Motorcycle Deaths Per Year Vs Car Deaths
Motorcycles have always been a popular mode of transportation for many Americans. However, motorcycle accidents can be very dangerous and even deadly. In fact, the number of motorcycle deaths per year is significantly higher than car deaths. In this article, we will explore the statistics of motorcycle deaths compared to car deaths and what factors contribute to these numbers.
Motorcycle Deaths Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2019 there were 5,014 motorcycle deaths in the United States. This represents a 0.5% decrease from the previous year. However, motorcycle deaths have been on the rise since 1997, with a 27% increase in deaths between 2009 and 2019.
The NHTSA also reports that the number of motorcycle deaths per mile traveled is nearly 29 times higher than the number of car deaths per mile traveled. This is due to the lack of protection that motorcycles offer compared to cars. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to severe injuries and fatalities in an accident.
Car Deaths Statistics
The NHTSA reports that in 2019 there were 36,096 car deaths in the United States. This represents a 2% decrease from the previous year. Car deaths have been on the decline since the 1970s, thanks to advancements in car safety technology and stricter laws regarding seat belt use and drunk driving.
The number of car deaths per mile traveled is significantly lower than the number of motorcycle deaths per mile traveled. This is due to the fact that cars offer more protection to passengers in the event of an accident. However, car accidents can still be deadly and cause serious injuries.
Factors Contributing to Motorcycle Deaths
Several factors contribute to motorcycle deaths, including:
- Lack of helmet use: According to the NHTSA, 60% of motorcycle riders killed in accidents in 2019 were not wearing helmets.
- Speeding: Speeding is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. In 2019, 33% of motorcycle riders killed in accidents were speeding.
- Drunk driving: According to the NHTSA, 25% of motorcycle riders killed in accidents in 2019 had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
- Riding experience: Inexperienced riders are more likely to be involved in accidents, especially if they are riding a high-performance motorcycle.
- Road hazards: Motorcycles are more susceptible to road hazards than cars, such as potholes, loose gravel, and wet or slippery surfaces.
Factors Contributing to Car Deaths
Several factors contribute to car deaths, including:
- Drunk driving: According to the NHTSA, 28% of car accidents in 2019 involved alcohol-impaired drivers.
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving, such as texting or using a cell phone, is a leading cause of car accidents.
- Speeding: Speeding is a leading cause of car accidents, especially on highways and interstates.
- Reckless driving: Reckless driving, such as weaving in and out of traffic or running red lights, can cause serious accidents.
- Poor road conditions: Poor road conditions, such as potholes or uneven pavement, can cause accidents, especially at high speeds.
Conclusion
While motorcycles are a popular mode of transportation, they can also be very dangerous. The number of motorcycle deaths per year is significantly higher than car deaths due to the lack of protection that motorcycles offer. However, both motorcycles and cars can be involved in deadly accidents due to factors such as drunk driving, speeding, and distracted driving. It is important for all drivers to practice safe driving habits and obey traffic laws to reduce the number of deaths on our roads.