Motorcycles are undeniably appealing. They offer freedom, speed, agility, and convenience you can’t get with a car. But they’re also extremely dangerous. And while some risks in life are worth taking, the statistics around motorcycle crashes suggest riding isn’t on that list. Riding a motorcycle exposes you to hazards and catastrophic injuries that even the most careful driver can’t avoid.
Thinking about using a bike for daily commuting or just for fun? Below are the biggest reasons to think twice before getting on a bike.
- Motorcycles are far more deadly than cars
Although motorcycles make up a small percentage of vehicles on the road, they account for a disproportionately high number of fatalities and injuries. Since there’s no metal cage, bike riders are far more vulnerable in a crash.
According to the stats, motorcycle riders are 22 times more likely to die in an accident than car occupants. Cars have airbags, seatbelts, and crumple zones. On a motorcycle, your body is completely unprotected.
Worse, motorcycles are extremely hard to see. Car drivers frequently miss bikes in their blind spots and that can lead to serious crashes. And that’s why you see so many lawsuits filed by motorcycle riders. Many of them have experienced devastating and permanently disabling injuries, and filing a lawsuit is the only way they can pay their medical bills.
- Head injuries are a serious threat
Even with a proper motorcycle helmet, head injuries are a risk. They are the leading cause of death and disability among motorcyclists. However, according to the CDC, helmets do reduce the risk of head injury by 69% and the risk of death by 37%. But even so, at highway speeds, even the best helmet won’t absorb all the impact. Riders wearing a helmet are still at risk of a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Crash survivors with head injuries are often left with permanent disabilities and cognitive issues. These are life-altering impairments that impact mood, independence, and memory. Riders underestimate the risk until it happens to them.
- Road hazards hit bikes harder
Road hazards that a car can avoid easily are often deadly obstacles for motorcycles. For example, wet leaves and loose gravel can make a car skid a little, but they’re deadly for motorcycles. And a pothole has to be pretty big to do damage to a car. For a motorcycle rider, even a small pothole can send them flying off their bike.
Vehicles with two wheels have less stability, and even a small slick patch of paint can cause a crash. And when you factor in weather (like rain, snow, ice, and mist), there’s even less traction. Most roads weren’t designed for bikes, and even a routine ride to the grocery store can become a hazard.
- Drivers are distracted
Even riders who drive their bikes safely can’t control distracted or aggressive drivers on the road. Unfortunately, many drivers are distracted by their phones, and that makes them less likely to see a motorcycle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving killed 3,275 people in 2023.
Another common issue is left-turn collisions. Cars turning left at intersections often fail to yield to oncoming motorcycles. Perhaps the worst situation is when the driver of a car is speeding or drunk. These accidents happen so fast and are so severe that they’re almost impossible to avoid.
- Insurance costs are high
Motorcycle insurance is costly, and prices are determined based on the high risk. Getting a motorcycle insured can cost up to 72% more than car insurance in some states. But even with insurance, coverage for catastrophic injuries is typically limited because insurance companies know it’s a huge possibility. That’s another reason why so many injured bikers file personal injury lawsuits. They have no other choice if they want to pay their bills.
Insurers also consider repair and theft risks. Bikes are much easier to steal and usually cost more to repair than the value of the bike. Everything about riding a motorcycle is risky, and insurance companies aren’t going to treat them the same as cars.
- The financial fallout after a crash is huge
If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident you can expect higher medical bills, mostly because injuries are more severe and recovery times are long. You may have to go through rehab and physical therapy. You may even need in-home or long-term care. And if you can no longer work, you’ll need to go on disability and downsize your life to make up for the income loss.
Think twice before riding a motorcycle
While they’re appealing, motorcycles are extremely risky. Between the lack of protection and unpredictable roads, riding isn’t the thrill it’s made out to be.
