It’s important to know the statistics of car vs motorcycle accidents as well as what to do when you’re in an accident to keep you and the people around you safe. The fact that car accidents happen much more often than motorcycle accidents should not be much of a surprise because there are many more cars than motorcycles. However, when you break down the rate of fatal crashes per 100,000 registered vehicles, it shows that 58% of motorcycles versus 9.4% of cars were involved in fatal accidents.
We pulled some stats from the U.S. Department of Transportation on motorcycle vs. car accidents to help you better understand some of the risks.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
- Fatalities are about 30 times more likely in a motorcycle accident versus a car accident.
- Motorcycle accidents have a jarring 80% injury or mortality rate, while car accidents have only 20%.
- Age 40 and older Motorcyclists are injured in accidents around 20 times more often than drivers of that same age. Only 3% of registered vehicles are motorcycles but account for more than 5% of highway deaths.
Car Accident Statistics
- Most drivers experience a vehicle-related accident around every six years, with a near miss up to an astonishing twice a month.
- More than 2 million people are injured in car accidents each year.
- It is estimated by The National Safety Council that in the U.S. more than 12 million vehicle accidents occur each year. These involve more than 20 million vehicles.
- About 6% of vehicle occupants suffer serious injuries or deaths. According to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism.
Motorcycle vs. Truck Accidents
Because trucks are so large they can seem like the most dangerous vehicle on the road. The reality is that less than 1% of trucks were involved in fatal crashes compared to 25% of motorcycles based on the rate per mile traveled. 6.8% of trucks versus 58% of motorcycles were involved in fatal crashes per 100,000 registered vehicles.
Motorcycle Injuries by Type
A very thorough study of injuries and accidents caused to motorcyclists shows some of the common injuries suffered by riders and how often they occur:
- Lower extremity injuries occurred in 47% of collisions.
- Upper extremity injuries occurred in 40% of collisions.
- Head injuries occurred in 35% of collisions.
- Chest injuries occurred in 31% of collisions.
- Spine injuries occurred in 20% of collisions.
- Abdomen injuries occurred in 15% of collisions.
- Face injuries occurred in 10% of collisions.
Severe and extensive injuries are very likely to happen when a person on a motorcycle collides with another vehicle or stationary roadside object at highway speeds. It is important that all vehicle operators stay safe and focused while driving or riding.
Contact Us
Get in touch with us today to learn more about what to do if you or a loved one are in a motorcycle accident. You can count on Sticklen, Dreyer, & Tinney to represent your case and get you the compensation you deserve. You can contact us on our website by filling out the contact form.