others make. Let’s jump onto the next section for more information.

How Do You Increase The Survival Odds of a Motorcycle Crash?

It is much easier to increase the chances of surviving a motorcycle accident if the driver of another vehicle slows down, stops, and takes you to the hospital. On the other hand, If the other driver does not cease to help, there is a slim chance you will live. This scenario frequently happens, and vehicles making such crimes (hit and run) are taken seriously by the court. The court accuses the careless driver of vehicle manslaughter.

Most importantly, you may take motorcycle safety tutorials online to learn tips & tricks for crash survival.

Although motorcycle safety gear isn’t just a fashion statement or accessory, it can significantly protect against impact. Wearing protective gear that protects your body from severe damage provides a better chance of surviving. However, no matter what happens, you mustn’t panic and try to move around or stand up.

After a Crash, What Should You Do For Survival if You Are Conscious?

You will probably be conscious Of a motorcycle crash at 50 mph or below. A genuine accident may leave you with serious injuries or even death. It’s widely known that a selfless motorist will offer assistance and could make all the difference in saving your life.

If you ride at lower speeds, you may face minor crashes like a motorcycle tipping over. But when it comes to higher rates, things can get worse.

Motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere and anytime, even late at night. If you’re riding your motorcycle and get into a crash, you need to be able to contact emergency services quickly, significantly if someone is injured or trapped. Being prepared will help you survive a motorcycle accident in the best possible way.

Therefore, it’s essential not to let any time pass before you call for help. Contact the medical team as soon as possible to provide an injured victim with the life support needed to avoid severe complications.

Medical emergency personnel provides life support to the victim at the venue and during transportation. It helps the injured motorist to survive.

It is essential to know that medical emergency departments have the equipment and ability to take crucial steps. Being aware of your situation, if it’s possible to walk to safety with instruments, is a way of pursuing healing.

What Can You Try in Case of Emergency? (If you’re conscious after an accident)

If you are riding a motorcycle, have an accident, and are hurt, you need to call 911. Unluckily, If you find yourself in a place with no people around and dark, it is tough to get help. In such a worse situation, you are most likely to die. If you want to increase the chances of surviving a motorcycle accident to an extent where you won’t face a crash, you must perform some mandatory steps.

If you’re still conscious, give your best efforts to reach your motorcycle and make horns as much as possible in an isolated area. In this way, you will alert the people located nearby so that they come to find what’s happening.

Not only what we see usually does impact the chances of surviving. There are many more reasons to take into consideration. Some other variables can boost the survival chances to a greater extent.

The 5 Most Important Things You Can Do to Increase The Chances of Surviving a Motorcycle Accident

The consequences after a motorcycle crash can be far more dangerous if you fail to do the needed tasks.

You must be particularly careful in following motorcycle accident laws and regulations. After losing balance while riding a motorcycle, people do not fulfill their life-changing responsibilities.

Some people tend to drop the bike first because of distractions like talking on mobile phones and eating food that make fast movement difficult. Some type of silly accidents is preventable with proper care.

But sometimes, motorists are not aware. As a result, they become confused after the occurrence.

Keep the following points in mind if you ever face a motorcycle crash:

Try to Move Out of The Traffic Lane

Many motorcyclists die every year because they get hit by a car. Remember, more cars will come towards you if you fall apart from your bike after an accident.

Motorcyclists get hit by cars every year, and many die. It is essential to be aware of your surroundings just as much as any other driver. If a vehicle strikes you, there are a few things that you can do to mitigate the damage done to you and your bike.

Especially on highways, vehicles usually travel relatively at a higher speed. And if you fail to move out of the traffic lane quickly, another oncoming car might hit you again.

Never hold your bike with both hands when moving away from the traffic lane. It is dangerous because most bikers do it accidentally when they swerve off their bikes.

An accident that unfolds on a busy road can be more dangerous. One of my friends was a victim of such an accident.

After falling off his motorcycle, he ran after it. It was clever of him to try to save the Motorbike. But it would have been better if he had stayed out of the road and kept himself safe. As a result, he was lucky to survive but severely hurt.

Also, Check: Do’s and Don’t After a Motorcycle Crash

Call 911 Quickly

The faster the medical emergency arrives, the higher the chances of surviving the accident. But in most cases, the motorcyclist becomes panicked, loses time, and fails to call the medical emergency.

You won’t be able to call 911 if you don’t know it exists, but your phone can help. Handy is the phone app that alerts you to emergency services nearby, so you can call 911 directly and minimize time lost.

Try to call the relevant department after moving out of the traffic lane.

Safety Gears And Helmet

More than 30,000 people die in car accidents every year in the USA. Most of them could have survived if they had worn sufficient safety gear.

The NHTSA says motorcycle accidents have increased by 40% over the last year, so they should take extra precautions when riding. Several protective gear increase your chances of surviving a motorcycle accident. You can purchase leather clothing or racing suits, which help to protect you from skin contact with the asphalt.

Always wear helmets during the ride. Even if you ignore all other safety guidelines, you should never go for a ride without a helmet on. This way, you can quickly increase your chances of surviving a motorcycle accident.

Don’t Explore Your Injuries With Hand.

Do not change the position of your body in any way. Joint injuries are sensitive to movement, and changing body position can cause more pain. If you are moving, do so carefully and only after consulting a physician. Some people mistake moving the Helmet without knowing further about the injuries.

People must know In What Situation Would it be Best to Remove a Motorcycle Helmet After an Accident. In this way, further damages can be avoided.

You are at severe risk of injury or serious injury if you unusually use your injured limb (your left arm). To be safe, you must spend some time being careful. The same applies to joint injuries. Do not explore your injuries until the doctor tells you it’s okay for you to do so.

Wearing Protective Gears to Survive a Motorcycle Crash

Sometimes, decent protective supplements help you defend against succumbing to hypothermia and other injuries. If a rider has sustained an injury, both parties should note and record it as soon as possible.

Motorcycle accidents are not like car accidents. In addition to the standard urban bike accident, there are many other situations where a motorcyclist can be attacked. For example, it may happen that he accidentally falls into the water after avoiding an attacker at an intersection or on another road.

Some types of gear are helpful and foster survival after a motorcycle accident. Durable boots, for instance. In the case of a severe motorcycle crash, even partial protection is safer than no protection, and you can’t expect to keep your chest from breaking. Also, you can use engine guards to help protect the motorcycle engines from damage.

Let’s check some more external safety gear in detail:

• Air defending Jacket: A textile jacket with CE-certified armor and reflective elements insight for motorcyclists is a valuable piece of equipment. It fights air and protects you from hypothermia.
• Protective Pants: Pants are available for motorists with a built-in waterproof system. Such motorcycle over-pants keep your legs warm and securely covered in all circumstances.
• Durable boots: Solid boots dedicated to motorcycle riding keep ankle bones safe during a collision. But make sure to choose the appropriate boots as some fancy can cause difficulties while driving.
• Safety gloves: Water-resistant gloves with a guarding system in the knuckles area plays a crucial role in protecting the palm. Besides keeping the palm of your hands warm during colder months, you get additional protection for your knuckles.
• Knees and shins guard: Knees, elbows, and shins are some of the most injury-prone limbs. Therefore, We should take care of these limbs with guards.
• Using Goggles: While helmets have a glass in front, it’s insufficient. Goggles secure your cornea and eye area against flying dust or debris. It also helps improve visibility to a greater extent too.

Not Wearing a Helmet Impacts Your Chances of Surviving a Motorcycle Accident

NHTSA claimed that many people don’t wear helmets when riding a motorcycle. It is a big problem. People do not wear helmets often because they look ugly or uncomfortable. But, if you wear a helmet, you can avoid severe head injuries. Also, Most motorcyclists don’t typically wear helmets in short-distance destinations or random hangouts. This way, they boost their odds of dying from a motorcycle accident.

According to the worth health Organization (WHO), many motorists die from head and neck joint injuries. If you look at the reality of the united states, motorcyclists are dying more due to head injury these days.

NHTSA reported that wearing helmets saved the lives of 1,872 people in the year 2019. If everyone who drove a motorcycle had worn a helmet in the same year, 749 more people would have survived.

Many Motorcyclists Still Die With Wearing Helmets

But wearing a helmet is not enough. Even if you wear a helmet, you can still get hurt. Most of the time, people wear uncertified and unsafe helmets only because they look fabulous! On the other hand, motorists were supposed to wear certified helmets which are safe enough to use.

We do not want to say which Helmet is good or bad, but we want to tell you that you need to wear a helmet. We will not get any money from helmet companies, so we advise you because we care about you.

Don’t even think of surviving a motorcycle accident if you don’t wear a helmet!

Wearing a helmet while riding your motorcycle is the most effective way to avoid fatalities. One of the reasons why helmets are so important is because they protect against serious injuries if you are struck by another vehicle or if you suffer medical emergencies. If you aren’t wearing a helmet, you should start wearing one as soon as possible.

Strict helmet laws can help people wear helmets, as we have understood not wearing a helmet is dangerous. It can hurt you or even kill you. Only 8% of states have strict laws. That means most people can ride without a helmet. Sadly, 57% of people who died in motorcycle crashes in 2017 didn’t wear helmets or other motorcycle safety gear.

However, a Helmet is not the only concerning factor for motorcycle accident death. A lot more deaths are happening yearly, although they wear certified helmets. Let’s study the other core reasons now.

Speed Level

Well, overspeeding is a big problem in the United States. The World Health Organization says that the faster a motor vehicle drives, the more likely the driver is to get hurt or even die, whether or not they are wearing a helmet. It is why speeding is one of the leading causes of the probability of getting in a motorcycle accident.

The fact is that over 60% of all motorcycle accidents involve other types of vehicles. When a car hits a motorcycle at 40 miles an hour or more, the motorcycle helmet can be useless in saving a motorcyclist’s life. Motorcycle helmets are not designed for impact protection when a car hits them at high speed.

The faster a car or motorcycle drives, the less time the car driver and the motorcyclist will have to see and react to something on the road. The percentage of motorcycle accidents caused by cars has a higher rate in the U.S., and speeding is the leading reason.

Can you survive a motorcycle crash at 100+ mph?

No, you can’t survive a motorcycle crash at 100mph. Why? Because statistics have shown that you can’t survive a motorcycle crash at speeds over 100mph. A typical motorcycle crash has the hazard of a rate at high speeds over 100mph.

The rule is that If a motorcycle were at 60 mph and hit another vehicle, the chance of survival would be much higher than if the bike was traveling at 50 mph because the stopping distance would be more significant.

According to a study, most motorcycle crashes at intersections at high speed.

Rear-end motorcycle collision

This accident occurs when a vehicle driving behind a motorcycle hits the motorist.

The vehicle that hit the motorist would not sustain huge damages. And neither the vehicle driver will be injured majorly. But all the impact might sadly go through the motorist.

Rear-end motorcycle collisions are a common type of crash these days. The most common cause often is the inability, or lack of respect, for the following distance by a driver who may speed, tailgate, and ride too close to the back of a motorcycle.

Although it needs only one wrong decision in her lifetime, that victim will have over 30 million dollars worth! One can prevent such accidents by drivers maintaining proper foots-and-eyes spacing when meeting from behind (1 meter).

Such a vehicle and motorcycle crash usually occurs for one of the following reasons:

1. Poor road conditions/motorcycle maneuverability, i.e., not choosing a safe backup plan.
2. Distraction (driver looking at the phone or something on the hood of his car).
3. Speeding.
4. Running into tailgating vehicle.
5. Not enough fuel in one’s tank.
6. Tailgating too close to each other.
7. The driver ignored bike lane rules.
8. Lack of traffic or motorcycle hand gestures like a left turn, left merge, and one-way signs.

So, when such an accident occurs, where a four-wheeler strikes a motorcyclist, there are usually higher chances of surviving unless the accident has happened on the highway, on long roads, and racing tracks without safety guards.

On highways, striking at a speed of 105+ mph statistically shows that your chances of surviving will be approximately around 72%

But traveling below 90 mph is always much safer and less sensitive to strikes. Interestingly, The safest crashes happen at 40 mph on motorcycles crashes.

The reality depends on the circumstance. Suppose a motorcycle got hit and fell apart from the bike into the wheels of a truck. The survival chances, in this case, are 0-10, no matter how fast the motorcycle was.

One vehicle involving accidents

While the number of such accidents is relatively low, the accident involves only one person: the motorcyclist. And these sorts of cases are not negligible at all.

Such motorcycle accidents are often called single-vehicle accidents. The motorist hits a stationary object like a tree, roadside lamp, telephone pole, building, or median barrier, resulting in an accident. In public fewer areas, the accident might occur due to hitting random children or animals like cats, dogs, or deer crossing the road. But these types of cases are rare.

As known, roughly two-thirds of single-vehicle-involved accidents occur by the drivers’ fault. Some common flaws include driving under the influence, speeding, unfamiliarity with streets, and distracted driving.

In these cases, we have found that surviving in single-vehicle accidents is relatively high because the rider has no scope to fly due to impact. Typically, your motorcycle may tip over and cause minor problems like motorcycle carburetor flooding.

Although the motorcycle can be injured in front severely, the motorist can expect to survive the accident unless they are riding a Kawasaki Ninja H2R at rocket speed.

Gather all evidence

Once you have moved out of the heavy traffic and called the emergency department, find evidence of your accident. Take notes and pictures of the occurrence. Gather as many witness contacts as possible from the venue. You will want to show or explain what happened and where your injury is as best as you can.

Take pictures of your motorcycle condition and any other vehicle involved in the accident. Even if you assume you have a good memory and you don’t need to note down things, it is still a good idea to keep crucial pieces of evidence noted, such as:

• Contact information, including the name of the involved party in the accident.
• Take pictures of the model, plate number, and vehicle type of the other vehicle.
• Note down the exact location of the occurrence.

• Also, keep notes of the name and contact information of the bystanders.
• Remember accurately what happened in the accident and who was at fault. Then, note it down.

What percentage of bad motorcycle accidents end in death?

Alarmingly, 80% of motorcycle accidents lead to severe injury or death. That’s more than 4 out of every five times a motorcycle strikes another vehicle. It will be a great idea to check the top 3 reasons motorcycles crash if you want to know more.

Additionally, between 2005 and 2013, over 98% of all motorcyclists who died were not wearing helmets, according to NHTSA. The NHTSA advocates for helmet use, but there are still misconceptions about how good or bad it is for you.

Odds of dying in a motorcycle accident vs. car

Motorcycle accidents cause a lot of serious, life-changing injuries. According to prediction, motorcycle deaths will continue to increase substantially, beginning in 2007.

More people are riding motorcycles every year than driving cars so we can reclassify motorcycles as mopeds similar to automobiles with bicycles.

Car accidents also kill people every day through vehicle rollovers (69%)(20 000 deaths) and traffic fatalities (20,353), while motorcycle accidents only kill an estimated 2,651 people per year.

Also Read: Is a Motorcycle A Good First Vehicle in 2022?

Motorcycle accident Statistics 2020

In the United States and Canada, motorcyclists lose their lives in accidents almost three times greater than car occupants. Studies show that the common cause of motorcycle deaths is a collision with a vehicle or object, knocking the rider off his bike (more about that below).

There were an estimated 10,000 motorcycle-related U.S. highway fatalities in 2014 – roughly one death every 2 minutes. In fact, since 2000, no drop was detected in the death rate among motorcyclists, as there has been among car occupants.

In 2020, the number of motorcycle accidents didn’t go down. Sadly, the number of people killed in motorcycle accidents went up.

Motorcycle accidents decreased significantly because the roads were better, and there were fewer distractions. People still had trouble riding their motorcycles because they didn’t know how to deal with the weather and other drivers. Please comment below if you have any further queries regarding the chances of surviving a motorcycle accident.

Common FAQs on The Chances of Surviving a Motorcycle Accident