What Percentage of Motorcycle Accidents Are Fatal?

Motorcycle riding offers a sense of freedom and exhilaration, but it comes with significant risks. Motorcyclists face a disproportionately high chance of injury or death compared to occupants of passenger vehicles, largely due to the lack of protective barriers and the inherent instability of two-wheeled vehicles. 

Motorcycle accidents are a serious safety concern in the United States. While motorcycles make up only about 3% of registered vehicles, crashes involving motorcycles account for a disproportionate share of injuries and deaths on the road.

A common question among riders, safety advocates, and legal professionals is: What percentage of motorcycle accidents result in a fatality? In this article, we’ll define what counts as a motorcycle accident and a fatality, examine the latest U.S. statistics from the past 3–5 years, show how to calculate the fatality rate, discuss trends and contributing factors (like helmet use, speeding, alcohol, and road conditions), and explore ways to improve motorcycle safety.

Motorcycle Accident Fatality Rates: The Numbers

Determining the exact percentage of motorcycle accidents that are fatal requires analyzing crash data, which varies by year, region, and reporting methodology. According to the most recent data from the NHTSA, approximately 7% of motorcycle accidents in the United States result in fatalities, based on the ratio of fatal crashes to total crashes involving motorcyclists. This figure is derived from 2022 data, where 6,218 motorcyclists were killed out of approximately 83,000 reported motorcycle accidents, which include both fatal and non-fatal incidents (95% of them riders and 5% passengers).

Here’s a breakdown of key statistics to contextualize this percentage:

• Total Fatalities: In 2023, the NHTSA reported 6,335 motorcyclist fatalities, representing 15% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S., despite motorcycles comprising only 3% of registered vehicles and 0.6% of vehicle miles traveled. This overrepresentation highlights the heightened risk for motorcyclists.
• Injury vs. Fatality: Approximately 80% of motorcycle accidents result in injury or death, with the remaining 20% involving minor or no injuries. Of the accidents resulting in harm, about 7-8% are fatal, while the majority lead to injuries ranging from minor to severe.
• Comparison to Passenger Vehicles: Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die per vehicle mile traveled compared to passenger car occupants, with a fatality rate of 31.39 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled for motorcycles versus 0.67 for cars in 2023.

These figures indicate that while only a small fraction of motorcycle accidents are fatal, the likelihood of death per crash or mile traveled is significantly higher than for other vehicles, underscoring the inherent dangers of motorcycling. The outcome of motorcycle crashes can be severe and a motorcycle accident lawyer can help victims pursue justice and compensation. 

What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Get in Fatal Accidents?

Determining the exact percentage of motorcycle riders who get in fatal accidents is complex due to variations in ridership data, riding frequency, and reporting methods. However, by combining available statistics, we can estimate this figure for a given year, typically 2023, the most recent year with comprehensive NHTSA data.

• Number of Fatalities:
  • According to the NHTSA, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2023. This includes both drivers and passengers of motorcycles, mopeds, and similar two-wheeled vehicles.
• Number of Motorcycle Riders:
  • Estimating the total number of motorcycle riders is challenging because not all registered motorcycles are actively ridden, and some riders operate without licenses. The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) estimated in 2021 that there were approximately 13.4 million motorcycles in use in the U.S., with an estimated 9 million to 10 million active riders (accounting for shared use and inactive registrations).
  • The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports 8.6 million registered motorcycles in 2023, suggesting a slightly lower but comparable rider population, likely in the range of 8 million to 10 million when factoring in unlicensed or occasional riders.
• Calculation:
  • Using 6,335 fatalities and an estimated 9 million active riders, the percentage of riders involved in fatal accidents in 2023 is approximately:

\frac{6,335}{9,000,000} \times 100 = 0.0704\% \text{ or roughly } 0.07\%

• This means 0.07% of motorcycle riders in the U.S. were involved in a fatal accident in 2023. If we use the lower estimate of 8 million riders, the percentage rises slightly to 0.079%, and with 10 million riders, it drops to 0.063%.
• Per Mile Traveled:
  • The NHTSA also provides fatality rates per vehicle mile traveled (VMT). In 2023, motorcyclists had a fatality rate of **31.39 per 100.

Limitations of the Data

Calculating the percentage of riders in fatal accidents has limitations:

• Ridership Estimates: The exact number of active riders is uncertain, as registration data (8.6 million motorcycles) may not reflect actual riders, and unlicensed riders are harder to quantify.
• Underreporting: Non-fatal accidents are often underreported, which may inflate the perceived fatality rate relative to total crashes.
• Variability: Annual fluctuations in fatalities (e.g., a 1% increase from 2022 to 2023) and changes in miles traveled (15% decrease in 2023) affect calculations.

Annual Motorcycle Crash Numbers in the U.S.

Total Motorcycle Crashes vs. Fatal Crashes: Determining the exact number of total motorcycle accidents (including non-fatal ones) is challenging because minor accidents may go unreported. However, NHTSA provides estimates of crashes resulting in injuries, which cover the majority of motorcycle accidents. Statistics in recent years show that motorcycle crashes frequently cause injury. In fact, about 80% of reported motorcycle crashes result in either injury or death, a vastly higher injury rate than for car crashes (~20%). This means only a small fraction (around 20%) of motorcycle accidents leave everyone unharmed. Here’s a look at recent U.S. data:

• Motorcyclists Injured per Year: In 2020, an estimated 82,528 motorcyclists were injured in crashes. In 2021, injuries rose to 84,898, and in 2022 about 82,687 motorcyclists were injured. (These figures come from police-reported crash data and include anyone on a motorcycle who was hurt, from minor to severe injuries.)
  
• Motorcyclists Killed per Year: There were 5,579 motorcyclist fatalities in 2020, increasing to 5,932 fatalities in 2021, and 6,218 in 2022 – the highest number on record. Preliminary 2023 data shows 6,335 motorcyclist deaths, another tragic record high.

To put these in context, motorcyclist fatalities now represent about 14–15% of all traffic deaths in the U.S. each year, even though motorcycles are only ~3% of vehicles on the road. This highlights how severe motorcycle crashes can be.

Total Crashes (Estimated): If roughly 82,000 riders are injured and ~6,000 are killed in a year, the number of serious motorcycle crashes (those causing injury or death) is on the order of 88,000 per year. And since not every crash causes injury, the total number of motorcycle accidents (including the more minor incidents) is a bit higher – likely around 100,000+ crashes annually in the U.S. (For example, one analysis noted about 83,000 reported motorcycle accidents per year around 2019, when there were roughly 8.3 million motorcycles registered).

Now, with those numbers in mind, we can determine what percentage of crashes are fatal.

Calculating the Motorcycle Fatality Rate (Formula & Example)

When we ask “What percent of motorcycle accidents are fatal?” we are essentially looking for the fatality rate per crash. We can calculate this using the formula:

Fatality Rate (%) = (Number of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents / Total Motorcycle Accidents) × 100.

Let’s break that down with real data. We need the number of fatal accidents and the total number of accidents in a given year:

• Fatal motorcycle accidents: This is closely tied to the number of fatalities, but note that one crash can involve multiple deaths (for instance, a crash with a rider and passenger both killed counts as one accident, two fatalities). For a rough estimate, the number of fatal crashes is usually slightly lower than the number of motorcyclist fatalities. In 2022, for example, 6,218 motorcyclists were killed. The number of fatal motorcycle crashes that year was on the same order (a bit over 6,000 crashes).
  
• Total motorcycle accidents: As discussed, we estimate around ~100,000 motorcycle crashes per year (including those with no injuries). In 2022, about 82,687 crashes involved injuries to a motorcyclist, and many of those crashes are the ones that account for the 80% injury-or-death statistic. Including the ~20% of crashes that didn’t cause injury, total crashes might be around 100k–110k for the year.
  

Example Calculation: Using 2021 data as an example: roughly 5,932 fatal crashes (since 5,932 motorcyclists were killed) and an estimated ~90,000 total crashes (this assumes ~82,686 injury-involved crashes plus some number of non-injury crashes). Plugging into the formula:

Fatality Rate≈5,932 fatal crashes 90,000 total crashes×100≈6.6%.\text{Fatality Rate} \approx \frac{5,932 \text{ fatal crashes}}{90,000 \text{ total crashes}} \times 100 \approx 6.6\%.Fatality Rate≈90,000 total crashes5,932 fatal crashes​×100≈6.6%.

In words, about 6-7% of motorcycle accidents are fatal, based on recent data. This means roughly 1 out of 15 motorcycle crashes results in someone’s death. In some years the rate is a bit lower or higher, but generally in the past few years it falls in the 5%–7% range. For instance, in 2019 approximately 5,044 riders were killed while ~83,814 were injured – implying a fatality rate around 6% that year. By 2022, with fatalities rising and injuries slightly down, the fatal crash percentage edged toward 7%.

It’s clear that the likelihood of a motorcycle crash being fatal is much higher than for typical car crashes. For perspective, the probability of death in a motorcycle accident is said to be about 30 times higher than in a car accident. (Most car accidents are minor; only ~20% of car crashes cause injury, and far less than 1% are fatal.) Motorcycles lack the protective cage, seatbelts, and airbags of cars, so riders are far more vulnerable. When these accidents results to fatality, a wrongful death lawyer can help families seek justice and compensation. 

Trends in Motorcycle Fatalities in the United States

Motorcycle fatalities have risen significantly over the past few decades, driven by increased ridership and risk factors. Key trends include:

• Historical Increase: Fatalities doubled from 2,116 in 1997 to over 5,000 by 2008, plateauing in the 4,000-6,000 range through the 2010s. In 2023, the 6,335 fatalities marked the highest since 1975.
• Fatality Rate Growth: The fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled increased by 19% from 2022 to 2023, largely due to a 15% decrease in miles driven, which amplified the rate despite a modest 1% increase in fatalities.
• Seasonal Patterns: Fatalities peak from May to September (59% of deaths in 2023), with June and July being the deadliest months (13% each). Weekends account for nearly 50% of fatalities, particularly after 6 p.m.

Regional Variations

While the query avoids location-specific data, it’s worth noting that fatality rates vary across regions due to differences in traffic density, helmet laws, and road conditions. For example, states with universal helmet laws report lower unhelmeted fatality rates (11% vs. 54% in states without such laws). Urban areas see higher fatality rates (67% of deaths) due to traffic congestion and intersections, while rural roads pose risks from higher speeds and rollovers.

Factors Contributing to Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

Several factors contribute to the high fatality rate in motorcycle accidents, as identified by the NHTSA, IIHS, and other safety organizations. These factors influence both the likelihood of a crash and its severity:

• Lack of Protective Structure
  • Motorcycles lack the enclosed structure of cars, leaving riders exposed to direct impacts. The IIHS notes that motorcycles are less stable and harder for other drivers to see, increasing the risk of severe injury or death.
  • Head injuries are a leading cause of death, with the Mayo Clinic reporting that traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common in fatal crashes, even among helmeted riders.
• Helmet Use
  • Helmets are critical for reducing fatality risks, with the NHTSA estimating they are 37% effective in preventing deaths and 67% effective in preventing brain injuries. In 2023, 64% of fatally injured motorcycle drivers were helmeted, compared to 49% of passengers. In states with universal helmet laws, 89% of fatally injured motorcyclists were helmeted, versus 35% in states with no helmet laws.
  • Despite their effectiveness, 55% of motorcyclists killed in 2021 were not wearing helmets, contributing to higher fatality rates.
• Alcohol Impairment
  • Alcohol is a significant factor in fatal crashes. In 2023, 26% of motorcyclists killed had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, with 41% of single-vehicle crash fatalities involving alcohol-impaired riders.
  • The NHTSA notes that alcohol impairs coordination and judgment, which are critical for safe motorcycle operation.
• Speeding
  • Speeding is a leading cause of fatal crashes, with 35% of motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents in 2022 speeding, compared to 22% of passenger car drivers. High speeds reduce reaction time and increase impact severity.
  • In single-vehicle crashes, speeding often leads to loss of control, particularly during curves, accounting for half of single-vehicle fatalities.
• Collision Type
  • Multi-vehicle Crashes: In 2022, 58% of motorcyclist fatalities occurred in collisions with other vehicles, with 44% involving a vehicle turning left in front of a motorcyclist traveling straight and 77% involving head-on collisions.
  • Single-vehicle Crashes: Approximately 42% of fatal crashes involve only the motorcycle, often due to loss of control on curves or collisions with fixed objects like parked cars or guardrails.
• Road and Environmental Conditions
  • Most fatal crashes (97%) occur in clear or cloudy conditions, as riders are less likely to ride in rain (2% of fatalities) or snow/fog (1%).
  • Fatalities are more common in urban areas (67%) and on non-interstate roads (92%), where traffic density and intersections increase risks.
• Rider Demographics and Licensing
  • In 2022, 36% of motorcyclists killed did not have a valid motorcycle license, compared to 19% of unlicensed passenger vehicle drivers, indicating higher risk-taking behavior.
  • Male riders, particularly those aged 25-34, are overrepresented, making up 23.2% of fatalities in 2021.
• Motorcycle Type
  • Supersport motorcycles, with engine sizes of 1,000 cc or smaller, are associated with higher fatality rates, particularly among younger riders (52% of supersport fatalities were under 30 in 2023). In contrast, touring bikes (often >1,400 cc) have lower fatality rates among older riders.

Safety Measures to Reduce Fatalities in Motorcycle Accidents

Reducing the percentage of fatal motorcycle accidents requires addressing key risk factors. The NHTSA, Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), and other organizations recommend:

• Universal Helmet Laws: States with mandatory helmet laws for all riders have significantly higher helmet use (86.1% in 2021) and lower fatality rates. The NHTSA estimates helmets saved 1,872 lives in 2017, with an additional 749 potentially saved if all riders wore them.
• Rider Education and Licensing: Training programs and stricter licensing requirements can reduce crashes caused by inexperienced or unlicensed riders (36% of fatalities in 2022).
• Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS): Motorcycles with ABS had a 31% lower fatal crash rate in 2018, as ABS prevents wheel lockup during braking.
• Sobriety and Speed Compliance: Campaigns like the NHTSA’s “Ride Sober or Get Pulled Over” aim to reduce alcohol-impaired riding, while enforcement of speed limits addresses the 35% of fatal crashes involving speeding.
• Visibility Enhancements: Wearing brightly colored or reflective gear and using headlights during the day can reduce crashes caused by low visibility.
• Road Awareness: The GHSA’s “Share the Road” campaign encourages drivers to watch for motorcyclists, particularly during left turns, to prevent multi-vehicle crashes.

Implications of Motorcycle Accident Fatalities for Legal and Insurance Contexts

The high fatality rate in motorcycle accidents has significant implications for wrongful death claims and insurance settlements. As noted by law firms like Buckfire Law and The Barnes Firm, wrongful death settlements for motorcycle accidents often range from $250,000 to $1 million or more, driven by the high likelihood of death or severe injury. The 7% fatality rate underscores the need for robust legal representation to secure compensation for economic losses (e.g., funeral costs, lost income) and non-economic damages (e.g., loss of companionship).

Insurance companies may attempt to reduce payouts by arguing rider faults, such as speeding or lack of a helmet, making accident reconstruction and expert testimony critical. The NHTSA’s data on multi-vehicle crashes (58% of fatalities) suggests that other drivers’ negligence often contributes, strengthening claims against at-fault parties. A motorcycle accident wrongful death lawyer can help families who have lost a loved one to motorcycle accidents pursue justice and compensation. 

Conclusion

Approximately 7% of motorcycle accidents in the United States are fatal, a stark contrast to the lower fatality rates for passenger vehicles, driven by motorcyclists’ 28 times higher risk of death per mile traveled. Factors like lack of protective structure, helmet non-use, alcohol impairment, speeding, and collision types (especially left-turn and head-on crashes) contribute significantly to this rate. With 6,335 fatalities in 2023, representing 15% of all traffic deaths, motorcycles remain one of the most dangerous forms of transportation. 

Safety measures like universal helmet laws, rider education, ABS-equipped bikes, and increased road awareness can reduce fatalities, potentially lowering the percentage of fatal crashes. For those affected by fatal accidents, consulting experienced attorneys from firms like Georgia Wrongful Death Attorney P.C. can help navigate legal complexities and secure fair compensation. Contact our motorcycle accident wrongful death attorney today for free case evaluation.