Does driving a motorcycle cause a greater risk of fatal injury on the road?

If you own a motorcycle, you do have a greater risk of getting into serious and fatal accidents on the road. The main reason motorcycles are so dangerous is simply because they don’t have the safety features that a car provides. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) claim that motorcycle fatalities have increased since 1997 for the following reasons:

More large-engine motorcycles are on the road
 
Only 50 percent of motorcyclists who were killed wore helmets

Better licensing is crucial: The wrong license is more likely to be owner by younger riders. Sometimes they don’t have a license to operate a motorcycle at all. 

Sadly, riding after taking drugs or drinking is a major cause of fatalities.

A major factor in crashes among riders under age 30 happens to be speeding.

These are the reasons why motorcycles aren’t as safe on the road as cars. However, if you already own a motorcycle, that doesn’t mean that, you can’t be safe on the road. In fact, the Motorcycle Safety Association offered the following driving tips for motorcycle riders:

Before changing lanes or stopping, make sure that you check mirrors. A rear-end crash might occur because of a quick stop without checking rear traffic.
 
Make sure that you always wear a helmet.

Operate your motorcycle in the safest and most alert way as possible. Always use headlights and avoid riding in cars’ blind spots.

Be alert at intersections and drive defensively. According to recent evaluations, 70 percent of motorcycle-vehicle collisions occur at intersections.

Eye protection, full-fingered gloves, high-top boots or shoes and a jacket are all protective gear that should be worn while driving your motorcycle.

Be alert when noticing wet pavement and gravel. Other hazards on the road are puddles, debris on the roadway, potholes, and manhole covers. When spotting these kinds of obstacles, react accordingly.

Be safe and do not go over the speed limit.