There are no mincing words that riding a motorcycle is dangerous. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a deadly crash than other motorists. Similarly, they are four times as likely to get injured in a collision.
This piece will highlight motorcycle accident statistics to shed light on the dangers motorcyclists face and their rights when all does not go well.
Fundamental Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcyclists are often susceptible to deadly accidents because they are less protected and more exposed on the road. The statistics below validate our assertion:
In 2020, 82,528 motorcyclists got injured in crashes. Within that year, 468 injuries happened per 100 million vehicle miles travelled.
Over a Third of Motorcycle Accidents Involve Unlicensed Riders
Most motorcycle accidents involve untrained riders. About 36 percent of deadly motorcycle crashes involve riders without a valid license.
Although state requirements differ for licensure, every state requires a motorcycle endorsement to complement a standard driver’s license. Motorcycle riders must pass written and driving tests to earn this endorsement.
August is the Deadliest Month for Motorcyclists
Statistics reveal that the risk of a crash varies by month. August is the most dangerous month because 14 percent of all fatal motorcycle accidents happen in that month. Conversely, January is the safest month because only three percent of deadly crashes occur.
One of the likeliest reasons for the surge in crashes in August is the summer weather conditions.
Few Motorcycle Riders Are Hurt in Rain
Rainy weather prevents many motorcyclists from being on the road, which explains why few mishaps happen during precipitation. Two percent of motorcycle crashes occur during rain.
Motorcycle Fatality Statistics
2020 was not a good year for motorcyclists as they recorded 5,579 deaths through fatal traffic collisions. It was the highest figure since 1975 when the Fatality Analysis Reporting System started.
Also, even though only three percent of all registered vehicles are motorcycles, motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. They also account for four percent of injuries to vehicle occupants and 18 percent of all occupant deaths.
Lack of Helmet Causing Accidents
One of the motorcyclists' most significant risk factors is failing to wear a helmet. In 2020, 2,143 mishaps happened when riders were not wearing a helmet. Helmets safeguard against head injuries, renowned for a high fatality rate.
Wearing a Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant helmet further reduces the chances of a deadly accident. Of course, it is soothing to report that 65 percent of those who ride on a motorcycle wear a helmet following DOT requirements. It includes 67 percent of riders and 52 percent of passengers.
Conversely, six percent wear a non-compliant helmet. While this does not offer maximum protection, it is safer than those wearing nothing.
While it is impossible for helmets to stop every motorcycle accident fatality, they have fairly reduced the likelihood of death in crashes. Statistics show that they are 37 percent effective in preventing deaths for motorcyclists.
States Requiring Motorcycle Riders to Wear Helmets
Despite the life-saving nature of helmets, only a handful of states require every motorcyclist to wear them. These states include Alabama, California, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Tennessee, North Carolina, Washington, West Virginia, Vermont, and Virginia.
On the other hand, Iowa, Illinois, and New Hampshire have no motorcycle helmet requirements.
Some states are highly strict with helmet laws, requiring people under a certain age to use helmets mandatorily. The specific requirements differ by state. However, some mandate it for riders under 17, 18, 20, or 25.
- 17 and Below: Alaska, Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, North Dakota, Wyoming, Ohio, Montana, Hawaii, Connecticut, Kansas, Indiana, Minnesota, Maine, South Dakota, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Wisconsin
- 18 and Below: Delaware
- 20 and Below: Florida, Michigan, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Utah, Rhode Island, Texas, and South Carolina
- 25 and Below: Missouri
“If you are involved in a motorcycle crash, you must know the law applicable in the jurisdiction where it happened to help you pursue compensation. It is advisable to contact an experienced local personal injury lawyer to help you handle the legal processes,” says Attorney Charles Boyk of Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC.
Speeding Contributes to Motorcycle Fatalities
It is a no-brainer that driving beyond the permitted speed limit is too risky. Excess speed contributed to 34 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes. Over-speeding increases the likelihood of collision because of decreased control and increased stopping distance.
It also increases the probability of a deadly crash due to increased crash strength.
The Relationship between Alcohol and Motorcycle Accident Deaths
Drunk driving is a prevalent risk factor for every form of accident. In 2020, 27 percent of deadly motorcycle accidents were alcohol triggered. It includes lone accidents, which account for 41 percent of alcohol-related motorcycle mishaps and caused 880 fatalities in 2020. Conversely, only 18 percent of alcohol-impaired motorcycle crashes were multi-vehicle mishaps, although they also led to 556 deaths in the year under review.
Statistics also reveal that alcohol-impaired motorcycle accidents surge at night. For instance, 40 percent of alcohol-impaired motorcycle crash fatalities happened in the evening. Motorcycle crashes are three times likelier in the nighttime than during the day.
During the week, the most susceptible time for motorcycle crashes is 3-6 PM, while 6-9 PM is the deadliest weekend duration.
Most Motorcycle Accidents Happen through Head-On Collisions
Most motorcycle accidents occur through a head-on collision; data shows that over 76 percent happened through this means. However, only seven percent of two-vehicle incidents involving a motorcycle happened when the rider got hit from behind.
Motorcycle Accidents by State
New Hampshire is the riskiest state for motorcyclists because 25 percent of all fatal crashes involve motorcycle riders. On the other hand, Alaska has the least deadly motorcycle accident record; only six percent of fatal mishaps involve motorcyclists.
State Overall Motorcycle Accidents in 2020 Motorcycle Crashes as Percent of Overall Auto-Related Deaths
| State | Overall Motorcycle Accidents in 2020 | Motorcycle Crashes as Percent of Overall Auto-Related Deaths |
| Alabama | 78 | Eight Percent |
| Alaska | Four | Six Percent |
| Arizona | 161 | 15 Percent |
| Arkansas | 80 | 13 Percent |
| California | 539 | 14 Percent |
| Colorado | 140 | 23 Percent |
| Connecticut | 58 | 20 Percent |
| Delaware | 15 | 13 Percent |
| District of Columbia | Seven | 19 Percent |
| Florida | 600 | 18 Percent |
| Georgia | 192 | 12 Percent |
| Hawaii | 18 | 21 Percent |
| Idaho | 27 | 13 Percent |
| Illinois | 153 | 13 Percent |
| Indiana | 151 | 17 Percent |
| Iowa | 64 | 19 Percent |
| Kansas | 65 | 15 Percent |
| Kentucky | 92 | 12 Percent |
Motorcycle Crashes by Location
Some places are deadlier or riskier for riders than others. For example, 35 percent of motorcycle fatalities happen at intersections, while eight percent of motorcycle accidents occur on interstate roads.
Also, 61 percent of motorcycle deaths happen in urban areas. More condensed streets and higher traffic may cause these alarming figures.
Motorcycle Mishaps by Demographic
Youths (between 25 and 29) are the likeliest to die in a motorcycle accident. In all, 706 people within this age range died from motorcycle crashes in 2020. Most of them are inexperienced and take undue risks.
Further, men account for 92 percent of motorcycle fatalities, and females comprise the remaining eight percent. Similarly, 99 percent of male deaths are the rider, while 61 percent of female fatalities are passengers.
