Motorcycle Accidents and Crashes in the US: Statistics and Facts

Updated: September 30, 2025

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A motorcycle lies in the middle of the road after a collision with another vehicle.

Riding a motorcycle offers unique benefits, but it also poses significant dangers. In 2022, motorcyclists accounted for 6,218 fatalities and 82,687 injuries despite motorcycles making up just 3% of registered vehicles in the United States. Factors like alcohol use, speeding and helmet non-compliance contribute to these alarming numbers.

Riders can reduce their risks by staying informed about crash trends, helmet laws and advanced safety measures. Knowing when and where accidents are most likely to occur can also improve road safety and help you make better decisions both on and off the road.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
  • Motorcyclist Fatalities in 2022: 6,218
  • Motorcyclist Injuries in 2022: 82,687
  • Traffic Fatalities Share: 15%
  • Top States for Fatalities: Florida (668), California (634) and Texas (564)
  • Most Affected Age Group: 30–34 years old (750 deaths)
  • Crash Trends by Environment: Most fatalities occurred in urban areas (66%), at non-intersections (64%), during daylight (58%) and on non-interstate roads (92%)
  • Risk Factors in Fatalities: Alcohol impairment (29%), speeding (35%), helmet non-compliance (54% in non-universal law states) and unlicensed riders (35%)
  • Higher Crash Risk: Motorcyclists face fatality rates 22 times higher than passenger vehicle occupants

Motorcycle Fatalities and Injuries per Year

In 2022, motorcycles made up roughly 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States, yet motorcyclists represented a disproportionate 15% of all traffic fatalities.

Motorcycle fatalities reached their highest levels in a decade in 2021 and 2022, with 6,143 and 6,218 deaths, respectively. This marks a 16% increase from 2020’s 5,620 fatalities. Despite some slowing in the growth rate year-over-year, the numbers have remained consistently above 5,000 since 2015.

Injury numbers tell a different story. Motorcycle injuries dropped 21% from their 2016 peak of 104,442 to 82,687 in 2022. While the 3% decline from 2021 shows improvement, over 82,000 annual injuries points to gaps in rider safety that need addressing.

Motorcycle Fatalities by State

State fatality rates differ dramatically. Florida led the nation with 668 motorcycle deaths in 2022, while Vermont recorded just 14.

California, Texas and Pennsylvania accounted for roughly 25% of all U.S. motorcycle deaths in 2022, making them the deadliest states for riders.

Helmet laws differ across these three states. California enforces universal helmet laws requiring all riders to wear helmets. Texas and Pennsylvania only require helmets for riders 20 and younger or those without specific insurance or training credentials.

Vermont and Alaska had the fewest deaths, each representing less than 1% of national fatalities.

Motorcyclist Fatalities by Age Group

Motorcycle fatalities affected riders of all ages in 2022, from under 15 to over 65. Riders aged 30 to 34 had the most deaths at 750, followed by ages 25 to 29 (728 deaths) and 65 and older (633 deaths).

Weekends accounted for 46% of fatalities in 2022, down from 49% in 2021. Weekday deaths rose 6%, from 3,146 in 2021 to 3,345 in 2022. While weekends remain more dangerous for riders, weekday fatalities are increasing.

Where and When Motorcycle Accidents Happen

Most motorcycle deaths in 2022 happened in urban areas, away from intersections and during daylight hours. Riders should plan routes carefully and stay alert in these common crash scenarios.

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    Urban vs. Rural Areas

    In 2022, 66% of motorcycle fatalities occurred in urban areas, where higher population density and shared roadways with other vehicles and pedestrians increase risk. The remaining 34% of fatalities happened in rural areas, which often feature less traffic but more hazardous road conditions, such as sharp curves or poor maintenance. Riders can reduce risks by taking steps to prepare for a motorcycle ride before heading out.

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    Intersection vs. Non-Intersection Crashes

    Most fatal motorcycle crashes (64%) occurred away from intersections, where riders face uneven road surfaces, gravel and sudden obstructions. In contrast, 36% of fatalities took place at intersections, often involving speeding, failure to yield or running red lights.

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    Light and Weather Conditions

    Fatalities were most likely to occur during daylight hours (58%), followed by nighttime driving (37%). Fewer crashes happened during dusk (4%) and dawn (1%). Nighttime driving presents unique risks for motorcyclists, making it critical to follow expert tips on how to drive safer at night if you’re not an experienced driver.

    As for weather, 97% of fatalities occurred in clear or cloudy conditions, compared to 2% in rain and 1% in snow, sleet or fog.

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    Road Type

    The vast majority of motorcycle fatalities (92%) happened on non-interstate roads, with the highest concentration on non-interstate arterial roads (30%) and collectors (21%). Only 8% occurred on interstates, which generally have fewer intersections and better maintenance but higher speeds.

Major Causes of Motorcycle Crashes and Fatalities

Many motorcycle crashes stem from preventable causes: alcohol use, speeding and riding without a license or protective gear. Other drivers also contribute through unexpected lane changes and turns. Tackling both rider behavior and driver awareness could highly reduce deaths.

Major Cause
Description

DUI/DWI

Alcohol-impaired riding caused 1,705 deaths (29%) in 2022, up from 1,678 in 2021. 

Riders with a BAC of .08 g/dL or higher, the legal intoxication limit, experience impaired motor skills and judgment. Even BAC levels of .01 to .07 g/dL increased crash risk, resulting in 422 deaths. 

Riders aged 45 to 49 had the highest alcohol-impaired fatality rate at 37%, followed by ages 40 to 44 (36%) and 35 to 39 (35%).

Speeding

Speeding played a role in 35% of motorcycle deaths in 2022, compared to 22% for passenger cars and 15% for light trucks. 

Riders aged 21 to 24 had the highest speeding-related death rate at 51%, followed by 46% for ages 25 to 29. High speeds reduce reaction time and extend stopping distance, making crashes more severe.

Not Wearing a Helmet

Only 63% of riders and 44% of passengers killed in 2022 wore helmets. States without universal helmet laws see far higher rates of unhelmeted fatalities: 54% compared to 11% in states requiring all riders to wear helmets. Non-compliance is especially common in states with partial or no helmet requirements.

Unlicensed and Risky Riders

In 2022, 35% of riders in fatal crashes lacked valid motorcycle licenses, more than double the 16% rate for passenger vehicle drivers. Another 16% had suspended or revoked licenses. These numbers underscore the dangers of untrained or inexperienced riders on the road.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting (riding between traffic lanes) is legal only in California under specific conditions like slow-moving traffic. In states where it's prohibited, drivers don't expect motorcycles weaving through lanes, raising collision risk.

State Helmet Law Effectiveness

Helmet laws in the U.S. highly affect rider safety and death rates. States enforce one of three types: universal laws, partial laws or no laws at all. Each approach shapes how often riders wear helmets and their crash survival odds.

States With Universal Helmet Laws

Eighteen states and the District of Columbia enforce universal helmet laws, requiring all riders to wear helmets. These states see far lower unhelmeted fatality rates at just 11%, compared to states with partial or no helmet laws. Helmet compliance is also higher, with 82% of riders using DOT-compliant helmets.

States With Partial Helmet Laws

Twenty-nine states have partial helmet laws that apply only to certain riders, such as those under 18. Unhelmeted riders made up 54% of motorcycle deaths in these states. Adult riders who choose not to wear helmets face greater risk of serious injury or death.

States Without Helmet Laws

Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire don't require helmets. Most motorcycle deaths in these states involve unhelmeted riders. Without helmet laws, injury costs rise, straining public health systems and insurers.

Financial Impact of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle crashes come with steep financial costs. Medical bills, lost income and property damage pile up quickly, creating lasting economic hardship for riders and their families.

  1. 1

    Medical Expenses

    Treating motorcycle crash injuries gets expensive fast. Head trauma and spinal injuries often need surgery, long hospital stays and months of rehabilitation, totaling tens of thousands of dollars.
    Motorcyclists face injury risks four times greater per mile traveled than car occupants, amplifying these financial pressures.

  2. 2

    Lost Wages

    Injuries from motorcycle crashes often mean weeks or months away from work. Riders in physical jobs or self-employed workers face particularly harsh income losses. Without disability insurance or emergency savings, extended recovery periods can devastate household finances.

  3. 3

    Insurance Premium Hikes

    At-fault accidents drive up insurance premiums. How much depends on claim severity, with serious injuries or major property damage causing the steepest increases. Riders can lower future costs by completing defensive driving courses or keeping their record clean after an accident.

  4. 4

    Property Damage

    Motorcycle repairs range from simple fixes to complete rebuilds. Structural damage or custom parts cost more, especially for uninsured riders. Comprehensive coverage helps, but deductibles and aftermarket part exclusions may still leave riders paying out of pocket.

  5. 5

    Emergency Services and Legal Costs

    Ambulance rides and emergency room care add up quickly after a crash. At-fault riders may also pay fines, legal fees or settlements, especially in crashes with serious injuries or deaths. Adequate insurance coverage and legal protection help offset these unexpected costs.

Motorcycle Riding Safety Tips

Staying safe on a motorcycle goes beyond obeying traffic laws. Wear proper gear, stay visible and maintain your bike regularly. Combine these habits with defensive riding and smart route choices to reduce your crash risk.

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    Wear Protective Gear

    Protective gear is a rider’s first line of defense in reducing injuries during a crash. A DOT-approved helmet lowers the risk of head injuries by 37% for riders and 41% for passengers. For comprehensive protection, complement them with jackets, gloves and boots made from abrasion-resistant materials like Kevlar or leather.

    For advanced safety, airbag jackets protect the torso and spine during high-impact collisions, while shock-absorbing gloves minimize hand injuries. These modern innovations enhance protection and significantly reduce the severity of injuries during accidents.

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    Increase Your Visibility

    Visibility on the road is key to staying safe and avoiding collisions. Wear bright, high-contrast clothing during the day and add retro-reflective materials to your gear and motorcycle to improve visibility in low-light conditions. Reflective tape on your bike’s rims or body further increases your presence to other motorists.

    Consider equipping your bike with adaptive LED headlights, which adjust to your surroundings, making you more visible on poorly lit roads. Complement these upgrades with hand signals when turning, giving nearby drivers an extra cue to notice you in busy or unpredictable traffic.

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    Practice Safe Driving

    Riding a motorcycle requires sharp focus and a commitment to safe practices. Hazardous behaviors like speeding or riding while impaired greatly increase crash risks. Stay attentive to road conditions and anticipate other drivers’ actions to react effectively and avoid potential accidents.

    In cities, defensive tactics such as keeping a safe following distance, avoiding blind spots and being cautious at intersections can reduce risks. In rural areas, ride carefully to manage challenges like wildlife, gravel roads or sharp turns, especially in low-visibility settings.

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    Maintain Your Motorcycle

    Proper motorcycle maintenance avoids accidents caused by mechanical issues. Regularly inspect key components — such as brakes, tires and lights — to verify they’re functioning as intended. Also, keep engine oil, coolant and other fluids at optimal levels to prevent breakdowns.

    Before extended rides, have a professional assess critical systems like brake pads or chains for wear and tear. A well-maintained bike not only improves performance but also reduces the risk of mid-ride failures that could endanger your safety.

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    Plan and Map Out Your Routes

    Planning your ride helps you navigate safer and avoid potential risks. Use navigation tools or apps to identify areas with heavy traffic, roadwork or hazardous terrain. For longer trips, research rest stops along the way to maintain focus and prevent fatigue.

    Always have an alternative route in mind to manage unexpected situations like road closures or severe weather. Pre-planning gives you confidence and allows you to focus on enjoying the ride rather than handling avoidable surprises.

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    Safeguard Your Ride and Finances

    Unexpected incidents on the road can lead to significant financial burdens, from costly repairs to extended medical treatments and legal expenses. Motorcycle insurance provides essential coverage for these potential costs, safeguarding not just your bike but also your financial well-being. A well-chosen policy ensures you're prepared to handle accidents or emergencies with confidence, reducing stress and allowing you to focus on enjoying the road ahead.

Motorcycle Crashes FAQ

Motorcycle riders face distinct safety and financial risks. Here are answers to common questions about crashes, protection and insurance coverage.

How many motorcycle deaths are there each year?

How much do motorcyclists contribute to motor vehicle accidents in the U.S.?

What are the odds of having a motorcycle accident?

How safe are motorcycles statistically?

What are the safest states for motorcyclists?

How do insurance rates vary after an accident?

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Whether you're an experienced rider or just starting out, MoneyGeek offers helpful resources on insurance, safe riding and budgeting for your first motorcycle. Explore these topics to ride smarter and safer.

About Nathan Paulus


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Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.

Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.


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