How Dangerous Are Motorcycles?

People love to talk about how dangerous motorcycles are without actually saying how dangerous motorcycles are. RyanF9 starts up a conversation about that subject on his latest MotoVlog.

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[carl]

"I've been riding around all day and I'm not dead yet."

Well that's me sold.

[johnflynn]

Great video. I really like your channel. I was on the staff at the (US) Naval Safety Center when we did a serious statistical study on motorcycle safety. We had a lot of young sailors who were away from home with money in their pockets for the first time. A lot of them were buying bikes and a lot of them were getting hurt and killed. There were three top factors that came out of that study. If these factors were satisfied, motorcycle riding was shown to be only somewhat more dangerous than car driving.

The top factors we found were: 1) Taking a comprehensive motorcycle safety course. 2) Not having ANY alcohol or impairing substances in your system. Forget the "legal limits, " the stats said no bad stuff in your system at all. 3) Not riding at night. That's not to say one shouldn't ride at night or you can't be safe at night, just that the rider should be aware that his risks go up when he does.

I follow those guidelines, including having taken four safety courses. I also do the following, which probably make me "less than cool, " but whatever: Safety yellow helmet and jacket, aftermarket headlight and taillight bulbs that are about 50% brighter, ABS and an airbag vest (you should do an F9 review of those, BTW). I also follow the rules of the road, keep my speed reasonable and don't ride in even mild bad weather. I assume EVERY car that could possibly cut me off is about about to cut me off and I take every curve like there is going to be an oil slick around the bend.

I also avoid riding too much bike for my abilities. I have a V-Strom DL650. I could have gotten a 1000, but the 650 is plenty for me. I have tried riding a friend's BMW 1200. It's fine for him, he is more experienced, but it was clearly too much for me. Even with all that, I have had some stationary spills and some moving close calls, but no crashes. So I think much more than with auto safety, motorcycle safety is something you need to work at.

[apotheosis]

I came for the motorcycle stats. I stayed for the windmill facts.

[cxbkpmf]

"Is this stop sign for me?" Excellent postulation, hinting at an abstract existentialism but clearly of a self probing philosophical nature.

[TweakedTay]

"Alright guys, we have some important numbers

If you choose to be better then average

Remember to always try to gear up


- Ryan Fortnine.

[alecmcgregor]

I like that you calculated the ratio for crashes per kilometer rather than just crashes to crashes. Also like that you accounted for safety like not speeding You're definitely in my top 10 youtubers!

[donmichigan]

50 years ago my mom said motorcycles are dangerous.
I just fell off my couch and banged my knee on the coffee table. Mom never told me about couch danger.

[graydation]

There is one number you did not take into consideration... How many people do stupid shit on a motorcycle compared to how many people do stupid shit in cars.

[stephenmwyatt]

THe best case for a motorcycle rider

1) Licensed and Insured
2) Trained at a Rider Course
3) Wearing a Proper fitting DOT or SNELL rated helmet with eye protection
4) Never exceed the speed limit by more than 50%
5) Make eye contact with cars that could turn left in front of you
6) Be aware of rear-endign cars and being rear-ended by a car, Never modify rear view mirrors.
7) Always be prepared to stop or slow down when you are on the left side of a car
8) Never weave in traffic
9) Never drive drunk or after drinking
10) Drive cautiously until you have 3 years of experience on the same bike
11) Never ride in someones blind spot
12) Look far down the road, at least 50 yards
13) Practice and perfect panic-stop braking
14) Practice and perfect counter-steering
15) Wear a vented helmet in hot weather, Have more than one Helmet
16) Keep newer tires on your motorcycle
17) Learn to ride motorcycles on the dirt
18) Avoid modifying your motorcycle mirrors and lights
19) Learn about "speed wobbles"
20) Keep away from cars



elements of a motorcycle crash

traffic
road conditions
speed
riding skills
helmets /equipment
attitudes
bike position / location

common motorcycle crashes:

1) Lose your line on a sweeper turn, left turns mean leaving the road on the right, or right turns can mean head-on collisions

2) rear ended - Sudden stops. Rear-end accidents resulting from following too closely or an abrupt stop hitting a car can result in serious injury or death


4) Passing cars

5) Unsafe lane changes. A driver risks colliding with a motorcyclist when he or she fails to check his or her blind spot or signal when changing lanes.

6) Car doors. Some motorcycle accidents occur when a driver opens the door of their parked vehicle in the path of an oncoming motorcycle.

7) Speeding. A leading cause of all types of auto accidents, speeding reduces a vehicle’s chance of seeing and reacting to other drivers in time to prevent a collision. The higher the speed, the greater the impact and the more severe the consequences.

8) Driving under the influence. Drivers who cause accidents because they were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may face both civil and criminal liability.

9) Lane splitting. Driving between two lanes of traffic is called “lane splitting.” This practice is not legal in many states and is especially dangerous for inexperienced riders. It is legal and even encouraged in California and you should be aware of this.

10) Inexperienced drivers. Inexperienced drivers are likely to make unsafe moves on the road that could compromise the safety of other motorists.

11) Dangerous road conditions. Crumbling pavement, potholes, debris, and a lack of necessary signals and signs can all increase a motorcycle rider’s chances of losing control of his or her vehicle.

12) Motorcycle defects. The manufacturer of a poorly designed or manufactured motorcycle part can be held liable for any injuries or deaths arising from use of the defective part.

13) Hitting animals -

14) Panic-stop braking -

15) Exceeding the performance abilities of the bike

16) Potholes, things on the road

17) High Side Crash

18) Low-Side crash

19) Speed Wobbles crash

20) cars violating a motorcycles right of way

21) Bad motorcycle tires

22) Rider error

23) hot weather means way fewer helmets worn, and way more death. in 2015 Florida had 555 deaths, Hawaii is Wash D.C. had 3, Helmet laws save lives



facts about motorcycles



75% of accidents involved collision with a car, 25% are only the bike, 66% of crashes are the cars fault from not seeing the bike, left turns are ther main problem. Glare or other vehicles block view 50% of the time.

Motorcycle failure are less than 3% of these motorcycle accidents, of those 90% are flat tires.

66% of 1-vehicle crashes are the motorcyclist fault, usually a low-side or losing your line.

2% hitting potholes or road hazards, 1% are hitting animals

Deliberate hostile action by a motorist against a motorcycle rider is extremely rare.

Intersections are the most likely place for the motorcycle accident, other vehicle violating the motorcycle right-of-way, and often violating traffic controls.

Weather is seldom a factor in 98% of motorcycle accidents.

Most motorcycle accidents involve a short trip associated with shopping, errands, at the beginning of the trip.

Conspicuity of the motorcycle is a critical factor ( headlamps-on bright jackets, loud pipes)

Motorcycle crashes often have fire associated

Most crashes occur from 21 to 30mph, the fewest crashes occur at 86 mph

90% of crashes occur within 45° of either side of straight ahead.

Conspicuity of the motorcycle is most critical for the frontal surfaces of the motorcycle and rider (lights, clothing).

Riders between the ages of 16 and 24 crash the most; the least is ages of 30 to 50.

96% of riders are male, but the 4% of female riders crash more than men.

Professionals crash the least. Laborers, students, and unemployed crash the most.

Riders with tickets and other accidents crash 3 times as often.

92% of crashes have riders that were self-taught or learned from family or friends.

70% of crashes have been riding less than 5 months on the actual motorcycle.

If you start on dirt bikes, you are 90% less chance of crashing on the street.

Lack of attention to the driving task is a common factor for the motorcyclist in an accident.

45% of the fatal accidents show alcohol involvement.

90% of accident riders showed significant collision avoidance problems. Most riders would overbrake and skid the rear wheel, and underbrake the front wheel greatly reducing collision avoidance deceleration. The ability to countersteer and swerve was essentially absent.

The typical motorcycle accident allows the motorcyclist just less than 2 seconds to complete all collision avoidance action.

Passenger carrying motorcycles crash 70% less.

The drivers of the other vehicle involved in collision are likely 20 to 29, or beyond 65

Large displacement motorcycles over 749cc crash 70% less, but have bad accidents more often.

Motorcycle color has no effect on accidents.

Motorcycles equipped with fairings and windshields are underrepresented in accidents.

Motorcycle riders in accidents were significantly without motorcycle license, without any license, or with license revoked.

Motorcycle modifications such as those associated with the Semi-Chopper or Cafe Racer are definitely overrepresented in accidents.

bad injury happens 98% of multiple vehicle collisions, 96% of the single bike accidents; 45% had some injury.

Half of the injuries to the somatic regions were to the ankle-foot, lower leg, knee, and thigh-upper leg.

Crash bars are not an effective injury countermeasure;

The use of heavy boots, jackets, gloves, etc., is effective but not against severe injury

Groin injuries were sustained in 13% of the accidents, and typified by multiple vehicle collision in frontal impact.

Injury severity increases with speed, alcohol involvement and motorcycle size.

73% percent of the accident-involved motorcycle riders used no eye protection.

Approximately 50% of the motorcycle riders in traffic were using safety helmets but only 40% of the accident-involved motorcycle riders.

Voluntary helmet use for crashes was lowest for untrained, uneducated, young motorcycle riders on hot days and short trips.

The most deadly Injuries to the accident victims were injuries to the chest and head.

The Helmet is the single critical factor in the prevention or reduction of head injury; (FMVSS 218, DOT, SNELL)

Helmets do not reduce sound or field of view.

70% of crash victims had no helmet.

90% of crash victims have no insurance for car or motorcycle


# riders by state

Rank State # Bikes Population People per bike

1 South Dakota 69, 284 816, 598 12
2 New Hampshire 79, 266 1, 316, 807 17
3 Iowa 173, 929 3, 050, 202 18
4 Wisconsin 317, 276 5, 691, 659 18
5 Wyoming 30, 351 564, 554 19
6 North Dakota 32, 654 674, 629 21
7 Vermont 30, 070 625, 909 21
8 Montana 46, 996 990, 958 21
9 Minnesota 240, 288 5, 310, 658 22
10 Alaska 30, 983 714, 146 23
11 Idaho 62, 576 1, 571, 102 25
12 Maine 50, 318 1, 327, 379 26
13 New Jersey 330, 470 8, 799, 593 27
14 Colorado 173, 120 5, 047, 692 29
15 Delaware 30, 494 899, 792 30
16 Ohio 390, 494 11, 537, 968 30
17 Oklahoma 127, 140 3, 760, 184 30
18 Washington 220, 856 6, 742, 950 31
19 Pennsylvania 404, 164 12, 717, 722 31
20 Indiana 204, 402 6, 490, 622 32
21 New Mexico 64, 863 2, 065, 913 32
22 Rhode Island 32, 989 1, 052, 528 32
23 Michigan 308, 338 9, 877, 143 32
24 Florida 574, 176 18, 838, 613 33
25 West Virginia 56, 210 1, 854, 368 33
26 Kansas 81, 354 2, 859, 143 35
27 Oregon 108, 313 3, 838, 332 35
28 Nebraska 51, 371 1, 830, 141 36
29 Arizona 178, 890 6, 413, 158 36
30 Connecticut 97, 960 3, 575, 498 36
31 Illinois 350, 193 12, 841, 980 37
32 Alabama 127, 255 4, 785, 401 38
33 Tennessee 168, 408 6, 357, 436 38
34 Arkansas 76, 293 2, 921, 588 38

AND THAT'S ALL YOU GET TO TYPE. IF YOU ARE TOO DRUNK TO WALK, DRIVE A CAR, NOT A MOTORCYCLE

[heytheredontworryboutit]

You turned the camera off and walked right up to that windmill didn't you? Haha.

[MHeadroom]

I’m a former highway patrol officer and have seen my share of motor vehicle accidents ( way more cars than motorcycles). For motorcyclist accidents ( including fatalities) it always came down to the following: (1) speed, speed and more speed, ( 2) age i.e. young inexperienced riders riding well beyond their capabilities (3) riders failing to ride to road conditions and weather conditions, (4) substance use at time of accident i.e. alcohol and/or drugs; and (5) high powered bikes or poorly maintained machines, particularly brakes, tyres and lights. I ride and if you keep your distance, ride safely and within your skill envelope where you can react and mitigate your risks through avoiding other stupid road users you will find that cautious riding will ensure you think and anticipate your riding environment through strong situational awareness. Good riders realise the freedom and fun to enjoy their motorcycle on a public street whilst ensuring their own safety and the safety of other road users. Bad riders only think about themselves. Rain and night riding are my most avoided scenarios. Keep riding and ride safe👍😎

[ChamplainValleyRailSnapshots]

I'm always amazed when I see guys rocketing out on their sport bikes in tank tops and shorts, wearing sandals.

[oldgeezerproductions]

I've been riding motorcycles, off and on, for 58 years (since I was 15.5) although there have been some real long dry spells in there. After many years of not riding, I bought a small displacement, 25 HP road bike about 2 years ago and I ride it a lot. Before buying the bike, I looked into what some great people have posted on safety and I was amazed at how things had changed -- for the better. Thanks to the many wonderful training and safety videos that teach road strategy and encouraged practice and more practice of those all important riding skills, I have learned way more in the last 2 years than all the previous years combined.


Having said all that, often I am passed by fools (mostly on sports bikes) who suddenly appear out of nowhere and whizz by me maybe 50 MPH faster than what I'm doing (the speed limit). This isn't the only deadly foolish thing I see motorcyclists doing, like driving faster than traffic and appearing out of nowhere so that people in cars can't possibly see them in time to avoid a crash. When I see how so utterly foolish and reckless many people ride and how little time and though people want to give to training and practice, it is a wonder that so FEW motorcyclists are killed each year. I've had some "close calls" but by looking ahead, anticipating situations and having a backup plan and practiced road skills, they really weren't all that close. Things can happen to anyone at any time, but I feel much safer than the stats seem to indicate and I am satisfied that my risk is acceptably low. By applying these motorcycle safety principles to my car driving, I feel that I'm a much safer driver now than I ever was.

[hommebizzare]

A lot of deaths here in Denmark are related to elder people picking up a motorcycle after not riding for many years. And I don't think you can compare mileage, I think a person that rides a lot is generally more safe on the road

[nimamesbah]

I love how he has been riding since he was 12, but still enjoys every little bit of it like its his first time.

[bos]

Before I started riding I thought I was going to be at least a little afraid of riding, especially in traffic, but to my surprise, I really don't have any fear at all when I ride. To the contrary, I feel like I am in complete control. I practice alot. I spent most of my time riding today just doing slow speed maneuvers. I ride within my limits, never do I compromise that. I like the 70% rule. Good one to live by. Anyway, stay safe out there. Keep the vids coming, always professionally done.

[AdamOstridge]

I'm looking at potentially getting a bike in the not too distant future and your channel is not only informative, but also shows how fun, safe and friendly motorcycling can be! Thanks for the great content, I'm looking forward to more to come and hope to be watching as a fellow biker some time in the next year! Keep up the awesome work! :)

[rrrandommman]

I love how quiet your bike is, and how respectfully you ride. Thanks for the break down on safety. Ride safe.

[knightlautrec]

All the motorcycle deaths in my area in recent years have been down to two factors: recklessness and speed. In some cases there really is not a lot you can do (being pulled out on at a junction), but you can greatly minimise it by riding sensibly and being aware of problem spots i.e. junctions.

[mwsletten]

Excellent video. The term you're looking for (one used in professional aviation for some time now) is "risk management." You know what they are, so you take steps to mitigate them. Keep to the speed limit on roads with blind turns and hills; know where car drivers are most likely not to see you and prepare to stop/avoid; know when conditions increase riding risk (wet roads, fall leaves, winter gravel, etc.); and so on. Take an advanced rider course to learn how to better control your motorcycle, then practice, practice, practice.

Most of all, set personal limits and stick with them. Every time you do something dangerous with no adverse consequences you reinforce the notion that doing dangerous things is okay. Ride fast on the track; ride smart on the street.