I feel like most of the statistics that tout the danger of #motorcycle riding come from the demographic of people who typically ride motorcycles: risk-takers. Either young hotshots who "pretend race" on the road, or old guys who have a propensity of riding drunk. If you ride with care, learn good technique, and make good decisions, the risks within your control are much less. The skill ceiling is pretty high and the learning curve is long, but that's what makes it worth it to me. :)

That said, the risks outside of your control (other people on the road, road conditions, etc.) are definitely more hazardous when riding a motorcycle than when you're driving a car. Gotta be on guard and plan accordingly when out there!