Brian White | March 29, 2023 | Motorcycle Accidents

Driving Car Or Driving Motorcycle, Which Is Safer?

Motorcycles and cars are two of the most common vehicles on Texas roadways. You might be wondering which mode of transportation is safer here in the Lone Star State. Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers explains whether cars or motorcycles are safer. 

Is A Motorcycle Safer Than A Car?

If you are wondering, “Is a motorcycle safer than a car?” here is what you need to know: Car accidents are more common than motorcycle accidents, but motorcycle accidents tend to cause more serious harm. 

There were more than 552,000 motor vehicle crashes in Texas in 2021. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that 4,489 people died in traffic accidents in 2021. 521 motorcycle riders or passengers died in 2021. There were 2,319 suspected motorcycle rider or passenger injuries in 2021, compared to 19,448 people injured in all motor vehicle accidents. 

The greater number of car accidents compared to motorcycle accidents makes sense because there are many more registered passenger vehicles than motorcycles. Most people drive or travel in passenger vehicles, not motorcycles. There are currently more than 22 million registered vehicles in Texas. Only 328,000 of these vehicles are motorcycles. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports the odds of dying in particular types of accidents. According to the NSC, the odds of dying in a motor vehicle crash are 1 in 93. In comparison, the odds of dying in a motorcycle accident are 1 in 747. 

However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to be involved in an accident than drivers of other vehicles. In Texas, 1 in 100 people suffers fatal injuries in a car accident, compared to 1 in 16 motorcyclists who suffer fatal injuries. According to these statistics, cars are safer than motorcycles. 

Are Bikes Safer Than Cars?

After looking at car and motorcycle accident statistics, you might also wonder, “What about bikes?” In 2021, there were 2,265 accidents involving bicyclists. Over 90 of these crashes were fatal, and 326 were suspected serious crashes. These represent just a small percentage of the annual traffic accidents. However, it is difficult to determine how many people use bikes on a regular basis since they do not need to be registered and insured in the same way as motor vehicles in Texas. 

Dangers Of Motorcycle And Bike Accidents

Motorcycle and bike accidents tend to cause more serious injuries and result in death more than car accidents. This is likely due to the many differences between cars and motorcycles, such as:

  • Motorcycles and bikes don’t have seat belts.
  • Motorcycles and bikes don’t have airbags.
  • Motorcycles and bikes don’t have steel frames that protect the occupants inside in case of a crash.
  • Motorcycles and bikes lack other safety features that passenger vehicles have.
  • Drivers of cars tend not to see motorcyclists or bicyclists, so accidents involving them may occur at higher speeds.
  • Motorcycles are more vulnerable to the roadway due to being on two tires and lower to the ground. 

Many motorcyclists understand the additional risks of riding these vehicles and are particularly vigilant when driving. However, they cannot control the actions of careless drivers.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer for Help After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accident victims have just as much right to seek compensation following an accident as occupants who are injured in accidents involving passenger vehicles. 

Whether you are involved in a bike, motorcycle, or car accident, an experienced accident lawyer can help. Contact a lawyer for a free case review to learn about your legal rights and options. 

For more information, contact the Houston motorcycle accident law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.

Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers
3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350
Houston, TX 77098
United States

Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – East Fwy
11811 East Fwy, Suite 630-06
Houston, TX 77029
United States

Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – South Loop
2600 S Loop W, Suite 293
Houston, TX 77054
United States