Motorcycle Safety Statistics
Motorcycles are gaining popularity today with more people beginning to ride than ever before. People are riding many different versions of the standard Harley motorcycle. This includes the three wheeled motorcycle, motorcycles with side cars (for dogs and human passengers), modified bikes and padded bikes – all for the motorcycle enthusiast’s pleasure. Bikers enjoy being in the open country air, love getting to know other bikers and long for the sense of adventure that can only be felt on a motorcycle. But these modes of transportation hold a false sense of security and false perception of safety when operating on busy highways and freeways. When a motorcycle has an accident with a car or a truck, it is clear to see who the real winner will be. Pound per pound, the motorcycle will have a difficult time protecting even the most seasoned motorcycle rider from injury after a loss with an auto or truck. Most states require helmets, though some still have no requirement to wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle. When cyclists are wearing helmets, the percent of serious head, neck or spinal injuries are so small they are a tenth of a percent or less nationwide as a result.
Insurance insures the motorcycle rider in the event of an accident or loss. This is significant because over 75% of motorcycle accidents happen with cars or trucks when the cars don’t see the motorcycle in a lane or when turning into side roads. If a motorcycle is involved in a single accident, it is still usually caused by a sliding effect of the motorcyclist braking too hard to avoid a car and falling off the motorcycle as a result. When motorists make left turns, the motorcyclist who is driving straight ahead is at a great risk for being hit in this type of accident. The weather being a factor in a motorcycle accident is at a small percentage, under 5% overall, even when the elements are not under our control. But alcohol is under our control, and over half of the fatal motorcycle accidents are because of a result of the driver drinking or another driver hitting the motorcyclist as a result of having had too much to drink.
As a matter of fact, fatalities as a result of motorcycle accidents were on a continual rise until the year 2009, when they declined for the first time dropping to 4,462 in 2009 from 5,312 noted in 2008. The figures compare with over 30,000 fatal accidents of which over 24,000 were with passenger vehicles. Statistically speaking, there are almost 4 passenger cars and trucks for every one motorcycle currently on the nation’s highways. It is necessary for motorcycle drivers to understand the risks and work to keep themselves safe on the roads at all times.
What can a motorcycle enthusiast do to keep safe? The most important idea is to understand your motorcycle and know now it operates. It is necessary to take a course in riding a motorcycle safely and understand how to lean into curves, how to mount the motorcycle, know what equipment to wear while riding, understand how to repair the motorcycle if it breaks down on the road (especially in isolated areas) and how to be a responsible driver on the roads. New motorcycle drivers should begin riding on open rural roads, then lesser used highways, then work up to become experienced enough to take the road trip they have been dreaming of their whole lives. It is foolish and foolhardy to buy a motorcycle and then proceed out on a complex road trip without having the experience to stay safe, make necessary repairs and understand what it means to be safe on the road. For example, if you have never been caught in the rain with a tee shirt while riding on the back of a motorcycle, you have no idea that the rain feels like needles and there is lots of debris and mud kicked up by the motorcycle. If the rider is wearing appropriate leather to protect the person from the weather and an accident, the ride becomes enjoyable, safe and a pleasant trip no matter what the weather! If a rider is wearing riding gloves, boots fully cover ankles and feet and has on chaps or leather pants, a leather jacket, rain gear and reflective outer garments if necessary and a properly fitting helmet, because the sky is the limit to the fun that can be had on the motorcycle while out on the open road.
Motorcycle drivers are expected to and must obey all the rules of the road that apply to car drivers. This is a fact not an option. Motorcycle drivers need to understand that they can be injured or cause injury to others by lane splitting, driving at excessive speeds over the stated speed limits, or driving under the influence of controlled substances or alcohol. If the driver of a motorcycle takes drugs, he or she can endanger himself/herself and any other driver or pedestrian on the road.
Motorcyclists should also minimize distractions while on the road. They need to turn down the radio while driving and limit to exclude use of cell phones on the road. They need to be fully engaged in driving the motorcycle to appreciate and see hazards located in the road in time to avoid them and prevent an accident.
Riding a motorcycle is a bit more complicated than just hopping on one and turning on the ignition. If the rider is aware of hazards, understands the responsibility of driving a motorcycle, knows how to stay safe and protect the safety of others – riding can be a memorable and extremely freeing and pleasant experience. This is definitely one to add to the bucket list, and when done right, it can be an amazing memory builder for anyone interested in the adventures of the open road.