What Percent of Motorcycle Riders Crash??

How Common Are Motorcycle Crashes?

Each year, nearly 90,000 motorcycle crashes are reported across the U.S.. When we compare that to the roughly 8–9 million motorcycles registered nationwide, it works out to just over 1% of riders involved in a reported crash annually. In other words, about one out of every hundred American motorcyclists will have an accident in a given year on average. Keep in mind this is based on reported crashes – minor spills or unreported fender-benders aren’t all counted, so the true incidence is likely a bit higher.

To put this in perspective, in 2019 there were 83,814 motorcyclist injuries recorded in traffic crashes and about 5,044 rider fatalities. By 2022, the annual death toll had risen to 6,222 motorcyclists killed – a record high. Thankfully, not every crash is fatal, but many do result in injury. Roughly 80–85,000 motorcyclists are injured in crashes each year (e.g. 84,000 injuries in 2019 according to NHTSA data). These numbers underscore that riding carries significant risk, even if the majority of riders do not crash in a given year.

Recent Trends in Motorcycle Crash Statistics (Last 5–10 Years)

Over the past decade, motorcycle crashes and fatalities have been trending upward. Nationwide, motorcycle rider deaths have increased by about 32% over ten years, and the fatality rate (deaths per mile ridden) is up around 13%. In 2013, around 4,700 riders lost their lives; recent years have been considerably worse. 2022 saw 6,222 motorcyclist fatalities, which is 23% higher than in 2019. In fact, 2022 marked the highest number of motorcycle deaths ever recorded in the U.S..

What’s driving this rise? One factor is that more people are riding motorcycles. The number of registered motorcycles grew from about 8.4 million in 2013 to over 9.5 million in 2022. With more bikes on the road and more total miles being ridden, a higher total number of crashes might be expected. But exposure alone doesn’t explain everything – the risk per mile ridden remains high. For example, in 2019 there were about 426 injuries per 100 million miles traveled by motorcycle. (That translates to roughly one injury for every 235,000 miles ridden). By 2022, the injury rate per miles traveled improved somewhat (about 348 injuries per 100 million miles), possibly because riders collectively logged more miles that year, but fatality counts were still at a peak.

It’s worth noting that motorcycle crashes fluctuated during the pandemic years. In 2020, overall traffic was lighter, yet motorcycle fatalities jumped higher than the year before. Some experts suggest that open roads led to higher speeds, or that more people took up motorcycling during that time, influencing the statistics. By 2021 and 2022, as traffic returned to normal, motorcyclist deaths continued to climb. The bottom line is that despite better technology and awareness, riding a motorcycle has not become safer in recent years – vigilance and safety measures are as important as ever.

Rider Experience

Inexperience is a major risk factor. New riders are far more likely to crash, especially in their first months on the road. One insurance study found motorcyclists are four times more likely to be involved in an accident in their first month of riding than they are after gaining more experience. Nearly 25% of motorcycle insurance collision claims occur within the first 30 days of a new policy, reflecting how common early mishaps are. Learning to properly handle a bike – and reacting to hazards – takes time, which is why the initial year of riding is often the most dangerous.

Rider Age

Age and experience often go hand in hand. Younger riders (teens and 20-somethings) tend to have high crash rates, often due to riskier behavior or less training. On the other hand, a surprising number of serious crashes involve older riders. In fact, riders over 50 now account for about one-third of motorcyclist fatalities. The demographic of riders has shifted upward in age, and older individuals may be more fragile and more likely to suffer severe outcomes in a crash. Whether you’re a young thrill-seeker or a “born-again” rider returning to motorcycling later in life, understanding your limits and gaining proper skills is critical.

Urban vs. Rural Riding

Where you ride plays a role in crash risk. The data shows that about two-thirds of fatal motorcycle crashes happen on urban roads. Urban areas have dense traffic, busy intersections, and more chances for conflicts with other vehicles – cars making left turns in front of you, for example, are a common hazard. That said, rural riding has its own dangers: open country roads often mean higher speeds and sharp turns. About 34% of motorcycle fatalities occur on rural roads, which is still a substantial share. In rural areas, crashes are more likely to be single-vehicle accidents (like running off the road) and can be deadlier due to high speed or delayed emergency response. Major non-interstate highways (think curvy backroads or local highways) are the single most common setting for fatal motorcycle crashes, making up over half of motorcyclist deaths. Riders should stay alert whether in city traffic or on empty country lanes, adjusting their riding to the environment.

Time of Day and Week

The timing of your rides can influence your risk. Weekends and evenings tend to be the most dangerous times for motorcyclists. In 2022, 46% of motorcycle fatalities occurred on weekends, particularly Friday night through Sunday. This makes sense – that’s when many people ride for recreation, and there may also be more impaired drivers on the road. Crashes are also more likely later in the day. The late afternoon and evening hours (roughly 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.) see the highest crash counts for motorcycles. Visibility can be an issue at dusk, and drivers may be tired or inattentive. Nighttime riding (after dark) further increases risk, not only due to low visibility but also a higher likelihood of alcohol impairment – nearly half of fatal nighttime motorcycle crashes involve a rider over the legal BAC limit. Whenever possible, exercise extra caution during high-risk times: weekend rides, rush hour traffic, and nighttime outings. If you love a midnight cruise, just remember that the odds are not on your side during those hours, so gear up and stay sharp.

Other Factors

Many other factors contribute to motorcycle crashes, including road conditions (rain, slick pavement, potholes), speeding, and other drivers’ behavior. Speeding, in particular, is a factor in a significant portion of motorcycle accidents – a bike at high speed gives you less time to react and amplifies the force of a crash. While we’re focusing on rider-related factors here, it’s worth noting that many motorcycle crashes are caused by car and truck drivers, not the motorcyclist. Drivers often fail to see motorcycles or misjudge their speed. That’s why defensive riding – assuming others might not notice you – is so important. Always leave yourself an “out,” maintain safe following distances, and anticipate potential hazards like that car at the side street that might turn across your path.

Staying Safe on the Road: An Encouraging Conclusion

Reading about crash statistics can be sobering for any rider. The good news is that knowledge is power – by understanding when and how crashes happen, you can ride smarter and safer. Remember that 99% of riders won’t crash in a given year, and you can stack the odds in your favor even more by taking precautions. Wear a helmet and proper gear on every ride, no exceptions. Invest in training and keep honing your skills, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned biker. Ride within your limits (and the speed limit), stay alert especially in high-traffic situations, and never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Motorcycling will always involve some risk, but it’s a risk that can be managed. By respecting the statistics and committing to safe riding practices, you can enjoy the ride and greatly reduce your chances of becoming one of the crash figures. Stay safe out there, and enjoy the freedom of the road with a clear head and cautious eye – here’s to many miles of happy (and crash-free) riding! But remember, if you ever need a motorcycle accident lawyer, we’re here to help.

Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), National Safety Council (NSC) injury facts, Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).