If you’ve ever ridden a motorcycle, you know how true freedom feels. Nothing is better than the open road and the wind in your face! You’re fully immersed in the experience and engaged with your surroundings in a way that driving a car just can’t match.
But is riding a motorcycle, especially in the US, a safe thing to do?
That’s a good question. After all, motorcycles don’t offer the same level of protection as cars do. So let’s have a look at the data and see if driving a motorcycle is riskier than driving a four-wheeled vehicle.
What Does the Data Say?
According to data from NHTSA, there were over 5,000 fatalities and over 80,000 injuries caused by motorcycle accidents in the US in 2020. This may not seem that much compared to the number of deaths from car crashes (over 38,800 fatalities in 2020).
However, it’s important to remember that there are way fewer people riding motorcycles compared to people driving cars. Plus, riders on motorcycles are much more exposed and at risk.
What To Do if You’re Injured While Motorcycling?
If you find yourself in a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to know what to do next. First things first, check yourself to see if you’re okay and, if possible, move to a safe spot. Make sure to turn off your motorbike!
Then, assess your condition to see if you have any injuries. If you can’t move, try to signal for help or ask someone nearby to call emergency service.
Even if you can move and think you’ve got away with just a few scrapes, it’s important to get yourself checked out by a medical professional. You might not feel the consequences of your injuries right away, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Just head to the hospital and let them scan you up.
Make sure to exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver involved in the accident. This includes the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. Take photos of the accident scene and any damage to your motorcycle and the other vehicle.
Once you get the most important steps out of the way, hire a motorcycle accident lawyer you can trust. An attorney can help you figure out how much compensation you’re entitled to, argue with insurance companies, and chase after payment for your injuries.
Is It Riskier to Drive a Motorcycle?
Motorcycles lack the protection that cars have, making riders more susceptible to injuries and fatalities in case of an accident.
Moreover, motorcycles have smaller profiles than cars, so they are harder for other drivers to see, making them easier to miss or violate their right of way. Road maintenance and design can also pose hazards to motorcyclists.
However, taking all the necessary precautions, such as wearing protective gear and helmets, can help mitigate some of these risks. Moreover, these risks are true anywhere in the world, not just in the US.
Overall, bad roads, inexperienced drivers (both in cars and on motorcycles), and a lack of safety measures make being a motorcyclist quite a risky adventure. But despite the inherent dangers, riding a motorcycle can still provide an exciting experience as long as safety measures are taken seriously.
Key Takeaway
According to data, motorcycles are more risky than four-wheeled vehicles. Sad but true. However, that shouldn’t deter you from taking a ride on a motorcycle. Just make sure you take all the necessary precautions – like wearing a helmet and protective clothing.
Also, practice defensive riding. It may not be as fun as riding on your back wheel, but it’s safer. That way, you can still enjoy the thrilling ride without putting yourself at unnecessary risk.
