Motorcycle Accidents and Crashes in the US: Statistics and Facts

Motorcycle crashes made up 15% of all traffic fatalities in 2022, with 6,218 deaths. Riders in Florida and California had the highest risks, with speeding and alcohol use as major contributors to these fatal accidents.

By Nathan Paulus

Edited by Casie McCoskey

Updated: November 6, 2025

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

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 serious 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 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.

Motorcycle injuries dropped 21% from their 2016 peak of 104,442 to 82,687 in 2022. The 3% decline from 2021 shows improvement, but over 82,000 annual injuries reveals persistent rider safety challenges.

Motorcycle Fatalities by State

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.

Helmet laws vary across these three states. California requires 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

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. Despite the weekend concentration, weekday fatalities increased.

Where and When Motorcycle Accidents Happen

Most motorcycle deaths in 2022 occurred in urban areas, away from intersections and during daylight hours.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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.

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.

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%).

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

Road Type

Ninety-two percent of motorcycle fatalities 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

Alcohol use, speeding and riding without a license or protective gear contribute to motorcycle fatalities. Other drivers cause crashes through unexpected lane changes and turns.

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 0.08 g/dL or higher experience impaired motor skills and judgment. BAC levels of 0.01 to 0.07 g/dL also 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.
Not Wearing a Helmet	Only 63% of riders and 44% of passengers killed in 2022 wore helmets. States without universal helmet laws see higher rates of unhelmeted fatalities: 54% compared to 11% in states requiring all riders to wear helmets.
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.
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 between lanes, raising collision risk.
Sudden Driving Maneuvers From Other Motorists	Unexpected lane changes or turns by cars cause many motorcycle crashes. Motorcycles' small size and quick acceleration make them difficult to spot. Failing to check blind spots or yield right-of-way often leads to serious crashes.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

State Helmet Law Effectiveness

Helmet laws in the U.S. 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 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
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.
2
Lost Wages
Injuries from motorcycle crashes often mean weeks or months away from work. Riders in physical jobs or self-employed workers face harsh income losses. Without disability insurance or emergency savings, extended recovery periods can devastate household finances.
3
Insurance Premium Hikes
At-fault accidents drive up insurance premiums. Claim severity determines the increase, with serious injuries or major property damage causing the steepest hikes. Riders can lower future costs by completing defensive driving courses or maintaining a clean record.
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 leave riders paying out of pocket.
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 helps offset these 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

In 2022, 6,218 motorcyclists died in crashes, up slightly from 6,143 in 2021. This is the highest number of motorcycle deaths since 1975.

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

Motorcycles make up just 3% of registered vehicles in the U.S. but accounted for 15% of all traffic deaths in 2022, showing their disproportionate role in fatal crashes.

What are the odds of having a motorcycle accident?

Motorcyclists face far higher risks than car occupants. Per vehicle mile traveled in 2022, riders were about 22 times more likely to die in a crash and 4 times more likely to get injured. Wearing helmets and riding defensively can reduce these risks.

How safe are motorcycles statistically?

Motorcycles are statistically less safe than cars. Riders lack protective barriers and have much higher death rates per mile traveled. Alcohol use, speeding and not wearing helmets increase these risks further.

What are the safest states for motorcyclists?

States with universal helmet laws and strong safety programs typically have lower death rates. Massachusetts has near 100% helmet compliance and some of the lowest fatality numbers. Vermont and Alaska also recorded fewer deaths in 2022, likely due to lower traffic volumes.

How do insurance rates vary after an accident?

Motorcycle accidents typically raise premiums 20% to 50%, depending on crash severity and your driving history. Taking defensive driving courses and keeping a clean record afterward can help lower the cost of insurance.