Thirty-four percent of motorcycle riders in fatal crashes in 2023 had no
valid motorcycle licenses.
-In 2023 motorcycle riders in fatal crashes had higher percentages of
alcohol impairment than drivers of any other motor vehicle type (26%
for motorcycles, 24% for passenger cars, 20% for light trucks, and 4%
for large trucks).
Forty-one percent of motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle
crashes in 2023 were alcohol-impaired
Motorcycle riders killed in traffic crashes at night were two and a half
times more frequently alcohol-impaired than those killed during the day
(38% and 15%) in 2023.
In States without universal helmet laws, based on known helmet use, 51
percent of motorcyclists killed in 2023 were not wearing helmets, as
compared to 10 percent in States with universal helmet law
So basically, have a license and training and don’t drink. Helmets are good for your health.
…
Twenty-four percent of motorcycles in fatal traffic crashes in 2023 collided with fixed objects, compared to 16
percent for passenger cars, 12 percent for light trucks, and 4 percent for large trucks.
Don’t ride with a loonitick.
In 2023 there were 3,419 fatal two-vehicle crashes each involving a motorcycle and another type of vehicle. In 46 percent (1,588) of these crashes, the other vehicles were turning left while the motorcycles were going straight,
passing, or overtaking other vehicles.
Yeah, speaking as a rider from the USA it’s a mixed bag. If you ride safe (licensed and know what you are doing, not drunk, wear a helmet, and assume you are invisible) it’s orders of magnitude more safe than the statistics say. Sadly, there are a lot of reckless riders dying on bikes.
Still, a ton of drivers will absolutely drive like you are invisible and just plow into you. You also have to ride carefully and be constantly aware of your bike and your surroundings. Plan for bad situations as you see them forming even though most of the time nothing happens. Small mistakes can be negated by four wheels but won’t be forgiven on two.
I didn’t start until the pandemic, which gave me an opportunity to work remotely for a time and save money. I have enjoyed riding. The motivation to be present in the moment for the sake of safety is a bit zen for me. In a car I feel like I can arrive at work deep in thought about the horrors of the world and not even remember how I got there. Admittedly, as I got more comfortable on the bike, my mind can still wander but it’s easier to snap back and focus on not dying on the bike.
I’ve wanted a motorcycle for decades. NHTSA’s stats on motorcycle accidents send very mixed signals:
So basically, have a license and training and don’t drink. Helmets are good for your health.
…
Don’t ride with a loonitick.
Well, that sucks :(
Yeah, speaking as a rider from the USA it’s a mixed bag. If you ride safe (licensed and know what you are doing, not drunk, wear a helmet, and assume you are invisible) it’s orders of magnitude more safe than the statistics say. Sadly, there are a lot of reckless riders dying on bikes.
Still, a ton of drivers will absolutely drive like you are invisible and just plow into you. You also have to ride carefully and be constantly aware of your bike and your surroundings. Plan for bad situations as you see them forming even though most of the time nothing happens. Small mistakes can be negated by four wheels but won’t be forgiven on two.
I didn’t start until the pandemic, which gave me an opportunity to work remotely for a time and save money. I have enjoyed riding. The motivation to be present in the moment for the sake of safety is a bit zen for me. In a car I feel like I can arrive at work deep in thought about the horrors of the world and not even remember how I got there. Admittedly, as I got more comfortable on the bike, my mind can still wander but it’s easier to snap back and focus on not dying on the bike.
I’ve had this experience in a miata and Fiero. Low roofline + small car = invisibility cloke :(