Motorcycle Statistics for Accidents and Crashes

We've compiled these motorcycle statistics on accidents, crashes, helmet usage, and fatalities because we advocate biker safety. We also believe in the freedom of bikers all over the United States of America, but never at the risk of your life or the life of another.

Bikers, you don't need us to tell you how dangerous it is on the open road - distracted car drivers, big trucks that take up more than their share, and much more. Motorcycle safety risks are everywhere.

To avoid life-threatening motorcycle crashes, become familiar with our latest motorcycle accident statistics. The more prepared you are when you take to the road, the better your chance of avoiding serious injury or even death caused by a motorcycle wreck.

2007 Pennsylvania Statistics

• 225 people died in motorcycle accidents in 2007 in Pennsylvania.
• In 2007, there were 4,111 motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania. In 2000, there were 2,837 crashes involving accidents.
• Motorcycle fatalities increased from 152 in 2004 to 225 in 2007.
• There were 3,686 motorcycle accidents that involved injuries.
• Of the 225 people who suffered fatal injuries, 210 were the driver of the motorcycle and 15 were the passenger.
• 74% of the fatalities occurred in the 30- to 45-year-old age group.
• 68% of the fatalities occurred in the 46- to 65-year-old age group.
• 55% of the fatalities occurred in the 21- to 29-year-old age group.
• 4,716 PA bikers were involved in motorcycle crashes.
• 227 Pennsylvania bikers reported receiving serious injuries in motorcycle accidents.
• 1,317 bikers were admitted to trauma centers in Pennsylvania.
• 657 bikers were admitted to trauma centers with a head injury.

2007 National Statistics

• In the United States, motorcycle accident deaths increased by 6.6%, accounting for almost one in eight motor vehicle deaths.
• There were 5,154 motorcycle fatalities nationwide, and 2007 was the 10th straight year of increase.
• Biker deaths hit an all-time low in 1997. Since that time, they have increased by 128%.
• In 2007, 49% of bikers killed in crashes were age 40 or over.
• 31% of motorcycle crash fatalities occurred in the under 30-year-old group in 2007.
• 20% of crash fatalities occurred in the 30- to 39-year-old group in 2007.
• 27% percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal accidents had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.08 percent.
• In 2007, 36% of all bikers involved in fatal crashes were speeding, compared with 24% of passenger car drivers.
• 26% of bikers involved in fatal crashes were riding without a valid license in 2007.
• There are about 75% more motorcycles registered now than there were 10 years ago.

2006 Pennsylvania Statistics

• In 2006, there were 3,889 motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania. In 2000, there were 2,837 total crashes involving motorcycles.
• Motorcycle fatalities increased from 152 in 2004 to 185 in 2006.
• There were 3,486 motorcycle accidents that involved injuries.

2006 National Statistics

• Per registered vehicle, the fatality rate for bikers in 2006 was 5.5 times the fatality rate for passenger car occupants.
• The injury rate for motorcycle riders was 1.2 times the injury rate for passenger car occupants.
• In 2006, bikers accounted for 11% of total traffic fatalities.
• In 2006, 4,810 motorcyclists were killed - an increase of 5% from 2005.
• In 2006, 88,000 bikers were injured in accidents.
• In 2006, 37% of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal accidents were speeding, compared with 23 percent for passenger car drivers.
• Of all fatally injured motorcycle operators, 27% had blood alcohol concentrations of .08 g/dL or higher.
• Bikers killed at night were three times more likely to have blood alcohol concentrations of .08 g/dL or higher than those killed during the day.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that for every 100 bikers killed while not wearing a helmet, 37 of their lives would have been saved if they were wearing a helmet.
• Helmet use has declined by 20% over five years, from 2001 to 2006.
• In Pennsylvania, there were 188 motorcycle-related fatalities in 2006.
• Motorcycles are more likely to be involved in a fatal accident with a fixed object than another vehicle

2005 National Statistics

• In 2005, 4,553 people died in motorcycle crashes, an increase of 13% from 4,028 in 2004.
• Motorcycle fatalities increased for eight consecutive years from 1997-2005.
• Bikers were 34 more times likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash in 2005, and 8 times more likely to be injured.
• From 1997 to 2005, motorcycle fatalities are estimated to have risen 115%. In 2005, 87,000 riders were injured in accidents, up 14.5% from 76,000 in 2004.
• Motorcycle riders accounted for 10.5% of total traffic fatalities, 13.8% of occupant fatalities, and 3.5% of all occupants injured.
• 47% of riders killed were 40 years of age and older.
• Fatalities of riders 30 years of age and under dropped to 32% in 2005 compared to 50% in 1995.
• Fatalities among riders 30 to 35 years of age also dropped to 21% from 26% in 1995.
• 27% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes had a BAC of .08 or higher.
• 41% of the 1,878 fatally injured bikers who died in single-vehicle crashes in 2005 had a BAC of .08 or higher.
• On weekend nights, 61% of riders who died in single vehicle crashes had a BAC of .08 or higher.
• 34% of bikers involved in fatal crashes were speeding compared to 26% of passenger car drivers.
• 24% of riders involved in a fatal accident were riding without a valid license.
• 1,546 lives were saved by helmets in 2005. If all states required helmets, an additional 728 more lives would have been saved.
• Helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing a fatal injury.

Still need more stats? Check out these older motorcycle accidents statistics from the 1990s.

Have You Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?

Don't become another statistic. If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Get started right now by taking advantage of our free legal evaluation.