Consumer Alert: NHTSA Urges Drivers to Share the Road Amid Rising Motorcyclist Fatality Rate

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today is urging the driving public to help prevent motorcyclist fatalities by riding and driving safely as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month gets underway. The advisory comes amid a rising motorcyclist fatality rate, which was nearly 28 times higher than the passenger car occupant fatality rate in traffic crashes in 2023. 

New NHTSA data shows there were 31.39 motorcyclist fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2023, as compared to 1.13 passenger car occupant fatalities. 

Throughout May, NHTSA will be working to educate the public about the importance of motorcycle safety and sharing the road. Traffic fatalities involving motorcyclists have remained steady, and the agency is committed to saving more lives through sustained and focused action. 

“Far too many motorcyclists are still being killed or injured in traffic crashes across America. These tragedies are preventable, and it is essential that both riders and drivers pay close attention to their driving habits and to each other while out on the roads,” NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser said. “This month, and year-round, we want everyone to remember that motorcyclists’ safety is everyone’s safety.” 

In 2023, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes, representing 15% of all traffic fatalities and an increase of 1.3% compared to 2022. The number of motorcyclists injured in traffic crashes declined slightly in 2023, with an estimated 82,564 injured, a 0.2% decrease. 

Among those aged 15 to 20, motorcyclist fatalities increased by 44%, to 505 in 2023 from 350 in 2022. 

While alcohol impairment continues to play a significant role in motorcycle-involved crash fatalities, the number of alcohol-impaired riders involved in fatal traffic crashes decreased to 1,668 in 2023 from 1,772 in 2022, representing a nearly 6% decline. However, 41% of riders who died in single-vehicle crashes in 2023 were alcohol impaired. 

Wearing a DOT-compliant helmet while riding is especially important for preventing motorcyclist fatalities. In states without universal helmet laws, based on known helmet use, 51% of motorcyclists killed in 2023 were not wearing helmets, as compared to 10% in states with universal helmet laws. 

Vehicle drivers and motorcyclists can help save lives by: 

• Observing all traffic laws and obeying the speed limit.
• Driving and riding alcohol- and drug-free.
• Avoiding distractions while driving or riding.
• Yielding to motorcyclists, especially when drivers are turning at intersections.
• Wearing high-visibility protective gear and DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets while riding.  
• Completing a motorcycle rider education and training course. 

For more information on motorcycle safety, visit NHTSA.gov/Road-Safety/Motorcycles.