Motorcycle Deaths Nearly 28 Times Higher Than Car Occupant Fatalities: NHTSA

New findings suggest that motorcyclist accidents accounted for 15% of all traffic deaths in 2023.

Federal safety officials are using this May’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month to spotlight data showing that more than half of all motorcycle fatalities in 2023 involved riders who were not wearing helmets.

The findings were published in a National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) Consumer Alert released on May 5, revealing that there were 31.39 motorcyclist fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2023, compared to just 1.13 for passenger car occupants.

Officials emphasized that this means motorcyclists were nearly 28 times more likely to die in a crash than those in passenger vehicles.

NHTSA’s findings are based on data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), which tracks every fatal traffic crash across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. 

While the total number of motorcyclist injuries dropped slightly in 2023, down 0.2% from the previous year, motorcycle fatalities still accounted for 15% of all traffic deaths, marking a 1.3% increase from 2022. Notably, fatalities among riders aged 15 to 20 surged by 44% compared to the prior year.

Although the number of alcohol-impaired motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes declined by 6%, the report found that 41% of riders killed in single-vehicle crashes were under the influence of alcohol. 

Helmet use also remained a major factor, with 51% of motorcyclists killed in 2023 not wearing a helmet, compared to only 10% in states with universal helmet laws. 

Prior research has shown that more than 20,000 motorcycle accident deaths could have been prevented over the past 45 years if stronger helmet laws had been in place, highlighting the critical importance of promoting proper helmet use.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Throughout the month of May, NHTSA is working to educate the public on the importance of motorcycle safety and sharing the road.

Key safety messages include obeying traffic laws and speed limits, driving sober, avoiding distractions, and yielding to motorcyclists when turning at intersections.

Safety officials also urge motorcyclists to wear DOT-compliant helmets and to complete a certified motorcycle rider education and training course.

“Far too many motorcyclists are still being killed or injured in traffic crashes across America. These tragedies are preventable,” NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser said. “We want everyone to remember that motorcyclists’ safety is everyone’s safety.”