Is it Safer To Ride a Motorcycle on Streets or the Highway?
Bill Allen | April 24, 2025 | Uncategorized
Motorcycles are a fun and fuel-efficient way to get around, especially in Florida’s warm climate. But safety is a big concern for riders and their families. One common question we hear is: Is it safer to ride a motorcycle on local streets or on highways?
While both options have risks, they are very different kinds of risks. This article breaks it down simply so you can better understand where you’re safer — and why.
Understanding the Basics of Motorcycle Safety
Motorcycle riders don’t have the same protection as car drivers. There’s no metal frame, no airbags, and no seatbelts. That means even small motorcycle accidents can lead to serious injuries.
Knowing where crashes happen and why can help you make better choices on the road. Let’s look at both streets and highways in more detail.
The Risks of Riding on Local Streets
Local streets, also called surface streets, include neighborhood roads, city streets, and other roads with stop signs, traffic lights, and intersections. These areas often have lower speed limits, usually between 25 and 45 miles per hour.
Pros of Riding on Streets:
- Slower speeds: Lower speeds usually mean less severe injuries in a crash.
- Closer to help: You’re near homes, stores, and other people who can call 911.
- More visibility: Traffic is often slower, giving drivers more time to see you.
Cons of Riding on Streets:
- More intersections: Most motorcycle accidents happen at intersections.
- More distracted drivers: People tend to text, eat, or daydream more on local roads.
- Sudden stops and turns: Cars often stop quickly, make U-turns, or pull out without looking.
Streets may feel safer because of the lower speed, but the high number of intersections and distracted drivers make them dangerous in a different way. Streets have slower speeds, but more unpredictable dangers.
The Dangers and Benefits of Riding on the Highway
Highways in Florida include I-75, I-95, and other major roads where the speed limit is usually 55 mph or higher. You might think that faster speeds make highways more dangerous, but that’s not always true.
Pros of Riding on Highways:
- Fewer intersections: Highways don’t have stop signs or lights, so there are fewer chances for a car to suddenly turn in front of you.
- More consistent traffic flow: Cars move in the same direction at steady speeds.
- Less pedestrian traffic: No people crossing the road or parked cars pulling out.
Cons of Riding on Highways:
- Higher speeds mean harder crashes: If there’s a crash, it’s more likely to be serious.
- More trucks and large vehicles: Riding next to semi-trucks can be dangerous.
- Merging traffic: On-ramps and lane changes require full attention and skill.
Highway crashes tend to be more deadly, but they’re also less likely to happen compared to city streets. Highways are faster and scarier but may actually be safer due to fewer unexpected moves.
Which One Is Statistically Safer?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most fatal motorcycle crashes happen on urban roads, not highways. In fact, over 60% of fatal motorcycle accidents happen on non-interstate roads. That means local streets are more likely to be the scene of a crash.
Even though highways involve higher speeds, the smoother traffic flow and fewer intersections make them less risky for careful riders. So, based on data, highways are often safer than city streets for motorcycle riders.
What To Do if You’re in a Motorcycle Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may have medical bills, lost wages, and a long recovery ahead. It’s important to speak with a personal injury lawyer who understands Florida’s motorcycle laws and can fight for your rights. Contact an attorney for a free consultation today.
Contact Our Gainesville Personal Injury Law Firm at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers in North Central Florida
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and need help navigating the process of obtaining an accident report or dealing with your insurance company, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys at Allen Law is here to provide expert legal guidance every step of the way.
If you need legal assistance, contact the Gainesville car accident lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today, we’re open 24 hours daily.
We have three convenient locations in Marion County and Alachua County, North Central Florida:
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville Office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258