How Much More Dangerous are Motorcycles Than Cars in Tampa?
Motorcycles are symbolic of American freedom, adventure, and the open road to many who ride them. For others, they are a way to decrease transportation expenses or their environmental footprint. Unfortunately, no matter how much someone enjoys riding a motorcycle or how noble their intentions feel, they are still at much more of an injury risk than others who share the road in a passenger vehicle.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019 alone, over 5,000 motorcyclists lost their lives in motorcycle collisions. Motorcyclists were almost 29 times more likely than occupants of passenger cars to suffer fatal injuries in a crash per vehicle miles traveled during the same year. Motorcyclists are more at risk for many reasons. However, no matter the cause, they could be owed compensation for their injuries. Suppose you or someone you love was involved in an injury motorcycle accident. In that case, it's time to get a dedicated Tampa motorcycle attorney from Matthews Injury Law on your side.
What Makes Motorcycles More Dangerous?
Motorcycles are quite different from other vehicles on the road in many ways. Unfortunately, many of these differences make them more dangerous.
Lack of Protection and Safety Features
Motorcycles are inherently less crashworthy than their enclosed vehicle counterparts. They lack the protection and safety features other motor vehicles have, such as:
- Airbags
- Crumple zones
- Seat belts
- Roll bars
Additionally, motorcycles don't have the stability that other vehicles afford their drivers and passengers. Without four wheels as points of contact on the ground, motorcycles are more prone to getting into accidents and having them be more serious when they do happen.
Less Visible
Other drivers and pedestrians often find it more difficult to see motorcycles on the road. Not only are they smaller than typical vehicles, but also a driver's brain and eyes are also not wired to look for them and recognize them in ways that they do with larger cars and trucks.
Vulnerable to Weather/Road Conditions
Because they aren't in an enclosed vehicle, motorcyclists and their passengers are exposed to anything they might encounter. Road hazards and weather conditions can impact them much more than it does others they share the road with. While protective gear such as helmets, boots, and gloves can help, they generally don't prevent accidents, and there's no guarantee of them preventing injury or death.
Different Driving Mental Tasks
No matter what type of vehicle someone drives, driving requires knowledge, skill, and mental stamina. While the same factors are involved with driving vehicles with four or more wheels, driving a motorcycle is an entirely different experience. If a motorcyclist isn't prepared for this, it can increase the risk of an accident. However, those who drive passenger vehicles also need to know how to be cautious when driving with motorcycles in the vicinity.
Injured in an Accident? Contact a Skilled Tampa Motorcycle Attorney Today
Many different factors can cause a motorcycle accident. If you were recently injured in one, a Tampa motorcycle lawyer can help determine what might have caused your accident and who should be held liable. At Matthews Injury Law, it's our priority to help injured motorcycle accident victims and their families obtain compensation for their damages. To start this process, contact us to schedule a free personal injury consultation. Call 941-877-5800 or contact us online to learn more about how the services we offer can help you after a personal injury.