Motorcycles are significantly more dangerous than cars due to several factors related to their design and the nature of riding.

Risk Comparison with Cars

• Motorcyclists are about 17 to 28 times more likely to die in a traffic collision than car drivers, depending on the data source and region. For example, Canadian motorcyclists are 17.4 times more likely to die in a crash compared to car drivers, while in the U.S., motorcyclists are 22 times more likely to die than passenger car occupants and 28 times more likely according to other studies

• Motorcyclists account for a disproportionate share of fatalities relative to their presence on the road. In the U.S., they make up only about 3.4% of vehicles but account for 15% of crash-related deaths

Reasons for Increased Danger

• Motorcycles lack fundamental safety features found in cars, such as seat belts, airbags, and a protective metal frame, leaving riders more exposed to injury in crashes

• Stability is lower with two wheels compared to four, increasing the risk of losing control

• Visibility issues cause many accidents; drivers often fail to see motorcycles, especially in left-turn scenarios, which contribute to many fatal crashes

• Speeding and alcohol use are significant risk factors for fatal motorcycle accidents. For instance, speeding was involved in about 28-35% of fatal crashes, and alcohol impairment was a factor in 19-29% of deaths depending on the study

Safety Measures That Reduce Risk

• Experience matters: Over 50% of accidents involve riders with less than five months of experience, so risk decreases with more riding time

• Wearing helmets reduces fatalities by about 37-41%, with full-face helmets offering better protection than half helmets

• Using full protective gear (ATGATT: All The Gear All The Time) lowers injury severity

• Motorcycles equipped with ABS (anti-lock braking systems) are 37% less likely to be involved in fatal collisions

• Rider training and refresher courses significantly reduce the risk of accidents caused by rider error

Trends

• Despite the high risk, fatal motorcycle crashes have been decreasing in some regions since the 1980s, but recent data from the U.S. shows an increase in fatalities, reaching the highest number since 1975 in 2022

In summary, motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than cars due to less physical protection, higher likelihood of rider error, visibility issues, and risky behaviors like speeding and alcohol use. However, proper training, protective gear, sober riding, and safety technology can substantially reduce these risks