Are Motorcyclists At More Risk Than Car Drivers on the Roads?
Although motorcycles are bigger, heavier, and significantly faster than bicycles, both types of vehicles share many of the same components. Motorcycles, just like bicycles, are frequently referred to as “bikes.” Both of these vehicles basically have two wheels, though some upgraded versions and the more expensive motorcycles have three wheels.
Motorcycles are known to be the most convenient form of transportation in many parts of the world. You can easily reach your destination if you travel in motorcycles in traffic-infested areas. These vehicles can speed through between cars and trucks, and maneuver through traffic jams.
But how risky is motorcycle driving? With all the safety tips and precautions, most motorcyclists find motorcycle driving more advantageous than having a car.
In many countries, motorcycles have been mass-produced and are way cheaper than four-wheeled vehicles. Affordability allows even a low-income earner to own a motorcycle for personal convenience and, sometimes, for hire services. The concern for motorcyclist safety however, continues.
Motorcyclists: Are They More At Risk Than Four-Wheeled Vehicle Drivers?
The Road Hazards
According to many reports, risks of injury or motorcyclists’ deaths are higher than those driving a car during an accident. Compared to drivers of closed vehicles, motorcyclists and their passengers are at a greater risk of injury or death from the hazards posed by the environment, the weather and other road conditions.
The fact that bike drivers are out in the open sitting on top of their vehicles, make them very vulnerable to road hazards. Also, the impact on a motorcyclist when a motorcycle gets hit by a truck is often fatal. It’s more manageable than the driver whose car crashed on another vehicle.
It’s why, if you or your loved one may get involved in motorcycle accidents, it’s best that you consult the experts before filing your claims. You will need a reliable partner in the legal processes who can help you take your case to trial. It’s the most effective way to get compensation for injuries and other damages.
The Motorcycle’s Make
Why do motorcycles put the lives of their drivers in riskier positions than car drivers? It’s because of how motorcycles were designed and made. It’s not as stable as a car. It can’t provide the safety nets that a four-wheeled passenger car offers, like roofing and enclosure, the seatbelts and airbags.
Drivers and passengers in a car may experience an accident’s impact. But the effects are minimal compared to what motorcyclists and their passengers may experience. Car passengers have more protection inside the car’s enclosures, including their safety features behind the wheel.
Seatbelts and airbags are pretty impossible to attach into a motorcycle. You may have seen motorcycles with roofs in some continents, but it’s mostly to protect the riders from the sun and the rain, it’s not enough for protection purposes.
The motorcycle’s features and make, however beneficial, possesses more danger to its driver or rider than car or truck drivers.
The Motorists Condition
Vehicle drivers all know the road signs and the dos and don’ts while operating and maneuvering their vehicles. But you may have observed that motorcyclists are more daring and mostly risk-takers. They seem to be on a motorcycle race all the time.. You can always see motorcycle drivers beating the red light or swerving their way through traffic of cars and trucks.
But no matter the professionalism and motorcycling skills, drivers are still subject to their physical, mental and emotional condition while driving. Some drivers still proceed with their travel even if they lack sleep or are really out of the weather. These conditions endanger the motorist.
It’s dangerous for a motorcyclist to drive even if not feeling well. It may cause the driver to fall asleep, fail to avoid another vehicle, or will not be able to pay attention to some obstacles on the road.
These instances can cause fatal accidents to motorcyclists more than the car drivers experiencing these predicaments.
