Annual Probability of Motorcycle Accident for Riders

Approximately 82,000 motorcycle injuries and 6,000 motorcycle deaths occur in the United States each year. With about 13 million registered motorcycles, this means roughly 4% of riders are involved in a reported accident annually. Motorcyclists are approximately 29 times more likely to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled compared to passenger car occupants.

The most common causes of motorcycle crashes include left-turning vehicles (the single most common scenario, where a car turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle), single-vehicle crashes (often involving curves), lane splitting, speed, and alcohol (about 28% of fatal motorcycle crashes involve an alcohol-impaired rider). About 30% of motorcycle fatalities involve riders without valid motorcycle licenses.

Helmet use is the single most effective safety measure, reducing death risk by about 37% and head injury risk by 69%. Despite this, only 20 states plus DC have universal helmet laws. About 64% of motorcyclists wear helmets nationwide (and nearly 100% in states with universal helmet laws). Other safety measures include rider training courses (which reduce crash rates by about 61%), wearing high-visibility clothing, using anti-lock braking systems (which reduce fatal crashes by about 31%), and avoiding riding in adverse weather.