Statistics Of Motorcycle Accidents Vs Car Accidents
Motorcycle accidents and car accidents are two of the most common types of accidents on the road. While both types of accidents can result in serious injuries, motorcycle accidents tend to be more severe. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of a car. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the statistics of motorcycle accidents vs car accidents.
The Numbers
According to the NHTSA, in 2019, 5,014 motorcyclists were killed in crashes, which was a decrease of 0.5% from 2018. In the same year, 22,697 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in crashes. While the number of motorcyclist fatalities has decreased slightly in recent years, the number of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities has remained relatively constant.
In terms of injuries, the NHTSA reported that in 2019, there were 82,000 motorcyclists injured in crashes, which was a decrease of 9% from 2018. In the same year, there were 2.4 million people injured in passenger vehicle crashes.
The Causes
There are many factors that contribute to both motorcycle and car accidents. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Lack of experience
- Failure to use proper safety gear
- Weather conditions
Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding
- Weather conditions
- Fatigue
The Consequences
Motorcycle accidents tend to result in more severe injuries than car accidents. This is because motorcyclists have less protection than car occupants. Some of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burn injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
While car accidents can also result in serious injuries, car occupants have the protection of a seatbelt, airbags, and the car's structure. Some of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Head injuries
- Cuts and bruises
Prevention
There are several steps that motorcycle riders and car drivers can take to prevent accidents. Some of the most effective strategies include:
- Obeying traffic laws
- Maintaining a safe following distance
- Wearing proper safety gear
- Driving defensively
- Avoiding driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Conclusion
Motorcycle accidents and car accidents are both serious issues on the road. While both types of accidents can result in serious injuries, motorcycle accidents tend to be more severe. By understanding the statistics, causes, consequences, and prevention strategies for both types of accidents, drivers and riders can take steps to stay safe on the road.