Motorcycle vs. Car Accident Statistics (2024)

Whether you’re driving a car or riding a motorcycle, nobody wants to get into an accident. But, unfortunately, accidents happen, and they’re no walk in the park — even with the best insurance company on your side.

Accidents can be as insignificant as fender benders, or as serious as fatality causing crashes. Whether it’s a car vs motorcycle accident today, or you are wondering about the motorcycle fatality rate vs cars, keep reading to get some helpful information!

But when you compare a motorcycle vs. car accident, statistics overwhelmingly point to motorcycles carrying more risk.

Remember, motorcycles don’t have seat belts or air bags, and they are much smaller than cars. Plus, the rider is exposed to the external world, rather than being enclosed in a passenger vehicle.

Right now, we’re digging deeper into the car and motorcycle accident statistics that matter most, including which mode of transportation has the highest fatality rates. But it doesn’t stop there. We’re also listing out must-know tips on what you can do to stay safe on the road.

Car or motorcycle, you need good insurance. The best way to save and find insurance that meets your needs is to compare quotes from different auto insurance companies. Enter your ZIP code into our free insurance comparison tool to do just that and start saving today.

Motorcycle Accidents vs. Car Accidents: What are the most common causes?

As different as cars and motorcycles are, there are still many similarities in the types of accidents drivers can be involved in. The accident rate of a motorcycle vs a car may shock you. What are some of the most common similarities? Drunk driving, speeding, and distracted driving. According to reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Drunk Driving. Nearly 30 people die daily in drunk-driving crashes. This amounts to one person every 50 minutes. In 2018, 10,511 lives were claimed in drunk-driving crashes.
• Speeding. Nearly 10,000 people were killed as a result of speeding in 2018. Forty-nine percent of speeding drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2017 were not wearing seat belts.
• Distracted Driving. More than 2,800 people died in crashes caused by distracted driving in 2018.

These numbers speak for themselves regarding the motorcycle accident rate vs a car.  I’m sure you are wondering what the statistics look like when examining car vs. motorcycle accidents. While there are similar statistics, they also vary by state. The common causes of motorcycle collisions in Ohio may differ vastly from accident data in Minneapolis. Read below as we are revealing more, beginning with the fatality rate of a motorcycle vs a car.

Related: How to Choose an Auto Insurance Company (Simple, Fast Steps)

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Car vs. Motorcycle Accidents: Fatality Rates

The fatality rate of a car vs. a motorcycle is starkly different, with the fatality rate of motorcycle accidents being much higher than that of cars. The fatality rate per mile of a motorcycle versus an automobile is significantly elevated, underscoring the inherent risks riders face on the road. Understanding and addressing these fatality rates is crucial for improving road safety and implementing effective measures to protect all drivers.

Year after year, motorcycle death statistics vs cars reveal that in most car and motorcycle accidents, more people are killed in car crashes than they are in motorcycle crashes. However, when it comes to the motorcycle vs car deaths rate at which people are dying in these cars vs. motorcycle crashes, there’s no question about it: the fatality rates are much higher with motorcycles. You can see the latest causes of motorcycle accident statistics from the Insurance Information Institute (III):

Car vs. Motorcycle Fatality Rates

Fatality Rate, 2017	Motorcycles	Passenger cars
Per 100,000 registered vehicles	59.34	10.05
Per 100 million vehicle miles traveled	25.67	0.94

The III reports that in 2017, the occupant fatality rate per 100,000 registered vehicles was 59.34 for motorcycles and 10.05 for passenger cars. In other words, the occupant fatality rate per 100,000 registered vehicles was nearly six times higher among motorcycle crashes.

When comparing the motorcycle deaths vs. car deaths per mile, per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, the statistics become even more shocking. The fatality rate with motorcycles was 25.67, compared to a fatality rate of 0.94 for passenger cars. What is the bottom line of car deaths vs. motorcycle deaths?

These statistics reveal that the occupant motorcycle death rate vs. car was 27 times higher than that of cars.

 

Without question, this data should give drivers all the more reason to do their research: whether that’s to understand safe behaviors on the road, or to simply better understand the motorcycle and auto insurance laws that are meant to protect drivers.

Car Accidents: Statistics and Causes

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) regularly gathers car crash statistics specific to passenger vehicles, which includes cars, minivans, pickups, and SUVs. According to the IIHS:

• Of the 36,560 motor vehicle crash deaths that occurred in 2018, 63 percent were occupants in passengers
• Thirty-nine percent of those deaths occurred in single-vehicle crashes, and 61 percent occurred in multiple-vehicle crashes
• In terms of age, the IIHS reports that 23 percent of passenger vehicle occupants killed that year were under 25
• Just over 6,500 died in rollover crashes

Generally speaking, car accidents can be grouped into two categories: driver error and other causes. “Other causes” often refer to unpredictable circumstances, such as weather (like heavy rain or ice) or mechanical failure.

However, “driver error” can be best describe as preventable actions such as drunk driving, speeding, and distracted driving. This powerful PSA from the NHTSA further highlights the importance of taking distracted driving seriously:

Of course, the dangers associated with this reckless behavior goes beyond typical four-door vehicles. Keep reading as we examine the statistics surrounding the fatality rate of motorcycle accidents.

See Also: The How-To Car Insurance Guide for Different Driver Types

Motorcycle Accidents: Statistics and Causes

The latest data from the NHTSA reveals the following about traffic crashes involving motorcycles:

• In 2017, a total of 5,172 motorcyclists were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes
• Of those motorcyclists killed, 94 percent were riders and 6 percent were passengers.
• A majority of the motorcycles involved in fatal crashes (91 percent) were two-wheeled motorcycles
• Motorcyclists made up 14 percent of all traffic fatalities, and 17 percent of all occupant (driver and passenger) fatalities

It’s common knowledge that drinking and driving is a terrible combination. But for those riding motorcycles, the risk of fatality is even higher. Here’s a startling fact from the NHTSA from 2016:

Motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were found to have the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers than any other vehicle types (25% for motorcycles, 21% for passenger cars, 20% for light trucks, and 2% for large trucks).

Accidents involving motorcycles occur for different reasons. Here are some of the common causes according to legal experts with Nolo:

• Low Visibility of Motorcycles. Motorcycle accidents are most often caused by drivers failing to see a motorcycle. Cars turning left are especially prone to hitting motorcycles.
• Lane Splitting. This occurs when a motorcycle drives down the centerline of a road. It is not illegal in every state. However, it does increase the chance of accidents.
• Hitting a Fixed Object. Colliding with a fixed object occurs more often than you may think. Experts estimate that 25% of motorcycle accident fatalities happen because of striking a fixed object. This is higher than the 18% of fatalities in similar car accidents.
• Unmarked Road Hazards. This can be especially deadly for motorcycles. While cars can navigate wet or snowy roads relatively well, motorcycles struggle. Accidents, where the biker loses control because of dangerous road conditions or hazards, are all too frequent. When this happens, riders will often seek help from a motorcycle accident lawyer to get their insurance payout.

Understanding car vs. motorcycle accident statistics is essential for all drivers, as it provides insights into road safety risks regardless of the vehicle type. Moreover, having good insurance coverage is crucial for protecting yourself and others in the event of car vs. motorcycle deaths or any other accidents, ensuring financial security and peace of mind on the road.

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Car vs. Motorcycle Accidents: What are the consequences?

Road accidents of any type will have consequences. For example, your vehicle could be totaled or undervalued. It is likely that your auto insurance rates will rise. Yet these outcomes are nothing compared with the injuries or fatalities that can occur. In short,

Motorcyclists are far more likely to be injured or killed in an accident than car drivers.

Remember, motorcycles are inherently riskier than automobiles when we consider a motorcycle vs. a car accident. Consider the size of an SUV or truck compared with a motorcycle. It’s no wonder that motorcycle accidents have more serious outcomes.

Additionally, in the US, there are still three states where motorcyclists are not required by law to wear a helmet: Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire. According to Biker Justice USA, Idaho only requires a helmet if you’re under the age of 18.

Wearing a helmet is primarily for safety reasons, though Biker Justice USA goes on to state that not wearing a helmet can also impact fault for accident injuries. This will certainly impact your insurance:

“Motorist(s) can raise in their defense that you, the motorcyclist, were at least partially responsible (for a crash) due to your failure to wear a helmet.”

When they are not fatal, motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries. Head, neck, and spine injuries are common. Brain injuries and spinal injuries can both cause permanent, lifelong disabilities. While these injuries can and do occur in car accidents, they are far more common in motorcycle accidents.

When comparing car vs motorcycle insurance, it’s essential to consider the specific coverage needs and risks associated with each type of vehicle.

Check Here: Temporary Auto Insurance (Is it even worth it? We’ve got answers)

Staying Safe When Riding a Motorcycle

The statistics of motorcycle accidents vs. car accidents highlight significant differences in safety outcomes on the road. Motorcycles carry risks, but they don’t have to be dangerous. Here are a few things that you can do to keep yourself safe:

• Always wear a helmet and protective clothing. Not all states require motorcycle helmets, but they are proven to save lives and reduce the risk of serious injuries.
• Do not drink and drive. This goes for every driver, but it’s even more crucial for the motorcyclist.
• Don’t lane split. While it can be tempting in a traffic jam, lane splitting greatly increases your chance for an accident.
• Make sure you have great motorcycle insurance. While insurance will not keep you safe from an accident, it can help you after an accident. Whether you need a new bike, have an injury, or need long-term disability support, the right motorcycle insurance can help. Do your research by finding out what how much motorcycle insurance will cost you, and more importantly, what it covers.

Of course, inspecting your motorcycle can lead to better safety and fewer hazardous situations that would involve crashing on a motorcycle. No matter if you are in a car or riding a motorcycle, car vs. motorcycle safety is one and the same. The safer you are as a driver or rider, the safer the roads will be.

Understanding the motorcycle risk vs. car is crucial when considering the risks of being on the road, whether as a driver in a car or as a rider on a motorcycle. Motorcyclists face heightened risks of severe injuries and fatalities due to their exposure and lack of protective vehicle structures compared to car occupants.

If you do get in an accident, contact a lawyer familiar with motorcycles. Many jurors are biased against motorcycles and some lawyers are not familiar with motorcycle law. That is why it is important to have a specialist motorcycle attorney on your side in case of an accident or injury.

All that said, it can be easy to look at all the hazards of riding a motorcycle and forget about the enjoyment. Riding a motorcycle is just fun, and for that reason, we’ve compiled the 12 best cities for motorcycle riders.

Motorcycle vs. Car Safety: Understanding the Statistics

You may be wondering about what percentage of motorcycle drivers get in accidents, or what the most common type of collision between cars and motorcycles is. This can vary on several factors such as location, driving behavior, and road conditions. The important thing to note is that while there are a lot of statistics about this topic of conversation, understanding the why to educate and try to prevent an accident from happening is the goal.

Understanding and analyzing car crash statistics vs. motorcycle crash statistics are also essential for promoting road safety, reducing accidents, and protecting the lives of everyone on the roads.

There are a few key areas in which understanding these statistics is crucial: risk assessment, safety measures, policy development, awareness and education, and resource allocations.

• Risk assessments help individual authorities assess the relative risks associated with riding motorcycles versus driving cars, allowing for informed decision-making regarding safety measures and regulations.
• Safety measures help guide the development and implementation of targeted safety measures and initiatives tailored to address the specific risks faced by motorcyclists and car occupants.
• Policymakers can use this data to formulate and update traffic laws, licensing requirements, and infrastructure improvements aimed at reducing accidents and improving road safety for all road users.
• Knowledge of these statistics enhances public awareness and education about the importance of safe driving practices, proper vehicle maintenance, and adherence to traffic regulations.
• It helps allocate resources effectively, such as funding for road safety campaigns, law enforcement efforts, and emergency response services, based on the actual risks and trends observed in motorcycle and car accidents.

When examining Florida motorcycle accident statistics, it’s evident that motorcycles pose significant risks on the road. Understanding how dangerous motorcycles are in Michigan is crucial for road safety and education. On the other hand, California motorcycle accident statistics highlight the importance of comprehensive safety measures for motorcyclists. Each state presents unique challenges in motorcycle vs car accidents, emphasizing the need for tailored safety initiatives to protect all road users effectively.

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Car vs. Motorcycle Accidents: Final Thoughts

Whether you’re in a car or on a motorcycle, nobody wants to be in an accident. The likelihood of getting in a car accident depends on a variety of factors. However, being aware of this car vs. motorcycle accident statistics car accident vs. motorcycle statistics can be the difference between a clean driving or biking record, as well as a trip to the hospital. So stay safe, drive-wise, and ride smart.

Understanding motorcycle crash statistics vs car statistics is crucial no matter if you are the rider or driver. Risk Assessment, safety measures, policy development, awareness and education, and resource allocation are all areas that play a pivotal role in road safety, reducing accidents, and saving lives.

When comparing motorcycle accident statistics vs. a car, it’s essential to note that while motorcycles have higher fatality rates, car accidents yield a variety of outcomes due to structural protection. Both motorcycle accident vs. car accident statistics emphasize the importance of safety measures like wearing seat belts and helmets to reduce risks. Understanding car accident vs. motorcycle statistics underscores the need for comprehensive road safety strategies that address the unique vulnerabilities of both vehicles.

Whether you’re on four wheels or two, getting the best insurance rates will make for a better ride. Start comparing rates now by plugging your ZIP code into our free quote tool and save money on auto insurance today.

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