TAMPA, FL - When we think of motorcycles, we usually never connect them with being safe. A typical street bike owner is assumed to be the dare devil type who definitely likes to live life in the fast lane. We all get that mini heart attack when we hear a loud, fast engine zoom past us that’s almost out of sight before we realize, “Oh! It’s just a motorcycle!”  

Of course motorcycles are less safe than cars, especially when involved in an accident. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycles are more likely to be involved in crashes than regular cars. Additionally, the NHTSA also states that “deaths on bikes occur some 28 times more frequently than in any other vehicle, car included.” 

First things first: Why are motorcycles so dangerous?

Besides the fact that you’re basically unprotected on all sides apart from your bum, you are vulnerable to whatever may happen in the outside world. Cars provide a steel frame that, for the most part, is designed to keep its inhabitants safe. “In fact, bikers are 27 times more likely to experience a fatal accident than car drivers, according to the NHTSA” (Finder, “Motorcycle Accident Stats). 

Other factors include:

• High-risk drivers that lack experience and engage in risky behavior 

• Head-on collisions account for 75% of motorcycle crashes 

• Left-hand turns account for 42% of motorcycle crashes

• About a quarter of motorcycle crashes are a result of the driver running into objects after swerving to avoid a car or animal on the road 

• 32% of motorcycle crashes result in death due to excessive speeding 

So what’s causing all of these motorcycle accidents?

There’s a number of factors that contribute to a motorcycle accident, whether they were at fault or not. 

Common Motorcycle Crash Contributing Factors:

• Almost half of all fatal accidents showed alcohol present. These riders lacked attention and had serious collision avoidance problems. 

• 2/3 single-vehicle accidents are due to rider errors such as under-cornering, excess speed, and over-braking. 

• Only 2% of all motorcycle accidents are caused by roadway damage, potholes, and pavement ridges. 

• Other vehicles violating the motorcycle's right-of-way is what causes 2/3 of multiple-vehicle accidents. 

• Fuel leakage happens in 62% of accidents in the post-crash phase. It opposes a high risk of fire non-present in crashes involving other vehicles. 

• Lack of attention is still one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents.

• Only 40% of the riders involved in an accident wore a helmet 

• As many as 73% of riders involved in accidents didn’t wear any protective eyewear. In most cases, the wind caused impaired vision and delayed hazard detection. 

• More than half of the bikers involved in crashes had less than five months of experience with the motorcycle they rode at the time of the crash. 

• 92% of all riders involved in crashes are self-taught. 

For those who currently own a motorcycle, or are in the market for one, there are multiple steps that can be taken to ensure your safety. 

1. Consider choosing bike models that offer added protection: standard bikes, cruisers, touring bikes, or dual-sport bikes. 

2. Wear a DOT-approved helmet  

3. Watch out for yourself at intersections (and at all times)

4. Remain visible: wear bright, reflective clothing 

5. Drive under the speed limit

6. Ride early in the day

7. Ensure you’ve added PIP (personal injury protection) to your insurance policy 

At Clifton and Lewis, we take motorcycle policies very seriously because your safety is our top priority. We’d like you to remember all of these statistics the next time you hop on your bike, and please call us for anything.