Motorcycle safety has long been a concern in road safety, as motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. Their lack of physical protection, smaller profile on the road, and increased risk of instability make them more susceptible to serious injuries or fatalities in crashes. To better understand the risks riders face, we analyzed data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) spanning 2020 to 2022.
To ensure accurate trend analysis, our Albuquerque personal injury law firm focused on this three-year dataset, as changes in vehicle classifications in 2020 make earlier data unsuitable for drawing reliable comparisons.
Our analysis highlights:
- The deadliest states for motorcyclists.
- Identifies states with the most significant increases in crash fatalities.
- Examines the role of alcohol and helmet use in these tragic events.
We also rank states based on a composite index to reveal where motorcyclists face the highest risks and which motorcycle makes are linked to the riskiest driving behaviors.
Key Takeaways
- Motorcyclists face the highest risk of fatal crashes in Florida, Texas, and Colorado, respectively.
- Motorcycle fatalities are up 11% in the last 3 years.
- In 2022, there were 6,219 motorcycle fatalities in the U.S. due to crashes.
- Texas had the highest average annual motorcycle fatality rate at 13.69 deaths per 10,000 registered motorcycles. This is followed by Arkansas (12.79) and Missouri (11.51).
- South Dakota experienced a 45% reduction in motorcycle crash fatalities between 2020-2022, the largest decrease of all U.S. states.
- Harley-Davidson riders were the least likely to wear a helmet across different motorcycle makes, with 48% of those in fatal crashes not wearing one. But, their drivers were least likely to be speeding or racing, with only 9% doing so.
Composite Ranking of the Deadliest States for Motorcyclists
The table below ranks states based on key factors that contribute to motorcycle fatalities: impaired driving, protective gear usage, high-risk driving, and fatality trends and volume. These rankings identify where motorcyclists face the greatest risks.
Which States Have the Most Fatal Motorcycle Accidents?
Between 2020 and 2022, there were 17,825 motorcycle fatalities in the U.S., averaging 5,955 deaths annually. Florida, Texas, and Colorado were the highest-risk states for fatal crashes, respectively.
1) Florida
Florida takes the top spot as the highest-risk state for motorcyclists, driven by a combination of high fatality counts, risky rider behaviors, and a vibrant motorcycle culture. With nearly 1,918 motorcycle fatalities reported over three years, Florida’s warm climate and year-round riding opportunities contribute to its popularity among riders.
However, these conditions also heighten exposure to risks. Nearly half (48%) of riders involved in fatal crashes were not wearing helmets, and 15% had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. Florida’s motorcyclists fatalities have also continued to rise, with an 11% increase since 2020.
2) Texas
Texas ranks second, with 1,598 motorcycle fatalities over three years. The state’s extensive road network and motorcycle events draw riders, but safety challenges persist. Helmet use in fatal crashes was 67%, slightly higher than in Florida. Additionally, 18% of riders were legally impaired, and 16% of fatalities involved speeding.
3) Colorado
Colorado takes third place, with unique risks stemming from its mountainous terrain and scenic roads. The state reported the highest proportion of fatalities involving speeding or racing (40%) and a significant rate of non-helmet use (52%).
Are Motorcycle Fatalities Declining or Increasing?
In 2022, the U.S. recorded 6,219 motorcycle fatalities, marking an 11% increase from 2020. While motorcycle crash deaths continue to rise despite a steady number of motorcycles on the road, how do these trends vary by state? Additionally, what times of the year see the highest number of fatalities?
Which States Had the Highest Increase in Fatal Motorcycle Crash Activities?
Though we know that Alaska experiences low motorcycle activity, it was the state with the highest increase in motorcycle crash fatalities over three years, at a 100% increase. This may be attributed to factors such as harsh weather conditions, remote roads, and longer winter seasons that limit riding opportunities. Moreover, the few motorcyclists on the road during peak seasons may face greater risks, with less attention from both riders and drivers, increasing the likelihood of dangerous crashes.
Hawaii had the second highest increase in fatal motorcycle accidents at an 84% increase, followed by Delaware at 50%, and Arizona at 48%.
California, known for having the highest motorcycle use and one of the highest number of fatalities, also boasts one of the largest and most comprehensive motorcycle training programs in the country. Despite these safety training efforts, it experienced a 13% rise in fatalities over the last three years. The sheer volume of riders, along with other variables such as rider behavior and road conditions, likely contributed to this increase in fatalities.
Which States Had the Highest Decrease in Fatal Motorcycle Crash Activities?
Conversely, shown in the interactive graph above, South Dakota saw the greatest drop in motorcycle fatalities over the three year period, with a 45% decrease. Wisconsin had the second greatest drop at a 28% decrease, followed by Kansas with a 24% decrease.
When Do the Most Motorcycle Fatalities Happen in the U.S.?
Over the three-year period, reports consistently peaked during the warmer summer months. July 2022 saw the highest number of fatalities, with 773 deaths. Our graph below gives a visual representation of the continuous pattern.
In-Depth Look at Helmet Use Among Motorcyclists
Helmet use is a cornerstone of motorcycle safety, with a well-documented impact on reducing fatalities. To better understand its role, we analyzed motorcycle crash data across states, comparing the percentage of fatalities involving helmeted riders to those without helmets.
While it may seem clear that helmet laws lead to higher helmet usage, the data paints a more complex picture of motorcycle rider safety. Between 2020 and 2022, approximately 61% of motorcycle fatalities involved riders wearing helmets, 36% involved riders not wearing helmets, and 4% of cases had unreported or unavailable data.
This doesn’t suggest helmets are ineffective; rather, it underscores the persistent risks faced by motorcyclists. The National Occupant Protection Use Survey found that only 66.5% of riders wore helmets in 2022, which means unprotected riders are disproportionately represented in fatal crashes.
States with comprehensive helmet laws, like Alabama, California and Georgia, report over 85% helmet use in fatal crashes, pointing to the effectiveness of mandatory helmet regulations in improving rider safety. However, the data also highlights that while helmet use is vital, it does not guarantee survival in motorcycle accidents.
What Percentage of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents Involved Alcohol?
Drinking and driving is a dangerous combination, and for motorcyclists, the risks are even greater. Examining fatal crashes by blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels reveals the significant role alcohol plays in motorcycle accidents.
Nationwide, a substantial proportion of fatalities involve drivers with a BAC of 0.08 or higher (17%).
States like New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Wyoming report higher percentages of fatalities with BACs above the legal limit, with New Hampshire leading at 40% of fatalities involving legally impaired drivers. These same states also topped the list when examining the percentage of severely impaired (BAC 0.15 and above) drivers that experienced a fatal crash.
On the other hand, states such as Mississippi, Arizona, and South Dakota report the lowest percentages of fatalities in this category, with Mississippi at just 4%. These figures suggest that alcohol-related fatalities are more prevalent in certain regions, which could be influenced by factors such as local alcohol consumption habits, enforcement of DUI laws, and overall safety measures.
Does the Make of a Motorcycle Impact the Likelihood of Being in a Fatal Motorcycle Crash?
Motorcycle brands often foster strong loyalty among riders, with distinct cultures emerging around each make. To explore the impact of these brand affiliations, we analyzed various risk factors associated with different motorcycle makes.
Harley-Davidson motorcycles showed the highest absolute number of fatalities across all factors studied. However, when examining the proportions across individual makes, the picture becomes more complex.
For alcohol impairment, Suzuki and Kawasaki riders had the highest proportion, with 16% of fatalities involving legally impaired drivers.
In terms of helmet use, Harley-Davidson riders stand out, as 47% of fatal crash victims were not wearing helmets—substantially higher than the 22% to 29% seen with other makes.
Regarding speeding or racing, Suzuki riders had the highest proportion, with 22% of fatalities linked to these behaviors, followed by Yamaha at 20%. Harley-Davidson riders had the lowest proportion, with just 9% of fatalities involving speeding or racing.
Riding Toward a Safer Future
Motorcycle safety remains a pressing issue, with fatality rates continuing to climb despite advancements in education, training programs, and helmet laws. States like Florida, Texas, and Colorado have the highest risks for motorcyclists. The data highlights the crucial importance of helmet use, as well as the significant impact of alcohol consumption. This points to the need for focused safety interventions. Moving forward, prioritizing comprehensive safety measures and promoting responsible riding can help ensure a safer future for motorcycle enthusiasts nationwide.
Methodology Used in This Study
This analysis draws on data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) spanning 2020 to 2022. We examined the total number of motorcycle-related crashes and fatalities, along with their respective rates per 10,000 registered motorcycles using FARS’ Crash file. To analyze drivers’ helmet use and alcohol involvement, we used data from FARS’ Person file, which records individual-level information for all crash participants. Any unreported, unknown, or unavailable fields were not excluded when analyzing proportions of different factors.
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