What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Get in Accidents?

Motorcycles offer an unmatched sense of freedom, but they also come with significantly greater risks than passenger vehicles. One question many riders ask is, “What percentage of motorcycle riders get in accidents?” The answer is more complicated than a simple percentage. While there is no national database that tracks the lifetime crash rate of every licensed motorcyclist, available research shows that motorcycle riders are involved in crashes and suffer serious injuries at disproportionately high rates compared to drivers of passenger vehicles.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2023, accounting for approximately 15% of all traffic fatalities despite motorcycles making up only about 3% of all registered vehicles and an even smaller percentage of total vehicle miles traveled. Motorcyclists also experience injury and fatality rates many times higher than occupants of passenger vehicles. These statistics demonstrate why motorcycle safety remains a significant public health concern.

Whether you are a new rider or have decades of experience, understanding the risks can help you make better decisions on the road. If you have already been injured because another driver was careless, understanding your legal rights is just as important as understanding the statistics.

“Many people assume motorcycle riders are automatically at fault when an accident occurs, but that’s simply not true. In our experience, many serious motorcycle crashes happen because another driver failed to pay attention or failed to yield. Every rider deserves a fair investigation and the opportunity to recover full compensation for their injuries.” — John J. Malm, Naperville Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Is There a Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Who Get into Accidents?

One of the most common misconceptions is that government agencies publish an exact percentage of motorcycle riders who crash each year. They do not. Instead, agencies such as the NHTSA, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and state departments of transportation collect data on:

• Registered motorcycles
• Licensed motorcycle operators
• Reported crashes
• Fatal crashes
• Injury crashes
• Vehicle miles traveled

Because not every rider logs the same number of miles each year, there is no precise statistic showing what percentage of all motorcycle riders will have an accident during their lifetime or in any given year. However, researchers can estimate crash risk by comparing the number of crashes with the number of registered motorcycles.

For example:

• There are approximately 8.8 million registered motorcycles in the United States.
• More than 80,000 police-reported motorcycle injuries occur annually.
• Thousands of additional crashes involve only property damage.
• More than 6,000 riders lose their lives every year in motorcycle crashes.

These figures suggest that hundreds of thousands of riders experience crashes over the course of a decade, although the exact percentage varies depending on riding habits, weather, age, mileage, and other factors.

Motorcycle Riders Face Far Greater Risk Than Car Drivers

The better question is not “What percentage of riders crash?” but rather: “How dangerous is riding compared to driving a passenger vehicle?” The answer is clear.

According to NHTSA:

• Motorcyclists are approximately 22 times more likely to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled than occupants of passenger cars.
• Riders are about four times more likely to be injured in a crash.
• Nearly 80% of reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death, compared to a much lower percentage for passenger vehicle crashes.

Unlike occupants of passenger vehicles, motorcyclists have virtually no protection during a collision. Even low-speed crashes can cause catastrophic injuries because riders may be thrown from their motorcycles or struck by other vehicles or fixed objects.

Why Motorcycle Riders Have Higher Accident Rates

Several factors contribute to motorcycle crashes.

Motorcycles Are Harder to See

One of the leading causes of motorcycle crashes is that other motorists simply fail to notice motorcycles. Common situations include:

• Left-turn collisions
• Drivers changing lanes
• Pulling out from side streets
• Backing out of driveways
• Failing to yield

NHTSA consistently identifies failure to detect motorcycles as a leading factor in multi-vehicle crashes.

Less Protection During Impact

Cars include:

• Seat belts
• Airbags
• Crumple zones
• Reinforced passenger compartments
• Advanced collision avoidance systems

Motorcycles have none of these protections. Instead, riders rely primarily on:

• Helmets
• Protective clothing
• Riding skill
• Defensive driving

Even when wearing full protective gear, riders remain exposed to direct impact forces.

Road Hazards

Road conditions that barely affect cars can be extremely dangerous for motorcycles. Examples include:

• Gravel
• Oil slicks
• Potholes
• Uneven pavement
• Railroad tracks
• Wet leaves
• Standing water
• Construction debris

A relatively minor roadway defect can cause a rider to lose control in seconds.

Driver Negligence

Many motorcycle crashes are caused not by the rider, but by another driver’s careless behavior. Examples include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Running red lights
• Aggressive driving
• Following too closely
• Unsafe lane changes
• Failure to yield

In many Illinois motorcycle accident cases, investigators determine that the motorcyclist did little or nothing wrong.

How Common Are Fatal Motorcycle Accidents?

Although fatal crashes represent only a small percentage of all motorcycle accidents, they occur at an alarming rate. According to NHTSA data:

• More than 6,300 motorcyclists died in 2023.
• Motorcycle fatalities have increased substantially over the past two decades.
• Fatalities occur most often during:
  • Summer months
  • Weekend afternoons
  • Evening hours
  • Rural roads
  • High-speed highways

Alcohol, speeding, and lack of helmet use remain significant contributing factors in many fatal crashes.

Illinois Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcycle crashes continue to be a serious concern throughout Illinois. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT):

• Thousands of motorcycle crashes occur across Illinois every year.
• Hundreds of riders suffer serious injuries.
• More than 100 motorcyclists are killed annually.
• The majority of fatal crashes occur on roads with speed limits above 40 mph.
• Many crashes involve another motor vehicle making a left turn or failing to yield.

Illinois does not require helmets for most adult riders, making protective gear an important personal safety decision despite the absence of a statewide helmet law.

Experience Matters, But It Doesn’t Eliminate Risk

Many people assume only inexperienced riders crash. Unfortunately, that is not true. Research shows crashes involve:

• New riders
• Experienced riders
• Commuters
• Recreational riders
• Touring riders

Even highly skilled motorcyclists cannot always avoid negligent drivers. Many experienced riders report that they saw the danger but simply had nowhere to escape before impact.

Who Is Most Likely to Be Involved in a Motorcycle Accident?

Although every rider faces some degree of risk, crash statistics show that certain groups are more likely to be involved in serious motorcycle accidents than others.

Young Riders

Younger riders often lack the experience needed to recognize and respond to dangerous situations. According to the NHTSA, riders under age 30 are overrepresented in many types of serious crashes, particularly those involving excessive speed or risk-taking behaviors. In 2023, fatalities among riders ages 15 to 20 increased significantly compared to the previous year.

Older Riders

Interestingly, older riders also represent a growing percentage of fatal motorcycle crashes. Many riders over age 50 have returned to motorcycling after years away from riding, often purchasing larger, more powerful touring motorcycles. While these riders generally have more life experience, they may have slower reaction times or face physical limitations that increase injury severity during a crash.

New Motorcycle Owners

New riders are particularly vulnerable during their first year of ownership. Learning proper braking techniques, cornering, evasive maneuvers, and hazard recognition takes time. Completing a certified motorcycle safety course can significantly improve a rider’s ability to avoid crashes.

The Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

While every crash is unique, several recurring factors appear in accident investigations across Illinois and the United States.

Left-Turn Accidents

One of the most common motorcycle crashes occurs when a passenger vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. These crashes often happen because:

• Drivers misjudge the motorcycle’s speed
• Drivers simply fail to see the motorcycle
• Drivers assume they have enough time to turn
• Drivers are distracted

These collisions frequently result in catastrophic injuries because the rider strikes the side of the turning vehicle with little opportunity to avoid impact.

Speeding

Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases stopping distance. It also dramatically increases the severity of injuries when a crash occurs. According to NHTSA, speeding continues to be a contributing factor in a substantial percentage of fatal motorcycle crashes.

Alcohol Impairment

Alcohol remains one of the leading contributors to fatal motorcycle accidents. Impaired riders experience slower reaction times, reduced coordination, and poor judgment. NHTSA reports that although alcohol-impaired motorcycle fatalities declined slightly in 2023, alcohol was still involved in more than 1,600 fatal motorcycle crashes nationwide.

Distracted Drivers

While distracted riding can certainly contribute to crashes, distracted drivers pose an even greater threat to motorcyclists. Activities such as:

• Texting
• Using GPS
• Adjusting the radio
• Eating
• Talking on the phone

can prevent motorists from noticing motorcycles until it is too late.

How Riders Can Reduce Their Risk

Although no rider can eliminate every danger, several safety practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of being involved in a crash. These include:

• Completing a motorcycle safety course
• Wearing a DOT-approved helmet
• Using protective jackets, gloves, boots, and riding pants
• Keeping headlights on during the day
• Remaining visible in traffic
• Avoiding blind spots
• Obeying speed limits
• Never riding while impaired
• Maintaining safe following distances
• Regularly inspecting tires, brakes, and lights

Defensive riding is especially important because many motorcycle crashes result from the mistakes of other drivers.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

If you are involved in a motorcycle crash in Illinois, the steps you take afterward can significantly affect both your health and your legal claim.

You should:

• Call 911 immediately.
• Seek prompt medical treatment, even if injuries seem minor.
• Obtain a copy of the police report.
• Photograph the accident scene, motorcycle damage, and your injuries.
• Collect contact information from witnesses.
• Avoid discussing fault with the insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
• Preserve your riding gear and motorcycle as evidence.
• Contact an experienced Illinois motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Motorcycle injuries often involve extensive medical treatment, lost income, permanent disability, and long-term rehabilitation. Early legal representation can help preserve evidence and protect your right to compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Motorcycle Accidents

What percentage of motorcycle riders get into accidents?

There is no official statistic that measures the exact percentage of riders who crash each year. Instead, safety agencies track registered motorcycles, reported crashes, injuries, and fatalities. The available data consistently shows that motorcycle riders face a substantially higher risk of injury and death than passenger vehicle occupants.

Are most motorcycle accidents the rider’s fault?

No. Many serious motorcycle crashes occur because another motorist fails to yield, changes lanes without looking, turns left in front of a motorcycle, or drives while distracted.

Are helmets required in Illinois?

Illinois is one of only a few states that does not require most motorcycle riders to wear helmets. However, wearing a DOT-approved helmet remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of fatal head injuries.

Are motorcycle accidents usually serious?

Yes. Because motorcycles provide little physical protection, riders are much more likely to suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal injuries, road rash, and other catastrophic injuries than occupants of passenger vehicles.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Illinois?

In most cases, Illinois law gives injured motorcycle accident victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, exceptions may apply, especially if a governmental entity is involved, so it is important to speak with an attorney promptly.

Contact the Experienced Illinois Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

Motorcycle accidents often leave victims facing overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, painful injuries, and uncertainty about the future. Insurance companies frequently attempt to blame motorcyclists or minimize the value of their claims, making experienced legal representation essential.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the unique challenges motorcycle accident victims face. Our attorneys have spent decades representing injured riders throughout Illinois and fighting to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and other damages. We conduct thorough investigations, work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary, and aggressively advocate for our clients every step of the way.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver’s negligence, don’t wait to protect your rights. Contact John J. Malm & Associates today for a free consultation. We’ll answer your questions, explain your legal options, and fight to help you obtain the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery.