Motorcycle Accident Update

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released a report examining fatal crash rates for 65 motorcycle models offering ABS (anti-lock braking systems) as an option over the 2013-19 period. The researchers found that bikes equipped with the feature were involved in 22 percent fewer fatal crashes per 10,000 registered vehicle years.

Overall, the study found that ABS was associated with a statistically significant 22 percent reduction in motorcycle driver fatal crash involvements per 10,000 registered vehicle years. By motorcycle type, the feature was associated with a 32 percent reduction in crash rates for standard and cruiser motorcycles and about a 25 percent reduction for touring and sport touring bikes. For sport bikes, that percentage fell to 19 percent, and for supersports it fell to 12 percent. Responsible motorcyclists clearly need to act on this information to increase everyone's safety out on the roads. Unfortunately, the toll keeps climbing: according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6,335 people lost their lives in motorcycle crashes in 2023 -- the highest number since the federal government began collecting this data in 1975. The figure eased only slightly to 6,228 motorcyclist deaths in 2024.

It is believed that the long-term upswing in accidents and fatalities is partially due to the increasing popularity of riding motorcycles. The number of on-road motorcycles registered in the U.S. has generally increased over the past two decades, more than doubling from about 4.3 million in 2002 to roughly 8.8 million in 2023. These statistics are particularly noteworthy because motorcyclists continue to be killed at far higher rates per mile traveled than occupants of passenger vehicles. It's clear that the general public, as well as motorcycle riders themselves, need to review various safety precautions in light of the increased presence of motorcycles on our country's streets and roads.

If your current motorcycle doesn't have anti-lock brakes, either have them installed or purchase another "bike" that has them. You can find IIHS's current list of models that feature anti-lock brakes as a standard or optional feature here.

• Wear the best protective gear you can afford.
• Never ride your motorcycle if you've been drinking or using any type of drug that might impair your coordination or reaction times.
• Don't ride beyond your own skill level.
• Be completely familiar with the safety guidelines for motorcyclists issued by your state or any other state you plan to visit.
• Never speed on your bike or weave carelessly between other motor vehicles.
• Never tailgate other vehicles.
• Wear the safest helmet you can afford (based on Department of Transportation standards), regardless of whether or not your state requires you to do so -- head injuries account for the largest number of motorcycle accident fatalities of all injuries sustained.
• Obtain proper training before applying for your license and take refresher courses as needed.
• Make sure to take your motorcycle in for regular tune-ups and check-ups so that any malfunctioning parts can be fixed or replaced.
• Do plenty of research before ever buying a motorcycle to be sure you're purchasing the model best suited to your needs and ability to maneuver it properly.
• Never add more passengers than allowed for your particular model of motorcycle.
• Choose a motorcycle equipped with anti-lock brakes whenever possible, as ABS is proven to significantly reduce fatal crash involvement.
• Slow down during bad weather and consider postponing any motorcycle trips until the weather improves; hydroplaning (having your tires skid above the actual road surface when it's very wet or raining outdoors) is especially dangerous for motorcyclists, since they have even less traction than larger vehicles.
• Never try to customize your motorcycle in any manner that might compromise your safety or violate any laws.