When you’re on the road, every second counts—especially when it comes to braking. For motorcyclists, stopping quickly can mean the difference between a close call and a devastating collision. But do motorcycles actually stop faster than cars?
At first glance, motorcycles, with their lightweight frames and agile handling, might seem like they’d have the advantage. However, the reality isn’t that simple. Several factors, from tire contact with the road to braking technology, affect stopping distance. Understanding how and why these differences matter can help keep all drivers safe.
Car vs. Motorcycle Stopping Distance
Riders have many reasons why they prefer motorcycles to cars. They can save some gas money, and the size allows for improved maneuverability. You might see a few different types of motorcycles in the city or on the highway.
When someone drives, they must maintain an adequate distance from other cars. Regardless of the vehicle, time and space are necessary when braking. Some people wonder if motorcycles stop quicker than cars. The short answer is that motorcycles can stop faster than most vehicles on the road, primarily due to the lower mass, but this increased braking ability can also indirectly cause some serious accidents. Learn more from our motorcycle accident lawyers below.
What Motorcycle Accidents Can Other Drivers Cause?
Around 82,700 motorcyclists suffer injuries every year due to accidents with motor vehicles. Over 6,000 people die in fatal motorcycle crashes. A traumatic event can occur at any time for any reason. Potholes, tree branches, distracted drivers, and ice make the roads dangerous for riders.
Many situations involve a car and a motorcycle.
Common types of motorcycle accidents and their causes include:
- Head-on collisions. The nose of a vehicle strikes the front of a motorcycle. A driver might go down a one-way street in the wrong direction. They run the risk of a crash with a motorcyclist. A head-on collision can happen at an intersection or on a highway ramp as well.
- Lane-splitting. Some people ride between lanes of cars while on a motorcycle. Riders usually perform the action when traffic is slow or has come to a stop. Most states ban lane splitting since motorists might not expect a bike to pass by them. A car could hit a rider during a quick lane change.
- 18-wheeler accidents. Crashes with semi-trucks have a high risk of severe or fatal injuries. An 18-wheeler has a larger blind spot than a car and is less likely to see a motorcycle. The trailer could swerve and hit an unsuspecting motorcyclist. Alternatively, the person could end up underneath the truck.
- Rear-end collisions. When a vehicle follows closely behind another, a rear-end collision can occur. A driver requires time and a proper distance to stop without incident. A motorist can crash behind a motorcycle even if they have not tailgated. High speeds and distractions contribute to collisions.
In some cases, improper street maintenance and mechanical failures are causes of accidents. However, driver error is the primary factor for injuries. For instance, a person could misjudge how much space they need to stop.
What Is a Motorcycle’s Stopping Distance?
Like cars, motorcycles have a stopping distance riders need to keep in mind. The process begins when you notice a change and need to stop. Generally, an alert motorcyclist takes an average of 0.75 seconds to react. The motorcycle will have traveled a considerable number of feet within a second.
The rest of the distance passes by once the rider applies the brake. The length depends on several factors, including your speed and changes in road elevation. For example, 30 miles an hour creates a stopping distance of 75 feet.
A rider needs 29.5 feet to think and almost 46 feet to brake to avoid a collision. The length is equivalent to six cars. On the highway, a person going 60 miles per hour would need approximately 240 feet to stop safely.
Road elevation and conditions can affect how long you need to brake while on a motorcycle. Of course, the parts and features of the bike influence the stopping distance. A person could have an inefficient brake or suspension system.
Do Motorcycles Stop Faster Than Cars?
People may compare the positives and negatives between motorcycles and cars. One aspect is about which type of vehicle stops sooner than the other. Some people believe motorcycles have an advantage due to their weight and size. The answer can depend on the vehicle brand and the efficiency of the parts.
Surface traction and motorist skills play a part in the stopping distance. A car could take longer to stop at specific speeds but are quicker at other times. On average, motorcycles take a little longer to stop than cars. Motorcycles need approximately 18 percent more space than cars to brake.
A car only requires a single pedal, and an electrical system assists with the maneuver. Motorcyclists have to worry about two braking systems to the front and rear. They have to apply the correct pressure to both ends. The reason is the wheels could lock up and make the bike unstable. However, some motorcycles incorporate an anti-lock braking system to prevent locked wheels.
The size and tread of tires can influence braking speed. A quality tire has sufficient tread for traction to prevent skidding. Therefore, vehicles can stop sooner with enough traction. Motorcycles only have two tires, but a car has four. Additionally, a car’s wheels generally are wider and larger in diameter.
Even though motorcycles weigh less, cars have more friction. Regardless of which vehicle stops faster, driver negligence may increase the risk of an accident.
The Controls of a Motorcycle
The controls of a motorcycle play a unique role in managing speed, signaling, and handling.
The Clutch
A motorcycle has several more controls a rider needs to be aware of on the road. One of them is the clutch lever. When a person pulls the lever inward, the rear wheel loses power. The clutch prevents engine stalling, and the rider uses the control to help change gears. A few motorcycles are automatic and do not have a lever.
Indicators
The indicators, or signals, alert other motorists of the bike’s intentions. A driver can prepare in case the rider needs to change lanes or make a turn. The person has to manually turn the indicator off once they no longer need it.
The Horn
Like other vehicles, a motorcycle has a loud horn. The horn alerts drivers you are near them if you believe they have not spotted you. Of course, function brings someone to attention if they become distracted when the light turns green.
The Headlight
Motorcycles have a switch to manage the headlights. A person can flip between a high beam and a low beam. The panel lets the rider know if they have activated the high beam. Usually, the symbol is a small blue light. Another function is the headlight flasher; it warns others of your presence like a horn.
The Throttle
On the handlebar, the right grip controls the throttle. The throttle affects the speed of the motorcycle. If you twist the grip toward you, you begin to accelerate. You would turn the throttle away to help slow down the engine.
Foot Controls
The foot controls include the gear selector, rear brake pedal, and kick-start lever. The gear selector changes the gear to match the speed you wish to go. Typically, the control is on the left side. Meanwhile, the rear brake is usually on the right side.
The kick-start lever is part of the process of turning on the motorcycle. You need a sufficient amount of pressure for a successful attempt.
The Stopping Distance of a Car
On the other hand, a driver takes somewhere between 0.5 and .75 seconds to react to a hazard. Another 0.75 seconds pass while the foot moves to and presses down on the brake pedal. Like motorcycles, the stopping distance can depend on the vehicle model, road conditions, and driver attentiveness.
Ice or rain can make it take longer for a vehicle to stop fully. Higher speeds require greater distances between cars. At 60 miles per hour, the overall stopping distance for a small car is about 130 feet. Sports cars need 120 feet, and small SUVs have a stopping distance of about 132 feet.
On the highway, a driver can misjudge if the space between them and another car is enough. They could become negligent if an accident occurs. Some people move their foot lightly to the brakes at the first indication they have to slow down.
What FOUR Parties Could You Hold Liable in a Motorcycle Crash?
Several parties may be held liable for a motorcycle crash, including:
1. A Driver
Cars are the negligent party in many motorcycle-related accidents. A driver has a duty of care to be alert to their surroundings. They have to keep an eye on mirrors and blind spots to avoid a collision with a motorcyclist. Speeding, alcohol, and erratic driving make a driver liable for a rider’s injuries.
You would need to collect the person’s name, email, phone number, and insurance information.
2. The Manufacturer
The creator of a vehicle part can be at fault for a malfunction. Perhaps the car’s steering wheel or engine stopped working and caused a crash. The motorcycle could have had a faulty anti-lock braking system instead. You can get reimbursement if you can prove the manufacturer allowed a flawed vehicle to enter the market.
3. A Government Agency
If a government employee crashed into you, you could hold the agency liable. Many jurisdictions waive immunity for local and state governments for motorcycle accident cases. Injured victims could have the right to file a claim if the city's roads caused the incident. A municipality must keep streets free of potholes and reasonably safe for everyone.
4. The Motorcycle Rider
You might have been a passenger on a motorcycle when the collision occurred. You could have sustained injuries and gained medical debt because of the rider. The person driving the motorcycle could have behaved recklessly. You can file a compensation claim, but you would need to prove negligence.
Can You Sue for a No-Contact Crash?
While a driver caused someone’s injuries, their car might not have physically touched the motorcycle. In some cases, a vehicle makes the motorcycle take an evasive maneuver only to crash elsewhere. A driver could have cut you off, and you swerved into a fixed object.
You might steer out of the way if someone suddenly stops in front of you. Some people change lanes without looking and run riders off the road. Despite a motorcyclist’s best efforts, they run into a tree, pole, or another car. As a result, they are out of work for multiple days while they recover.
While the driver did not touch you, they can remain liable for the accident you endured. If you can identify the vehicle, you can start a lawsuit for compensation. You may need to use your uninsured motorist policy in the meantime.
If you locate the driver, you have to find evidence to prove their negligence. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you get the money you need after a no-contact collision.
Don't Accept an Insurer’s Initial Offer Without Consulting a Lawyer
Insurance companies tend to lowball the victims of motorcycle accidents. The other party’s insurer expects the individual to want to settle as soon as possible. The adjuster may hope you do not know the value of your claim.
The settlement likely will not cover all your current and future accident-related expenses. As a result, you should not accept the insurance company’s initial offer without first consulting a lawyer. Once you sign the papers, you will be unable to pursue further legal action against the liable driver for the same accident.
Instead, you should hire a lawyer and have them deal with the adjuster. They review offers and advise you if you should agree or not. Lawyers know how to negotiate for maximum compensation.
What to Do After a Hit-And-Run
When the at-fault party in a motorcycle accident flees the scene, a potential claim becomes more complicated. You are unable to collect their name and insurance information. The process of tracking down the motorist could take a while, and you might be unable to identify them. Additionally, your insurer likely may challenge your claim.
If a driver flees the accident, the first step is to get to a safe location away from traffic. Call the authorities to report the crash and wait for help to arrive. Record any qualities you can remember about the vehicle. Tell the police the color, make, model, and other details.
Even a part of the license plate number can help the police start their search. Another party could have been around to witness the crash. You can ask them what they remember about the hit-and-run car. Afterward, you should visit a hospital to treat your injuries.
Since the liable driver fled, you need to contact your insurance company. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you can use the policy to help cover expenses. You might face obstacles when you try to obtain financial support.
Were You in a Motorcycle Crash? Call a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near You.
If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle crash, it’s important to consult a motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney can assist you in the investigation of your case. They can file a case against the other driver’s insurance company or an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim if the other driver left the scene, had no insurance, or lacked a policy that would cover your damages. Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer at The Levin Firm today for a free consultation to discuss your case and legal options.
Gabriel Levin - Owner/Founder
Gabriel Levin is a highly experienced and award-winning attorney with over 10 years of practice in Pennsylvania. Known for his tenacity, he has represented clients in a wide range of civil matters and tried hundreds of cases. He prepares each case as if it will go to trial, ensuring meticulous attention to detail.
Unlike many firms that delegate tasks, Attorney Levin personally handles every aspect of each case and maintains open communication with his clients throughout. He has secured millions in compensation, making him a smart choice for those seeking legal representation.
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