Motorcycle Accident Statistics By State

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in motorcycle traffic crashes than car occupants.

The number of motorcyclists killed in road crashes in 2018 was at 4985. Although this was a 5% drop from the previous year, NHTSA notes that these are too many fatalities considering the motorcyclists' deaths account for 14% of all traffic deaths.

In this article, we hope to create awareness on safety practices that can help you as a rider stay alive and avoid injuries on our national highways. We also highlight how the different states rank when it comes to motorcycle crashes.

Get licensed

Driving a motorcycle requires you to have different skills than those of a driver. Additionally, motorcyclists face safety challenges that are uncommon to other traffic users, including visibility, size, stability, and riding practices such as weaving and downshifting. All states require you to have a motorcycle license in addition to your automobile license.

To get a motorcycle license, you need to enroll and pass a written and on-cycle test. In some states, you may need to enroll for a rider education course sponsored by the state. Your state licensing agency provides these tests.

Enrolling and passing a motorcycle rider course is essential as it ensures you get to know the rules you have to follow on the road and gain experience riding your bike. Moreover, licensed riders are more careful on the road, which helps prevent motorcycle crashes on the roads.

Wear the proper safety gear

In case you’re involved in an accident, having protection gear can save you from death and fatal injuries. Some of the protective gears you should consider wearing include:

Helmet

A helmet protects your head from injuries in case of a fatal crash. While there are states like Colorado where wearing a helmet isn’t mandatory for those over 18, many states, including Alabama, California, and Louisiana, require every rider to have a helmet on. Other states require that the helmet have reflective material to make the rider visible to other road users.

We recommend that you wear a helmet whether your state requires you to wear one or not. A helmet can mean the difference between life and death.

Always ensure your helmet meets the US Department of Transportation (DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218 by checking if it has the DOT symbol on the side. The helmet should also fit you well so that it doesn’t fall off in an accident.

Motorcycle gloves

Your hands are extremely fragile, and in case of a crash, you’ll most likely try to catch yourself from falling using them. A good pair of motorcycle gloves gives you a good grip, provides weather protection, and protects your hands from abrasion in case of an accident or a fall.

Ensure the gloves have retention straps that are secured around your wrists to prevent them from falling off. They should also be made of a durable material that can offer protection on the top of your hands, palms, and your knuckles.

Motorcycle heavy clothing

Clothing made of heavy material such as denim or leather protects you when you’re riding at high speed or in case of a crash. In case of an accident, a leather motorcycle jacket can help protect you from abrasion.

You should also consider a jacket that is waterproof that has extra padding on the chest, back, and around your joints. Your pants, too, should be made of a thick material with added liners for extra protection.

Motorcycle boots

Over the ankle boots that are made of a heavy material are recommended for riders. Such boots, unlike sneakers or everyday sandals, protect your feet and ankles from the impact of a crash.

Motorcycle glasses

Eleven states have made eye protection for motorcyclists mandatory. Others require that your motorcycle have a windscreen that is 15” above the bike's handlebars. Eye protection, either in the form of motorcycle goggles or glasses, protects your eyes from shatter, sun glare, wind, dust, and debris. If your bike doesn’t come fully covered, ensure you wear impact-resistance motorcycle eye protection for your eyes' safety.

Brightly colored clothing

Brightly colored clothing or ones made of reflective material makes you more visible to other motorists. Reflective clothes are particularly important at night as they function as light in the dark, attracting the attention of other motorists. You should also ensure that your passenger has a reflector jacket on so that you both remain safe.

Daytime headlights

Today, many states such as South Carolina, Oregon, and Florida, among others, require riders to always ride with their daytime headlights on, which helps reduce collisions. The benefits when it comes to increased safety justifies having headlights on as they increase the visibility of your bike to other motorists.

Some states, such as Alabama, Ohio, New Mexico, give riders the option of modulating their headlight lights from high to low and dim beam for improved visibility.

Now let’s look at how the different states rank when it comes to motorcycle crashes.

Final thoughts

Responsible riders follow traffic rules, put on their safety gear, and ride responsibly. You should also always proceed with caution when on the road, signal when changing lanes, and enhance your visibility as most motorcycle accidents happen because of visibility issues.