Motorcycle Vs. Car - Myth or Madness
"We loved the car, but it was never all that safe. When our bike died suddenly, we turned to each other and said: ‘It’s time to sell the car.’ "
Do you know that this is what most people think when they switch from a car to a motorcycle? Most of them haven't yet experienced it for themselves. They have heard about how awful motorcycles can be--how dangerous! In truth, however, riding on two wheels is actually quite safe with proper training and instruction.
Here are a few statistics to prove the point:
Between 1990 and 2000, motorcycle injuries and deaths decreased by 20% in the US. After 1998, there has even been a national decline in traffic fatalities. At the same time, motorcycle registrations have grown by 54%.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) , motorcycles represent only 3% of miles traveled on American roads; yet they account for 15% of highway fatalities. The one fatal crash occurred when an inexperienced and inattentive 16-year old driver came face to face with a bus.
Motorcycles are statistically safer than cars--even compact cars. At least four times as many people die in a car accident than are killed in an accident involving a motorcycle.
Part of this difference can be attributed to the fact that motorcycles are generally lighter and smaller than cars, and therefore less likely to generate the type of impact that can cause serious injury or death. The other factor is the fact that most people driving motorcycles do so with a reasonable amount of skill.
Even so, motorcycle accidents do occur. Sadly, they are not as uncommon as many people believe. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were an average of 17,810 motorcycle accidents and 2,050 fatalities in the US per year between 1999 and 2001.
While deaths have decreased by 19% over the last decade, it seems we are just catching up to where we should be in terms of motorcycle safety. More than four out of every five fatal motorcyclist crashes involve alcohol. All too often these accidents are caused by fatigued or inexperienced riders who ignore vehicle laws and drive recklessly in an effort to get somewhere faster than they should.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
Motorcycle safety is not just a matter of luck. Examining the statistics, there are several very specific items that every rider should take into consideration before taking to the highway on two wheels:
Dress appropriately: Wear a motorbike helmet that conforms to national standards and goggles or glasses that will protect your eyes from wind, rain and bugs. Whatever outfit you choose, make sure it is visibly marked with reflective tape. You should also have sturdy boots and your pants should fit snugly--especially around the ankles. If you are wearing leather clothing, make sure it is tightly laced up. Motorcycle jackets are also very important. Make sure it is of a sturdy material, preferably with a thermal lining. It should also be marked with reflective tape or have reflector strips incorporated into its design.
Wear a motorbike helmet that conforms to national standards and goggles or glasses that will protect your eyes from wind, rain and bugs. Whatever outfit you choose, make sure it is visibly marked with reflective tape. You should also have sturdy boots and your pants should fit snugly--especially around the ankles. If you are wearing leather clothing, make sure it is tightly laced up. Motorcycle jackets are also very important. Make sure it is of a sturdy material, preferably with a thermal lining. It should also be marked with reflective tape or have reflector strips incorporated into its design. Be aware of motor traffic: Drivers who habitually weave in and out of traffic, deadheading across four lanes of traffic, and swerving suddenly to avoid bumps or potholes are a hazard to all riders. These types of drivers put them in grave danger every time they ride.
Drivers who habitually weave in and out of traffic, deadheading across four lanes of traffic, and swerving suddenly to avoid bumps or potholes are a hazard to all riders. These types of drivers put them in grave danger every time they ride. Pay attention to the road: Poorly lit roads, sharp turns, sudden stops and confusing intersections are an accident waiting to happen. Give yourself plenty of time to stop and pay attention to your surroundings. People riding at night should make sure they wear light colored jackets and clothing or have reflective tape that will help other drivers see them on the road.
Poorly lit roads, sharp turns, sudden stops and confusing intersections are an accident waiting to happen. Give yourself plenty of time to stop and pay attention to your surroundings. People riding at night should make sure they wear light colored jackets and clothing or have reflective tape that will help other drivers see them on the road. Be very careful with alcohol: There are no statistics that have been released about the number of motorcycle accidents caused by drunk drivers, but it is a very serious problem that should be taken into consideration before taking to the road. Alcohol can impair your ability to ride and make it more difficult for you to respond quickly in an emergency situation.
There are no statistics that have been released about the number of motorcycle accidents caused by drunk drivers, but it is a very serious problem that should be taken into consideration before taking to the road. Alcohol can impair your ability to ride and make it more difficult for you to respond quickly in an emergency situation. Be aware of excessive sunlight: A good pair of sun glasses can help you protect your eyes and keep from getting burned.
A good pair of sun glasses can help you protect your eyes and keep from getting burned. Make sure your bike is up to code: Make sure the bike is a proper fit for you--both in terms of the seat height and the reach to the handlebars. You should also make sure it has brakes, lights, mirrors, tires and a horn. If these fail at any time when you're riding on public roadways, it could result in an accident or death.
Make sure the bike is a proper fit for you--both in terms of the seat height and the reach to the handlebars. You should also make sure it has brakes, lights, mirrors, tires and a horn. If these fail at any time when you're riding on public roadways, it could result in an accident or death. Be willing to think ahead: Always plan your route before taking off--it's impossible to know what else will be going on the roads ahead of time. When you are riding on public roads, you should expect other vehicles to change lanes suddenly without signaling or make abrupt turns in close proximity to you.
Conclusion
Riding a motorcycle on public roadways requires great responsibility. You should always ride alert and expect the unexpected. No matter how safe you think you are on two wheels, accidents happen to everyone from time to time. Even with all of your best efforts, you could still be involved in a fatal accident at any time and it is best to take extra precautions when riding so as to avoid any misfortune or unfortunate circumstance.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident while operating your vehicle on public roads, make sure that you have the following things covered:
Do not drive away from the scene of an accident--leave it for police and emergency personnel to resolve your matter.