How Dangerous Are Motorcycles?

Every motorcyclist hears about how dangerous motorcycles are. Often, friends and family are only too quick to point out the risks of riding on two wheels. But what’s the truth?

Unfortunately, it is a fact that motorcycles are more dangerous than cars. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: “Per vehicle miles traveled in 2020, motorcyclists were about 28 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and were four times more likely to be injured.”

Even when a motorcycle crash isn’t fatal, serious injuries can occur, including:

• Broken bones
• Concussion
• Internal bleeding
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal damage

The heightened risk of motorcycles makes sense, too. Unlike car drivers and passengers, motorcyclists aren’t shielded by any exterior shell. Motorcycles don’t come with seatbelts, roll cages, or airbags. If a rider is hit or thrown from their bike, they have very little shielding them from the impact.

Needless to say, riding a motorcycle comes with significant risks and should never be taken lightly. Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the great outdoors on your trusty bike. It just means you’ll need to take extra care to protect yourself on the road.

Motorcycle accidents happen for a variety of reasons. Common causes include:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Distracted driving (or riding, in this case)
• Riding while intoxicated

Accidents can also be caused by factors outside the motorcyclist's control, such as weather conditions, dangerous roads, and other drivers. But regardless of what causes an accident, the motorcyclist is the party most likely to get hurt.

So how can you keep yourself safe this spring? Here are some quick tips to follow:

• Familiarize yourself with the laws Minnesota has in place to protect motorcycle riders.
• Always wear a helmet that meets safety standards, and make sure it fits properly.
• Wear other protective gear, such as sturdy boots, gloves, and a protective jacket or suit.
• Ride defensively and assume that other drivers may not see you.
• Always obey traffic laws, including speed limits and lane markings.
• Keep your motorcycle well maintained, and regularly check brakes, tires, and lights.
• Avoid riding in poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain, high winds, or snow.
• Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Stay alert and focused while riding, and avoid distractions such as using a phone or adjusting the radio.
• Be especially careful when passing other vehicles or turning corners.
• Take a motorcycle safety course to improve your skills and knowledge.
• Purchase a comprehensive insurance policy for your bike.
• Consider installing safety features on your bike, such as anti-lock brakes.

By building these habits, you can reduce the risk of an accident and guard yourself against unnecessary danger.

Motorcycle riding can be a truly thrilling experience, but it's important to remember that it comes with plenty of inherent risks. However, through thoughtful planning and careful practice, motorcycle riders can avoid injuries and enjoy the road with greater peace of mind.

However, no matter how careful you are, accidents can still happen. If you’ve been injured in a Minnesota motorcycle crash, you may be entitled to compensation—and we can help you get it. At SiebenCarey, we’ve helped thousands of injury victims get the financial support they need after an accident. Just contact us, and we can:

• Evaluate your case
• Answer all your questions
• Investigate the details of your accident
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
• Help you recover every dollar of compensation you deserve

And the best news: We work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t owe us a dime unless you win your case.

Get your free case evaluation.