Background on: Motorcycle crashes

Overview

Motorcyclists are more vulnerable on the road and are more likely to be injured or killed than car occupants, with a 2019 data comparison showing 29 times more fatalities. Data from that year also indicates that older riders appear to sustain more serious injuries than younger riders, as riders over 50 account for 37 percent of all deaths.

Motorcycle crashes cost billions of dollars per year in direct expenses, such as: 

• local emergency services;
• medical and rehabilitation fees;
• property damage; 
• loss of market productivity (including lost wages, loss in household productivity); and 
• insurance costs (including claims and legal fees and expenses).

Driver behavior

• Alcohol use remains a major factor in motorcycle accidents, as it potentially impacts driver alertness and response.
• Alcohol impaired motorcycle riders are also less likely to use helmets.
• Speeding is another major factor in fatal crashes.

Insurance claims

• A Highway Loss Data Institute report shows that SuperSport motorcycles had the highest relative overall collision losses compared with nine other motorcycle classes.
• The high overall losses for SuperSport models were driven up by their high claim frequency.

Motorcycle safety tips

• Take a motorcycle safety course: Motorcycles can be much more dangerous than driving a car, and drivers of any experience or level can benefit from a safety course. Not every state requires these courses, but you should be able to find one in your region. Also, national organizations like the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) offer guides for riding in groups on the road or alone on the trails, among other topics.

• Wear a helmet and correct motorcycle gear: Certain states require helmets, which can help guard against serious head injury. Eye protection is also important to protect against debris that may be hit by other vehicles. Proper riding gear, clothing, and boots can safeguard against road rash, while potentially lowering the severity of muscular or skeletal injuries in the case of a crash. Additionally, longer rides may require rain gear.

• Inspect your bike: Mechanical failures during a ride can cause a serious crash. Pre-ride inspections can confirm that headlamps, turn signals, and brake lights are working correctly. The MSF recommends checking TCLOCS (tires, controls, lights, oil, chassis, stands) to check which areas are most important before getting on your bike.

• Obey traffic rules: Although it is viewed as common logic, observing traffic rules is particularly significant on a motorcycle because of the heightened exposure a rider has on a bike. As there is a greater chance of severe injury or death in a motorcycle accident, motorcyclists should vigilantly follow the rules of the road. Full stops, slowing down for yellow lights and observing speed limits can help reduce the risk of a serious accident.

• Stay alert, observant, and visible: Motorcycle collisions often occur because drivers of cars or trucks do not see bikes on the roadway. Motorcyclists must take every preventive measure to ensure they are seen by other drivers. Visible clothing can be used during the day, and reflective materials on bike frames or outerwear can increase visibility at night. Avoid the use of alcohol.Use defensive driving, checking ahead and from side to side for potential risks that could cause a collision. A motorcyclist should presume that other drivers cannot see their bike, staying at safe braking distances and manageable speeds when steering in blind spots or when near cars.

Don’t forget adequate insurance coverage. Visit our page to find out more about finding the right policy for your needs.

Charts and Graphs

Additional resources

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation

The Motorcycle Industry Council

Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety

Motorcycle Helmet Use Laws by State 

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