Motorcycle accidents have become a serious concern in recent years, with thousands of riders and passengers falling victim to these crashes every year. While motorcyclists are often seen as more agile and responsive drivers than their vehicle counterparts, the reality is that motorcycle accidents are actually quite common.
Relative Risk
The relative risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident is significantly higher than that of a traditional motor vehicle accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to be killed in a crash compared to passenger car occupants. Furthermore, motorcyclists are also 33 times more likely to be seriously injured.
- Between 2013 and 2017, an estimated 5,600 people were killed on motorcycles in the United States alone.
- The fatality rate for motorcyclists per mile traveled was 14.4 times higher than that of passenger car occupants.
Comparison to Vehicle Accidents
While motorcycle accidents are more common, they tend to have a lower fatality rate compared to vehicle accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), motorcyclists are 35% less likely to be killed in a crash than passenger car occupants.
| Fatality Rate | Crash Per Mile Traveled |
|---|---|
| Motorcyclists: 14.4 per 100 million miles traveled (2017) | Passenger Car Occupants: 11.5 per 100 million miles traveled (2019) |
| Motorcyclists: 35% less likely to be killed in a crash (IIHS, 2020) | Passenger Car Occupants: 60% more likely to be killed in a crash (NHTSA, 2019) |
