Motorcyclist Safety

Motorcyclists are overrepresented in crashes and fatalities. In 2018, 4,985 motorcyclists lost their lives on America's roads, a 4.7% decrease from the year prior.¹ 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides the following statistics on motorcycle safety in the United States:

• Helmet Use
  NHTSA estimates that motorcycle helmets saved an estimated 1,872 lives in 2017. If all motorcyclists had worn helmets, an additional 749 lives could have been saved.²
• Impaired Riding
  In 2017, there were 4,885 motorcycle riders killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes. Of those, 1,357 (28%) were alcohol-impaired (BAC of .08 or higher).²
• Speeding
  In 2017, 32% of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding.²

States use both national and statewide data to find the right mix of rider education, enforcement and laws to decrease deaths and injuries resulting from motorcycle crashes.

¹ National Center for Statistics and Analysis. (2019, October). 2018 fatal motor vehicle crashes: Overview. (Traffic Safety Facts Research Note. Report No. DOT HS 812 826). Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

² National Center for Statistics and Analysis. (2019, August). Motorcycles: 2017 data (Updated, Traffic Safety Facts. Report No. DOT HS 812 785). Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.