How Dangerous Are Motorcycles?
Motorbikes are a cost-effective, convenient, and ecologically beneficial mode of transportation. They provide a healthy alternative to automobiles as well as other modes of transportation.
However, this also means there is a greater chance of motorcycle accidents. The concern is whether or not motorcycles are as hazardous as we believe they are.
Yes, in accordance with state speed limit rules. When all of the information is taken into account, it appears that motorcyclists are not any more likely to be involved in a collision than automobile drivers.
While there are no specific statistics on how many bike accidents occur each day, 1 in every 100 car crashes results in a fatality, whereas only 1 out of every 1,000 motorbike mishaps leads to a fatality.
How Safe Are Motorcycles?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 59.34 deaths per 100,000 registered motorcycles in 2017. This equates to a fatality rate of 0.59 percent.
The rate of injuries was far higher, with 1018 injuries per 100,000 registered motorcycles recorded during the previous year. Riders are injured in nearly ten percent of motorbike accidents.
The statistics for motorbike safety, on the other hand, appear quite negative at first glance. Only 3 percent of registered vehicles in the United States are motorcycles. They account for 14% of traffic fatalities, despite the fact that they make up only 3% of all registered vehicles.
Of course, automobiles appear to be far more hazardous than motorcycles on the surface. After all, statistics demonstrate that there are major car accidents other than motorcycle accidents.
In 2016, there were around 21,030 fatal vehicle accidents in the United States, whereas 5,326 fatal motorcycle accidents were recorded.
This may appear to be the case, but automobiles outnumber motorcycles by a factor of ten. By four to one, vehicle deaths exceed motorcyclist fatalities. If automobiles were as hazardous as motorcycle accidents imply, they would far outweigh motorcyclist fatalities.
Are Motorcycles Dangerous?
The following are a few of the potential causes of motorcycle accidents.
Inexperienced Riders
Motorcycling necessitates a higher mental and physical exertion than driving, and many motorbike incidents are caused by the rider’s lack of expertise in handling a motorcycle in the event of an emergency.
To develop their skill, a motorcyclist should go through rider training programs.
Accidents do happen, despite careful instruction, but the expertise obtained from training aids motorcyclists in making the greatest decisions on the road.
Distracted Drivers
No matter how cautious you are as a motorcyclist, you will never have complete control of others on the road. You can only be wary and anticipate the worst in order to have a strategy for getting out of danger.
According to the NHTSA, 57 percent of fatal motorbike accidents involved a vehicle, with more than half of these being head-on collisions. Collisions with fixed objects account for 25% of motorcyclist fatalities compared to 18% of automotive fatalities.
A head-on collision with a car or a stationary object at 25 mph is likely to be fatal for a motorbike rider.
You must also be aware that because a motorbike has less forward visibility than a car, you have considerably more to lose in an accident than the driver of a motor vehicle.
As a result, it’s critical to remain on your toes when driving and riding around other cars and riders on the road.
Lane Splitting
When a motorcyclist drives between two car lanes in traffic, he or she is performing lane splitting. When done at a safe speed compared to the traffic, it can be quite safe.
Many drivers are unaware that they will be passed in slow-moving traffic, therefore they will not keep their eyes open for a motorcycle.
Lane splitting as a motorcyclist is similar to lane splitting as a passenger; you will be close to automobile traffic when doing it, and if a vehicle driver changes lanes suddenly, you will have little room to react.
In most states, lane splitting is not expressly forbidden. However, if a traffic accident occurs while lane splitting, in many situations the accident will be attributed to the motorcyclist unless they can show that the car driver was negligent.
Lane splitting has its advantages, such as reducing traffic congestion and permitting your motorcycle to cool down more quickly. It’s only safe if you drive very cautiously and at a reasonable speed.
Poor Maintenance
Many bikers overlook the importance of regular maintenance. Despite the fact that maintaining a motorbike will cost less than a vehicle in general, certain parts, such as the tires, will wear out faster and need to be replaced sooner.
A fatal accident is likely if a mechanical issue occurs during a trip. Regular inspections and maintenance on your moped to maintain it in excellent operating order can help you avoid death.
Left Hand Turns
Left-hand turns at intersections are extremely hazardous for motorcycles, and left-hand turns cause 42 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents with cars.
Many of these collisions occur when the motorcyclist is attempting to go straight or pass another car.
High-Risk Behaviour
Speed was responsible for about 32 percent of all fatal motorcycle accidents, according to the NHTSA, and it is one of the most prevalent accident causes. Lighter and more powerful vehicles may encourage risk-taking by younger and less experienced riders.
You should be able to know your limits and skill level as a motorcyclist, so you don’t get into an accident. Strive to stay below the speed limit in populated areas where the unexpected may happen.
It’s also a good idea to have defensive techniques training, which teaches you how to react quickly in emergencies on the road.
Alcohol is another risk factor, and riding a bike while intoxicated, even with just one drink, reduces your reaction time.
Because a motorcycle does not provide the same protection as a car, collisions involving speed and alcohol are likely to result in death or significant damage.
How To Improve Motorcycle Safety
According to motorcycle statistics, motorbikes are far more likely to be injured or killed, but the news isn’t all terrible. There are certain simple solutions available that may help you improve your chances on a motorbike.
The first, and most obvious, the solution is to wear adequate protective gear, particularly helmets. As previously said, 35 percent of motorcycle fatalities were the result of riders who were not wearing helmets.
The number seems far more staggering. In this situation, it is almost 2000 deaths. They might have been avoided with appropriate safety equipment.
Another critical element in regard to enhancing motorcycle safety is raising driver awareness. Educating drivers about the various dangers of motorcycles might go a long way toward improving their accident rates.
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