Motorcycle Accident Statistics:
Worst States for Motorcyclists [2025 Updated]

Motorcycle riding embodies freedom and adventure, but it also carries significant dangers that have only intensified over time. Alarmingly, over 56% of drivers involved in fatal motorcycle crashes do not survive, and fatalities have surged by more than 25% over the past decade. With over 81,000 injuries annually, the risks to motorcycle riders are clear and present.

Our study goes beyond identifying the most dangerous states for motorcycle riders in 2025; it also delves into critical statistics every rider should know. We examined key factors such as the percentage of fatal motorcycle accidents, the number of fatalities per 10,000 registered motorcycles, and the impact of impaired driving—whether due to speeding, alcohol, or distracted driving.

Utilizing data from trusted sources like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), this study aims to inform and protect motorcycle riders. By highlighting where and why these dangers are most pronounced, we seek to foster awareness and drive action to make America’s roads safer for all motorcyclists.

• High Injury Rates: Motorcycle injuries average 81,896 annually over the past decade.
• Rising Fatalities: Fatal motorcycle accidents rose by over 25% in a decade.
• Summer Danger: June, July, and August are the most dangerous months for fatal motorcycle accidents.
• Weekend Risk: Weekend motorcycle accidents are twice as deadly.
• Male Dominance: 92% of motorcycle accident fatalities are male.
• Speeding & Alcohol: 37% of drivers in fatal motorcycle accidents were speeding; 33% were under the influence of alcohol.
• Most Dangerous States: Hawaii, Texas, and Missouri are the most dangerous states for motorcycle riders.

In 2022, motorcycles were involved in 15.72% of the 39,221 fatal motor vehicle accidents in the United States, according to NHTSA data. Out of the 42,514 people killed in these crashes, 6,340 were involved in motorcycle accidents.

Among the 60,414 drivers involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes, 17.56% were part of motorcycle-related incidents. Alarmingly, 33.52% of the drivers in fatal motorcycle crashes were under the influence of alcohol, and 37.25% were speeding at the time.

Tragically, over 56% of the drivers involved in these fatal motorcycle crashes did not survive. These statistics highlight the severe risks associated with motorcycle-related accidents on the road.

This overview highlights the critical concerns, and the following motorcycle accident statistics further illustrate these issues.

Motorcycle injuries in the U.S. have averaged 81,896 per year over the last decade. In 2022, 77,591 motorcycle injuries were recorded, translating to over 212 injuries per day. Despite yearly variations, including a peak of 98,108 injuries in 2016, motorcyclists continue to face substantial risks on the roads. The consistent number of injuries highlights the ongoing dangers that motorcyclists encounter.

Fatal motorcycle accidents in the U.S. increased by 25.22% from 2013 to 2022. The number of fatalities grew from 4,610 in 2013 to 6,165 in 2022, reflecting a concerning upward trend. Despite fluctuations over the years, with a significant rise noted in 2020 and 2021, the data highlights the growing danger for motorcyclists on American roads.

Data from the past decade (2013-2022) reveals that June, July, and August are the most dangerous months for motorcycle riders, with the highest number of fatal accidents. In contrast, January, February, and December are comparatively safer, showing the lowest numbers of fatalities. This seasonal trend highlights the increased risk motorcyclists face during the summer months.

Of all the fatal motorcycle accidents, 66% took place in urban areas, while 33% occurred in rural areas. This distribution highlights the higher risk motorcyclists face in urban environments, likely due to increased traffic density and other urban factors.

Fatal motorcycle accidents are significantly more frequent on weekends than weekdays. While weekdays account for 54% of all fatal motorcycle accidents, weekends, despite being just two days, make up nearly 46%. On average, there are 666.4 fatal motorcycle accidents per weekday, compared to 1,413 per weekend day. This means that fatal motorcycle accidents are 2.12 times more likely to occur on weekends than on weekdays.

Of all motorcycle accident fatalities, 92% are male, while only 8% are female. This stark gender disparity underscores the higher risk that male motorcyclists face on the road.

Over 37% of drivers involved in fatal motorcycle accidents were speeding, 33% were under the influence of alcohol, and 7% were distracted. These statistics highlight the significant impact of speeding and alcohol impairment on motorcycle fatalities.

Among drivers who died in fatal motorcycle accidents, 35% were not wearing a helmet, while 61% were. This highlights the importance of helmet use in reducing the risk of fatality in motorcycle crashes, though it also underscores that wearing a helmet does not eliminate the risk entirely.

#1. Hawaii: The Most Dangerous State for Motorcyclists in 2025

Hawaii ranks as the most dangerous state for motorcyclists in 2025, with a weighted score of 77.96. Despite its small size, Hawaii stands out due to its high percentage of fatal motorcycle crashes—29.73% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in the state involve motorcycles. Additionally, Hawaii has one of the highest rates of fatalities per 10,000 registered motorcycles, with 9.48 people killed.

The state's alarming statistics are further exacerbated by the fact that 31.15% of drivers involved in fatal motorcycle crashes were under the influence of alcohol, and 50.82% were speeding. This combination of high fatality rates and significant impaired driving incidents makes Hawaii particularly perilous for motorcyclists.

#2. Texas

Texas emerges as a particularly dangerous state for motorcyclists, ranking second on the list with a weighted score of 72.90. The vast road networks and heavy traffic in Texas contribute to the high number of fatal motorcycle crashes, which account for 14.07% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in the state. In 2022, Texas saw 574 people killed in motorcycle-related crashes, translating to 14.56 fatalities per 10,000 registered motorcycles.

The risks are further heightened by the fact that nearly half (48.88%) of the drivers involved in these fatal motorcycle crashes were speeding, and 44.99% were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. The combination of high speeds, impaired driving, and extensive roadways creates a challenging and often hazardous environment for motorcyclists in Texas.

#3. Missouri

Missouri ranks third among the most dangerous states for motorcyclists, with a weighted score of 67.04. In this state, 16.22% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents involve motorcycles, indicating a significant risk for riders. In 2022, Missouri reported 159 fatalities in motorcycle-related crashes, equating to 12.58 deaths per 10,000 registered motorcycles.

One of the key concerns in Missouri is the high prevalence of speeding among drivers involved in these crashes, with half of them (50.00%) exceeding the speed limit at the time of the accident. Additionally, 25.61% of drivers in fatal motorcycle crashes were under the influence of alcohol. These factors, combined with Missouri’s varied terrain and road conditions, make it a particularly hazardous state for motorcyclists.

#4. Arizona

Arizona ranks fourth in the list of most dangerous states for motorcycle riders, with a weighted score of 65.79. The state’s wide-open roads and desert highways contribute to the high incidence of fatal motorcycle crashes, which represent 19.78% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in Arizona. In 2022, 239 people were killed in motorcycle-related crashes, translating to 10.45 deaths per 10,000 registered motorcycles.

A significant concern in Arizona is the high prevalence of impaired driving and speeding. Over 41% of the drivers involved in fatal motorcycle crashes were speeding, and 31.73% were under the influence of alcohol. These factors, coupled with Arizona’s vast and often isolated roadways, amplify the dangers faced by motorcycle riders across the state.

#5. Nevada

Nevada ranks fifth among the most dangerous states for motorcycle riders, with a weighted score of 63.80. In Nevada, 22.72% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents involve motorcycles, a reflection of the significant risks on the state's roads. In 2022, Nevada saw 88 people killed in motorcycle-related crashes, equating to 10.23 deaths per 10,000 registered motorcycles.

One of the most alarming statistics in Nevada is that 32.67% of drivers involved in fatal motorcycle crashes were speeding—the highest percentage among the top dangerous states. Additionally, 27.33% of these drivers were under the influence of alcohol. The combination of high speeds, impaired driving, and Nevada's unique road conditions, including busy urban areas and expansive desert highways, make it a particularly hazardous environment for motorcyclists.

#6. Colorado

Colorado ranks sixth on the list, with a weighted score of 63.17, making it one of the most dangerous states for motorcycle riders. In Colorado, 20.60% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents involve motorcycles. The state recorded 151 motorcycle-related fatalities in 2022, which translates to 7.42 deaths per 10,000 registered motorcycles.

A notable concern in Colorado is the prevalence of impaired driving. Over 36% of drivers involved in fatal motorcycle crashes were under the influence of alcohol, while 58.85% were speeding at the time of the crash. The state's mix of mountainous terrain, unpredictable weather, and a growing number of drivers and riders on the roads contribute to the elevated risks faced by motorcyclists in Colorado.

#7. South Carolina

South Carolina ranks seventh among the most dangerous states for motorcyclists, with a weighted score of 62.25. In this state, 16.19% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents involve motorcycles, highlighting a significant risk for riders. In 2022, South Carolina reported 171 fatalities in motorcycle-related crashes, translating to 11.15 deaths per 10,000 registered motorcycles.

South Carolina also faces serious issues with impaired driving and speeding. An alarming 43.06% of drivers involved in fatal motorcycle crashes were under the influence of alcohol, and 32.64% were speeding at the time of the crash. The combination of these factors, along with the state’s mix of rural and urban roads, creates a hazardous environment for motorcyclists across South Carolina.

#8. Oregon

Oregon finds itself in the eighth position on the list of most dangerous states for motorcycle riders, with a weighted score of 61.86. Motorcycle crashes account for 18.26% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in the state, which is a notable proportion. In 2022, Oregon witnessed 101 deaths in motorcycle-related incidents, with a mortality rate of 7.39 per 10,000 registered motorcycles.

A significant concern in Oregon is the high rate of impaired driving and speeding among drivers involved in fatal motorcycle crashes. About 43.64% of these drivers were under the influence of alcohol, and 54.55% were speeding at the time of the crash. The combination of these factors, along with the state's mix of urban and rural roads, contributes to the elevated risks for motorcyclists in Oregon.

#9. Arkansas

Arkansas ranks ninth on the list, with a weighted score of 60.39, making it one of the most perilous states for motorcycle riders. In Arkansas, motorcycles are involved in 15.78% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents, reflecting a significant danger on the roads. The state reported 94 fatalities in motorcycle-related crashes in 2022, which translates to 12.38 deaths per 10,000 registered motorcycles.

A closer look at the factors contributing to these fatal motorcycle accidents reveals that 20.27% of the drivers involved were under the influence of alcohol, while 33.78% were speeding at the time of the crash.

#10. Delaware

Delaware rounds out the top ten most dangerous states for motorcyclists in 2025, with a weighted score of 60.04. Despite being a smaller state, Delaware has a notable percentage of fatal motor vehicle accidents involving motorcycles, accounting for 13.99% of all such incidents. In 2022, there were 20 motorcycle-related fatalities in Delaware, resulting in 8.85 deaths per 10,000 registered motorcycles.

Delaware's challenges stem from the high rates of impaired driving and speeding among those involved in fatal motorcycle crashes. Over 55% of drivers involved in these incidents were under the influence of alcohol—the highest among the top ten states—and 45.95% were speeding.

This study aimed to rank the most dangerous states for motorcycle riders in the United States in 2025. To achieve this, we developed a comprehensive methodology that considers multiple key factors, each weighted according to its significance in contributing to motorcycle-related fatalities. The methodology is detailed below:

Key Indicators and Weighting

We identified three broad key indicators, each encompassing several sub-factors that contribute to the overall danger for motorcycle riders in each state:

1. Percentage of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents (Weight: 35%)

This indicator measures the proportion of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in a state that involve motorcycles. States with a higher percentage of fatal crashes involving motorcycles are considered more dangerous.

2. People Killed per 10,000 Registered Motorcycles (Weight: 35%)

This indicator reflects the rate of fatalities per 10,000 registered motorcycles in each state. It provides insight into the relative risk of death for motorcyclists in different states.

3. Share of Impaired Driving (Weight: 25%)

This indicator is broken down into three sub-factors that together reflect the role of impaired driving in motorcycle fatalities:

a. Percentage of Drunk Drivers in Fatal Motorcycle Crashes (10%): This measures the proportion of drivers involved in fatal motorcycle crashes who had a high Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).
b. Percentage of Speeding Drivers in Fatal Motorcycle Crashes (10%): This measures the proportion of drivers involved in fatal motorcycle crashes who were speeding at the time of the incident.
c. Percentage of Distracted Drivers in Fatal Motorcycle Crashes (5%): This measures the proportion of drivers involved in fatal motorcycle crashes who were distracted.

Scoring and Normalization

To rank the states, we assigned a corresponding weighted score to each key factor and its sub-factors. The data for each state was normalized to ensure comparability across different metrics. Normalization was performed by adjusting the raw data into a standard range, typically between 0 and 1, to eliminate the effects of scale and allow for meaningful aggregation.

Once normalized, the scores for each key indicator and sub-factor were summed to generate a total score for each state. The total possible score was 100, with the state achieving the highest score being ranked as the most dangerous for motorcycle riders in 2025.

Data Sources

The analysis is based on the latest available data (2022) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The specific metrics analyzed include:

• Fatal Motor Vehicle Crashes Involving a Motorcycle: This metric provides the total number of fatal motor vehicle crashes that involved a motorcycle.
• Estimated Injury-Only Motor Vehicle Crashes Involving a Motorcycle: This includes non-fatal crashes that resulted in injuries.
• Persons Killed in Fatal Crashes Involving a Motorcycle: The total number of people killed in crashes where a motorcycle was involved.
• Drivers Involved in Fatal Crashes Involving a Motorcycle with Highest Driver BAC: This metric tracks the involvement of drivers with high Blood Alcohol Content in fatal motorcycle crashes.
• Drivers Involved in Fatal Crashes Involving a Motorcycle Involving Speeding: This tracks the involvement of speeding drivers in fatal motorcycle crashes.
• Drivers Involved in Fatal Crashes Involving a Motorcycle Involving a Distracted Driver: This tracks the involvement of distracted drivers in fatal motorcycle crashes.
• Drivers Killed in Fatal Crashes Involving a Motorcycle: The total number of drivers who died in crashes involving motorcycles.

Additionally, data on Motorcycles Registered in the United States (2002–2023) was sourced from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This provided the necessary context for understanding the relative risk of motorcycle fatalities across different states, based on the number of motorcycles on the road.