Jason Stephens | April 21, 2023 | Personal Injury
When it comes to transportation, one of the biggest debates is whether cars or motorcycles are safer. Motorcycles are often thought to be riskier due to their lack of structural protection and higher risk of accidents, while cars are seen as a safer option due to their enclosed structure and safety features. But which option is actually safer?
Upsides of Cars
Statistical analysis shows that motorcyclists are at a higher risk of accidents and injuries. In 2020, 4,669 motorcyclists were killed in crashes across the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
That represents a 9% increase over the year prior, while in contrast, car accident fatalities decreased by 2% over the same timeframe. Additionally, motorcyclists were much more likely to be involved in accidents that resulted in catastrophic or fatal injuries.
The main reason behind the higher risk of accidents for motorcyclists is their lack of any physical barrier. Unlike passenger vehicles, which are enclosed structures, motorcycles leave their riders exposed to the external environment. Additionally, motorcycles provide less stability than cars, which can increase the likelihood of accidents, especially in inclement weather conditions.
What it all boils down to is that, in the event of a collision or other accident, motorcycle riders are more likely to sustain serious injuries or death from the impact.
Upsides of Motorcycles
Despite the risks explained above, it is not all bad news for motorcyclists. In some cases, motorcycles can, in fact, be safer than cars.
For instance, motorcycles are more maneuverable than cars. They allow their riders to avoid accidents in some narrow situations. Motorcycles also have a lower center of gravity compared to standard cars, granting them extra stability in certain situations, like sharp turning.
Which Is Ultimately Safer?
Cars are considered to be safer than motorcycles in most situations. One of the biggest reasons for this is the safety features that are built into modern cars.
Today, many cars are equipped with the following:
- Airbags
- Seat belts
- Backup cameras
- Blind spot detection features
Each of these helps protect drivers and their passengers when collisions occur. Cars are also designed and manufactured to be more crash-resistant than motorcycles, helping to reduce the severity of injuries that result from accidents.
As for which you should choose, the decision between a car and a motorcycle ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you care deeply about safety and comfort, cars may be the better option, but if you value the freedom and maneuverability that a motorcycle offers just the same, you may choose to take on the increased risk of accidents and injuries.
If you do choose to ride a motorcycle, there are important steps you can take to reduce your risk of accidents and injuries. Attend a motorcycle safety course, wear appropriate safety gear, and follow all traffic laws and regulations.
If you have been injured in a collision involving a car or motorcycle, you may experience a wide range of losses. Motorcycle accident victims often suffer catastrophic injuries from their collisions.
Get the Justice You Deserve
When you experience mounting medical bills, foregone wages, and physical pain, you deserve justice. Both motorcycle crashes and car accidents can serve as the grounds for successful personal injury cases. Speak with a personal injury attorney to determine how much financial compensation you can hope to recover through a legal case.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth personal injury lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 300
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000