Motorcycles have now been embraced largely worldwide, as a tool for either business or pleasure, or even as an alternative for other means of transport in cities where heavy traffic can be witnessed during rush hours. However, it has recently been found that being on a motorcycle increases the risk of an accident in comparison to using a car. This is because it lacks essentials such as seatbelts and they have higher vulnerability to road obstructions, in addition to their instability and small size. According to statistics by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the risk of an individual being involved in a motorcycle accident is raised by over 5 times and the chances of survival are also minimal, depending on the severity of the motorcycle accident. It has been discovered that whereas cars are involved in 1.7 accidents for every 100 million miles covered, in motorcycles, the risk is at 35 (Injury Helpline Resources).
In the event of a motorcycle accident, the nature of the crash determines a person’s chances of survival. In the event that a motorcycle crashes with a car or pick-up truck, the motorcycle driver is 26 times likely to suffer an injury or death. Over 50% of those involved in such accidents injure their legs, feet, head or neck (Injury Helpline Resources). There has been a gradual increase in motorcycle accidents since 2001, and most of these have been as a result of reckless driving by male operators. Females who have been involved in such accidents were passengers and are rated at 65%, in comparison to males who are at 99% (Injury Helpline Resources).
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Looking at these statistics, it is believable that motorcycle accidents are higher, and more fatal on the highways since they lack the proper necessities to help increase chances of survival of an operator or even a passenger. They lack airbags and restraints and the only safety equipment is a helmet which does very little to protect the body of a motorcycle operator. Despite being skilled or unskilled when operating a motorcycle, it is important for the operator to be extremely careful in order to reduce their chances of being involved in a motorcycle accident.
In reference to the statistics, my risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident are lowered since I hardly ever board a motorcycle and our area of residence has very few motorcycle operators. There is also a secluded place where motorcycle riders can go to practice their skill, without necessarily interfering with other road users. For this reason, very few accidents are expected to occur in the area and thus motorcycle accidents are rare.
References
Injury Helpline Resources. (N.d.). The Startling Numbers behind Motorcycle Accidents. Retrieved from http://www.injuryhelpline.com/blog/motorcycle-accident-injury-statistics/
