Motorcycle Accident Statistics Highlight Crash Risks And How Riders Can Limit Them

Motorcycles can be thrilling, cost-effective ways to get around, especially during warmer seasons. Unfortunately, however, the thrill of riding does come with some risk, as motorcycles lack the same stability, safety features and protections that passenger vehicles usually provide.

This can end up meaning that riders are far more susceptible to sustaining serious, potentially life-threatening injuries in the event of a crash.

In order to shine some light on the nature of these risks as well as how often motorcycle accidents occur in the United States, below are some statistics 1, along with some takeaways about what riders can do to protect themselves and minimize their risk of motorcycle crashes.

General Motorcycle Accident Statistics

In addition to these motorcycle statistics, here are some additional facts¹ that further illustrate the dangers to motorcyclists on U.S. and Colorado roads:

  • From 2016 to 2015, fatal motorcycle accidents rose by 5.1 percent

  • Two-wheeled motorcycles make up an overwhelming majority of fatal motorcycle crashes

  • More than half of all fatal motorcycle accidents happen in urban areas

  • About 30 percent of all fatal motorcycle accidents occur in intersections

  • About 40 percent of the time, fatal intersection collisions involving motorcycles are the result of another vehicle turning left in front of a rider

  • More than 70 percent of motorcycle accidents are front-end collisions

  • Motorcyclists are no more likely to be involved in a crash during the week than they are on the weekend

  • In 2016, 114 motorcyclists died in vehicle collisions. Of those, roughly 20 percent had a BAC of at least 0.08

  • Wearing a helmet can reduce a motorcycle rider’s chances of dying in a crash by 37 percent and by approximately 40 percent for motorcycle passengers

Safety Tips For Riders

The above statistics reveal some important facts about what can increase riders’ risk of collisions and what they can do to minimize this risk. Just some essential safety tips for riders include to:

  • Get safety training before riding for the first time or when riding in new conditions (such as mountainous terrain)

  • Always wear a safety helmet and other protective gear

  • Always comply with traffic laws

  • Never ride when drunk, impaired, distracted and/or exhausted

  • Assume that other motorists do not see you and ride defensively

Were You Involved In A Crash? We Can Help.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle collision, or a loved one was killed in a fatal crash, because of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to file a personal injury claim and recover damages for lost wages, medical bills and other crash-related expenses.

The Law Office of James H. Guest, is known for providing comprehensive legal representation to the victims of negligence throughout Denver and Colorado. We have dedicated more than 30 years to advocating on behalf of accident victims and securing favorable outcomes for riders and their families.

If you would like to discuss the details of your case with a skilled lawyer, contact us online or call to schedule a meeting. We offer free initial consultations, and there is no fee for our services if there is no recovery in your case.


1: According to a 2016 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration