There are many different factors that play into deciding to hop onto a motorcycle or not. It could be the thrill of going fast or looking cool to your peers. But there’s always that slight thought of what could go wrong?
You hear of fatal accidents all the time. “That will never be me,” you tell yourself. But how dangerous are motorcycles really?
See the facts and statistics on motorcycle crashes, injuries, and fatalities below. You might just feel like it’s safer sticking to a car from now on.
Cars Accidents vs. Motorcycles Crashes?
One major similarity between car accidents and motorcycle crashes is that they are both primarily caused by speeding along with alcohol. Almost half of all motorcycle accidents involve alcohol consumption.
Never drink and drive. These crashes are caused by a person consuming alcohol but affect everyone involved and can result in death.
The major causes of car accidents is a distracted driver, a tired driver, or an aggressive driver. In all of these instances, it is the person behind the wheel who is at fault. Take great caution to always remain calm and pay attention.
A lot of motorcycle accidents are the fault of other drivers and not really the motorcyclist at all. Most drivers do not anticipate a motorcycle, and this is why accidents happen.
Forty-two percent of motorcycle crashes are when a car is making a left-hand turn and the motorcyclist is going straight or trying to pass a car. The driver doesn’t see or anticipate the motorcycle, so they crash right into them.
But there are still plenty of crashes because of motorcyclists.
Motorcyclist are seven percent more likely to collide with objects such as trees, utility poles, and traffic barriers than cars.
Even though you might not cause the crash as a motorcycle driver, there are still plenty of motorcycle crashes because of negligent driving.
How Dangerous Are Motorcycles? Motorcycle Injury Statistic vs. Cars
While both motorcycle crashes and car accidents can cause serious injury, motorcycle crashes are often more shocking and devastating than car accidents.
Thirteen cars out of 100,000 are involved in crashes resulting in death while 72 out of 100,000 motorcycle crashes result in death.
A motorcycle crash is 26 times more likely to be fatal than a car crash. It is also five times as likely for the motorcyclist to be hurt. Motorcyclists are twenty-five times more likely to be killed in an accident than the people in cars.
After reading all the facts and statistics, it’s really up to you to decide to get behind the handlebars or get behind the wheel. If you do find yourself in an accident, there are a few steps you can take after the accident whether it’s in your car or on your motorcycle, especially if you find yourself injured.
You Need a Helmet
So after weighing all the motorcycle facts and statistics in your head, you still decide to hop on the motorcycle. There’s just one important thing you can’t forget.
A helmet.
There are plenty of approved helmets. There has never been an accident caused because the driver was wearing a helmet.
Having a full coverage helmet actually increases protection and reduces the risk of facial injuries. Helmets also help reduce the risk of neck injuries as opposed to riders who didn’t have a helmet on.
If your dream is to ride a motorcycle, then, no matter what, you should always grab a helmet. Head injuries are the most common injury for motorcycle drivers especially when not wearing a helmet. Motorcyclists who wore an approved helmet reduced a fatal crash by 37 percent.
The most deadly injuries are to the chest and head for motorcycle riders. While only half of the injuries are to the ankle, leg, and knee.
You should also consider wearing heavy boots, jackets, and gloves to cover other parts of the body and try to reduce the risk of other injuries.
There is really no reason not to wear a helmet while on a motorcycle. They benefit you in more ways than one and can help save your life.
You Got Into an Accident… Now What?
Like you’ve already read before, clearly, accidents happen. No matter what you do to try and prevent them, nothing will be 100% effective.
If you plan on riding a motorcycle, insurance is a must. Currently, less than 10% of motorcyclists involved in an accident had any kind of insurance to provide medical care or replace their property.
If you’re going to take the risk of riding a motorcycle, you should be prepared for the consequences. Even if you decide to ride a motorcycle, you should feel confident that you are safe on the road.
What Else Can You Do After an Accident?
Besides relying on your insurance after a motorcycle crash, you are also entitled to call a lawyer. Many people involved in a motorcycle accident never reach out to a lawyer. This should be the first thing you do.
There are many people who feel a lawyer may not be worth their time. But really, a lawyer can help a motorcyclist get the physical and financial compensation they deserve after an accident.
Lawyers will completely take over your case so you don’t have to stress about the small stuff, especially if you are recovering. They can collect evidence, negotiate a settlement with your insurance company, and advocate for you in court in case of a trial.
After an accident, having a lawyer on your side will make you feel 100% confident you’re getting the compensation you deserve.
If you are in a motorcycle accident please reach out to a lawyer and get the help they will provide. Read more here.
How Dangerous Are Motorcycles?
So how dangerous are motorcycles really?
You’ve now learned all the facts and statistics about motorcycle crashes, injuries, and fatalities while also seeing what to do if you’re ever involved in a motorcycle accident.
If you do find yourself in an accident, please reach out to a lawyer. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. Head over to NRC Group if you’d like to know more about car repairs and panel beating.
