Motorcycle Injury Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,810 motorcyclists were killed in 2006. That’s an increase of 5 percent over the 4,576 motorcyclists killed in 2005. Additionally, there were 88,000 motorcyclists injured during 2006.

Dangerous Drivers

In 2006, 2,537 (51%) of all motorcycles involved in fatal crashes collided with another type of motor vehicle. In two-vehicle crashes, 79 percent of the motorcycles involved were hit in the front. Only 5 percent were struck in the rear.

Motorcycles are more likely to be involved in a fatal collision with a fixed object than are other vehicles. In 2006, 25 percent of the motorcycles involved in fatal crashes collided with fixed objects, compared to 18 percent for passenger cars, 12 percent for light trucks, and 3 percent for large trucks.

In 2006, there were 2,226 two-vehicle fatal crashes involving a motorcycle and another type of vehicle. In 40 percent (883) of these crashes the other vehicle was turning left while the motorcycle was going straight, passing, or overtaking the vehicle. Both vehicles were going straight in 582 crashes (26%).

Age of Drivers

In 2006, approximately 1,527 of motorcycle drivers killed were under the age of 30; 1,002 were in the 30-39 range; and drivers 40 and over totaled 2,279 deaths.

Helmets Save Lives

NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,658 motorcyclists in 2006. If all motorcyclists had worn helmets, an additional 752 lives could have been saved.

For every 100 motorcyclists killed in crashes while not wearing a helmet, 37 of them could have been saved had all 100 worn helmets.

Reported helmet use rates for fatally injured motorcyclists in 2006 were 59 percent for operators and 45 percent for passengers, compared with 58 percent and 50 percent, respectively, in 2005.

In 2006, 37 percent of all motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were speeding, compared to 23 percent for passenger car drivers, 19 percent for light-truck drivers, and 8 percent for large-truck drivers.

Drinking and Driving

Motorcycle operators killed in traffic crashes at night were more than 3 times more likely to have BAC levels of .08 g/dL or higher than those killed during the day.