Crash on Vehicle Type
When we examine traffic crashes in Turkey by vehicle type, the data reveals a very clear reality: "The vehicle involved in the most crashes" is not always "the vehicle causing the most fatalities." The 2024 data highlights this striking fact, particularly regarding motorcycles.
Which Vehicle Types Were Involved in the Most Crashes in 2024?
According to the total number of vehicles involved in traffic crashes in 2024:
Passenger Cars: 164,074
Buses: 7,016
Minibuses: 9,202
Light Commercial Vehicles (Pickups): 53,821
Motorcycles: 123,676
Distribution of Vehicle Involvement:
42% of all traffic crashes involved passenger cars.
Motorcycles ranked second, accounting for 31% of involvements.
While "passenger cars" remain the vehicle type most frequently involved in crashes in Turkey, a closer look shows that motorcycles are following very closely behind. With the rise in motorcycle usage in recent years, it is evident that this percentage is steadily growing.
Furthermore, 2024 data indicates an increase in crashes involving motorcycles and buses compared to the previous year. Bu trend points not only to individual driving habits but also to a structural transformation ranging from urban transportation to the rapid delivery sector.
Source: TUİK- Includes those who were injured in a traffic accident, referred to a healthcare facility, and died within 30 days due to the cause and effects of the accident.
Cars are Involved in the Most Crashes, But Who is Losing Their Lives?
In 2024, passenger cars were the vehicle type most frequently involved in traffic crashes in Turkey, with motorcycles following closely behind.
However, when we examine driver fatalities, the picture changes significantly:
In 2024, 1,229 motorcycle drivers lost their lives in crashes.
In the same year, the number of passenger car drivers who lost their lives was 1,083.
The conclusion is very clear:
Cars lead in the number of crashes.
Motorcycles surpass cars in driver fatalities.
In other words, while the "most frequently involved vehicle" is the car, the "deadliest vehicle type for the driver" is the motorcycle.
This is not just a statistical detail; it serves as a critical warning for motorcycle users, policy-makers, and everyone working on urban safety.
Source: TUİK- Includes those who were injured in a traffic accident, referred to a healthcare facility, and died within 30 days due to the cause and effects of the accident.
Why Are Rider Fatalities Higher in Motorcycle Accidents?
Some might think, "There are more cars on the road and more car accidents; shouldn't there be more deaths in cars as well?"
The data shows us the exact opposite. There are several fundamental reasons for this:
The Protective Cabin Difference
Cars feature many passive safety systems that activate during a collision, such as the body structure, seat belts, airbags, safety cages, and crumple zones. On a motorcycle, however, the rider is the most vulnerable party, in direct contact with the external environment during a collision.
Therefore, in a collision of equal severity:
While a car driver might survive with injuries, a motorcycle rider often faces fatal injuries.
What might be considered a minor collision for a car translates to the rider being ejected, thrown, or directly impacting the ground on a motorcycle. This automatically increases the risk of death and serious injury.
In summary:
Passenger cars were the vehicle type involved in the most crashes in 2024.
Motorcycles not only closely follow cars in crash rates but also surpass them in driver fatalities.
The most critical conclusion of this data is: "Although crash rates for passenger cars are higher than those for motorcycles, driver fatalities occur more frequently in motorcycle crashes."
This table tells us one thing: Even though we travel on the same roads, not every vehicle type is protected at the same level. Statistically, motorcycle drivers are among the "most vulnerable road user groups."