States & stats on the highest percentages of motorcycle injuries and deaths
We recently were sent the results of a 10-year study concerning motorcycle injuries and fatalities state by state across America. Utilizing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the law firm of Easton & Easton in Southern California compiled some eye-opening stats that we thought were worth sharing. Motorcycling is more than a hobby for many of us; in some ways more than even a passion. Motorcycle riding is a way of life, a lifestyle that we embrace, a culture we join and participate in. Because we love it so much and it’s so ingrained in our daily lives, we need to be aware of the dangers all around us and the inherent risks involved, so we can live and ride accordingly.
Looking at data from 2013 through the end of 2022, the study examined the states with the highest percentages of injury and death per 10K registered riders, the rise in nationwide fatalities across that decade, annual injury averages over the ten-year span, and many other revealing findings worth checking out (times of the year, days of the week, speeding and alcohol, etc.). It’s a fascinating study with an interactive map showing stats by state. We have a link at the end of the article you can click on to take you to the page. Definitely worth the look.
Motorcycle Injuries Averaged 81,896 Annually Over a Ten-Year Period
Motorcycle riding injuries in the U.S. averaged 81,896 per year from 2013-2022. In the final year of the study, 77,591 motorcycle injuries were recorded, translating to just over 212 injuries per day. Despite yearly variations, including a peak of 98,108 injuries in 2016, motorcyclists continue to face substantial risks on the roads. And these are just the ones reported. It must be noted as well that these are on-road stats, not off-road.
Fatal Motorcycle Accidents Rose by Over 25% in a Decade
Fatal motorcycle accidents in the U.S. increased by 25.22% from 2013 to 2022. The number of fatalities grew from 4,610 in 2013 to 6,165 in 2022, reflecting a concerning upward trend. Despite fluctuations over the years, with a significant rise noted in 2020 and 2021, the data highlights the growing danger for motorcyclists on American roads. There are many factors contributing to these stats of course, and the study searched out some of those as well, presenting them in their findings- locations, days and months, gender, speeding, alcohol consumption, helmet use, etc.
Ten Most Dangerous States for Motorcyclists
The “Top Ten Most Dangerous States” portion was surprising in several respects, with an odd array of states making the list. I found it fascinating to scroll over each state across the country map, and see the bullet-point info pop up to view. Very well-done graphics. The methodology applied included the percentage of fatal motorcycle crashes (35%), people killed per 10,000 registered motorcyclists (35%), and share of impaired riding, i.e. alcohol, speeding, and distractions (25%). Easton’s analysis was based on the latest available data as of 2022 year-end from the NHTSA. They also pulled from the IIHS which included data of total motorcyclists registered in the U.S. between 2002-2023.
A couple of demographics that were not included in the overall study, but we believe should be considered, are the age factor and training level of the riders involved in these stats. How many of these fatalities came from younger riders (18-30), older riders (65-up), and what percentage had no formal training or even valid motorcycle licenses? My friend I-San Hung, a certified MSF instructor in Colorado, recently quipped, “You’d be shocked to learn how many riders involved in injurious or fatal motorcycle crashes didn’t even have a valid motorcycle license, nor insurance. It’s nuts.”
Photo by AMA
Examine the statistics in this study, check out where your state ranks, and endeavor to lower those stats by being an informed, practicing, and conscientious rider yourself. Information is power. The hazards continue to climb, with more vehicles flooding our roads than ever before. As we take greater care ourselves, let’s also encourage productive practices among our fellow riders. Check out my article, “Air Combat & Street Riding” from a few years back, share this study around, and let’s “keep the shiny side up” with our “head on a swivel” out there.
Ride safe, and RIDE LIFE.
Rob
Link to the full, interactive study HERE
Thanks for sharing these crucial insights! It’s eye-opening to see how motorcycle injuries and fatalities have shifted over the past decade, and it’s a reminder of the inherent risks that come with our love for riding.
The interactive map and state-specific data make it easy to understand where each of us stands in terms of road safety, and it’s a valuable tool for making more informed decisions.
Let’s keep spreading awareness and reminding each other to ride responsibly. Here’s to safer rides and keeping that “shiny side up”!
This study is eye-opening! It’s crucial for all riders to be aware of these stats and prioritize safety. Let’s share knowledge and promote responsible riding habits to keep everyone safe on the roads!
This data is both eye-opening and concerning. All riders must stay aware of the risks and prioritize safety. Thanks for sharing this important information—let’s all ride responsibly!
The 10-year study on motorcycle injuries and fatalities highlights the crucial need for riders to stay informed about safety risks. Embracing the motorcycle lifestyle also means acknowledging these dangers and taking proactive steps to ensure safe riding experiences.
This research is enlightening! All bikers should emphasize safety and be aware of these statistics. To keep everyone safe on the roadways, let’s exchange information and encourage safe riding practices!
These stats are alarming! It really makes you think twice about riding safety. What do you guys do to stay safe on the roads?
I wonder if the states with the highest accident rates have weaker helmet laws. Do you think stricter laws would help reduce crashes?
More safety courses and rider education programs could make a huge difference. Have any of you taken an advanced riding course?
I’ve ridden in a few of these ‘dangerous’ states, and some roads are definitely riskier than others. What’s the sketchiest road you’ve ever ridden on?
The one in this story-
https://roaddirt.tv/gods-own-racetrack-part-1/
Winchester Grade, Idaho.
I wish more drivers understood how to share the road with motorcycles. Maybe mandatory motorcycle awareness training for drivers would help!
We’re doing a story about that in the coming month.
I’ve noticed that a lot of accidents happen at night. Do you guys avoid night riding, or do you take extra precautions?
We night ride when necessary, But try not to regularly. When we do, we take precautions to be safer, given all the challenges and limitations of it.