Are There More Car Accidents Or Motorcycle Accidents
Car accidents and motorcycle accidents are two of the most common types of road accidents that happen in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were approximately 6.7 million car crashes reported in the US in 2018. On the other hand, data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reveals that there were approximately 4,985 motorcycle accidents reported in the US in 2018. So, are there more car accidents or motorcycle accidents in the US?
Car Accidents vs. Motorcycle Accidents
While car accidents are more common than motorcycle accidents, the latter is generally more dangerous. This is because motorcycles offer less protection to the rider than cars. According to the NHTSA, motorcycle accidents are 28 times more likely to result in fatalities compared to car accidents. In fact, in 2018, there were 4,985 motorcycle fatalities reported in the US, accounting for 14% of all road traffic fatalities.
Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can be caused by various factors, including driver error, distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, and poor road conditions. Driver error, which includes things like failing to yield, driving too fast for the conditions, and following too closely, is the leading cause of car accidents in the US. Distracted driving, which involves using a phone, eating, or talking to passengers while driving, is also a major cause of car accidents.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can also be caused by various factors, including rider error, speeding, drunk riding, and poor road conditions. However, the most common cause of motorcycle accidents is other drivers not seeing the motorcycle. In fact, according to a study by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), in two-thirds of all motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle, the driver of the other vehicle violated the motorcycle rider's right of way.
Preventing Car and Motorcycle Accidents
Preventing car and motorcycle accidents requires a combination of driver education, improved road design, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws. Drivers should be educated on the dangers of distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Furthermore, road design should be improved to include features such as better lighting, clearer signage, and improved road surfaces. Finally, traffic laws should be enforced more strictly to deter dangerous driving behavior.
Conclusion
While car accidents are more common than motorcycle accidents, the latter is generally more dangerous. Both types of accidents can be caused by various factors, including driver error, distracted driving, and poor road conditions. Preventing these types of accidents requires a combination of driver education, improved road design, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.