Although motorcycles make up only 3% of all registered vehicles and 0.7% of all vehicle miles traveled in the United States, motorcyclists accounted for 14.6% of all traffic fatalities and 3.5% of all injuries in 2022. A factor that directly influences motorcycle fatality trends is helmet use. (Explore helmet use trends)
Fatalities among motorcycle riders and passengers increased 1% from 2021 to 2022, while the rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled decreased by 16%. The fatality rate decrease in 2022 is a result of a 21% increase in miles driven (see additional details below). Over the last 10 years, deaths have increased 32%, while death rates have increased 13%. The number of motorcycle fatalities now stands at 6,218 and the rate is 26.16 per 100 million vehicle miles.
- Chart
- Data Table
The number of nonfatal injuries increased by 2.6%, while the injury rate decreased by 19% from 2021 to 2022. Starting in 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) transitioned from the National Automotive Sampling System (NASS) General Estimates System (GES) to the Crash Report Sampling System (CRSS). CRSS estimates and NASS GES estimates are not comparable due to different sample designs, so 2016 and later injury estimates should not be compared to earlier years. From 2016, the number of injuries has decreased 20%, while the injury rate has decreased 31%.
- Chart
- Data Table
*2016 and later injury estimates are not comparable to previous years.
Motorcycle exposure or use trends have been mixed. Although the number of registered motorcycles decreased 2% in 2022, the number of vehicle miles driven increased 21%. In the last 10 years, registered motorcycles have increased 14%, while mileage has increased 17%. The large increase in miles traveled resulted in a 16% decrease in the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled and a 19% decrease in the injury rate despite modest changes in the number of fatalities and injuries in 2022.
- Chart
- Data Table
The infographic highlights a few key motorcycle fatality trends for 2021. The majority of motorcyclist fatalities occurred:
- On urban roads (66%)
- In good weather (94%)
- During daytime (50%)
- In crashes involving two vehicles (55%)
- When wearing helmets (60%)
In addition, 72% of the motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes were NOT alcohol-impaired.
- Chart
- Data Table
Sources: National Safety Council (NSC) analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data.