Motorcycles differ from cars in one major way. When you get into an accident on a motorcycle, there is nothing between you and the vehicle that hits you. Unlike cars, motorcycles lack safety features such as seat belts, steel frames, and airbags, which increases the risk of injury in a crash. This makes motorcycle accidents very dangerous. But exactly how risky are they? These statistics on motorcycle crashes give a more complete picture.
Motorcycles account for over 15% of total traffic deaths, even though they make up only 0.6% of all vehicle miles traveled, highlighting the disproportionate impact of motorcycle crashes on overall traffic fatalities.
This article draws on key traffic safety facts to provide an accurate overview of motorcycle accident risks.
We also reference the National Safety Council as an authoritative source for safety guidelines and statistical data on motorcycle crashes.
Motorcycle Accidents in Texas
The statistics on motorcycle crashes provided by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) provide a frightening picture of the risks you are taking when you ride a motorcycle in Texas.
According to these statistics on motorcycle crashes, there were 9,405 motorcycle accidents in Texas in 2023, with over 9,000 motorcycles involved in these crashes. Only 1,349 of those accidents resulted in no injuries. That means your chances of getting hurt in a motorcycle accident are roughly 85%. When considering miles driven, motorcyclists face a much higher risk of injury or death per mile compared to other vehicle types. Injuries in car accidents are much less common than that. Although motorcycles make up a small percentage of registered vehicles in Texas, they are involved in a disproportionately high number of accidents.
The national average also shows that motorcycle riders are at greater risk. In Texas, motorcyclist fatalities and traffic fatalities represent a much higher proportion compared to other vehicle types. In fact, motorcyclists accounted for about 14% of all traffic fatalities in the state, despite motorcycles being a minority on the road. In 2023, there were over 500 motorcyclist fatalities in Texas. Florida, California, and Texas together accounted for over 30% of national motorcycle fatalities in 2023, highlighting Texas’s significant share. The motorcycle fatality rate remains significantly higher than that of other vehicles. Passenger deaths, including those riding as passengers on motorcycles, also contribute to the high fatality numbers. Occupant deaths in motorcycle crashes are much higher compared to occupant deaths in passenger vehicles. Passenger vehicle occupants generally experience lower fatality rates in crashes, highlighting the increased danger for motorcyclists compared to those in passenger vehicles.
Nationally, the number of motorcyclists killed continues to rise. In 2023, a total of 6,335 motorcyclists died in crashes, marking the highest number ever recorded and a 26% increase since 2019. Motorcycle deaths accounted for 15% of all motor vehicle crash deaths in 2023, underscoring the significant risk faced by riders across the country.
Vehicle type plays a major role in accident and fatality rates, with motorcycles being far more dangerous than cars or trucks. Engine size is another factor, as larger engine sizes are often associated with more severe motorcycle accidents. Understanding the motorcycle laws every Texan should know is also critical for reducing risk. Over the past decade, motorcyclist fatalities and ownership have increased dramatically, further emphasizing the growing safety concern for riders in Texas.
Demographics and Characteristics of Motorcycle Crash Victims
Motorcycle crashes continue to result in a far greater share of fatalities and serious injuries compared to other types of vehicle crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2023, motorcyclists were about 28 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle crash than passenger car occupants, when measured per vehicle miles traveled. This stark difference highlights just how vulnerable motorcycle riders are on the road, especially when compared to those in a passenger car.
When looking at the demographics of motorcycle accident fatalities, certain patterns emerge. The majority of fatally injured motorcyclists are male—NHTSA data consistently shows that men account for over 90% of motorcycle deaths each year. Age is another significant factor: riders between the ages of 25 and 39 represent the largest group involved in fatal motorcycle accidents, but there has also been a noticeable increase in fatalities among riders aged 50 and older in recent years. In 2023, 30% of the fatally injured motorcyclists were younger than 30, compared with 80% in 1975, and motorcyclist deaths among the 15-to-20 age group increased by 44% from 2022 to 2023. This trend may be linked to more older adults taking up motorcycling as a hobby or means of transportation. Fifty-five percent of the female motorcyclists who died in crashes in 2023 were passengers, and their deaths represented 91% of the passenger deaths.
Other characteristics also play a role in motorcycle accident deaths. Many fatal crashes involve riders who are not wearing helmets, despite clear evidence that helmet use dramatically reduces the risk of head injury and death. In states with universal helmet laws, only 10% of killed riders were not wearing helmets compared to 51% in states without such laws, and in 2023, 89% of fatally injured motorcyclists were helmeted in states with helmet laws that cover all riders, in contrast to only 35% in states with no helmet law. Additionally, the type of motorcycle and the rider’s experience level can influence crash outcomes—larger engine sizes and less experienced operators are often associated with higher fatality rates.
These statistics from the highway traffic safety administration underscore the importance of understanding who is most at risk in motorcycle crashes. By recognizing the demographics and characteristics of those most affected, both riders and policymakers can take steps to improve safety and reduce the number of tragic motorcyclist deaths and motorcycle accident fatalities on our roads, and to promote compliance with Houston motorcycle licensing requirements.
Fatalities and Serious Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Knowing that only about 15% of motorcycle accidents don’t result in injuries only gives you about half the picture. It doesn’t tell you how likely those injuries are to be serious or deadly. Nonfatal injuries are extremely common in motorcycle crashes, often resulting in significant medical and long-term treatment challenges, including the possibility of post-traumatic stress after a motorcycle accident.
According to the TxDOT statistics, in the same year, 599 accidents resulted in fatalities, and 2,484 resulted in serious injuries. That means you are more than twice as likely to be seriously injured or die than you are to suffer no injuries. Brain injuries and spinal cord injuries are among the most frequent and severe outcomes of motorcycle accidents, with crashes accounting for about 35% of all spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis and high treatment costs. Motorcycle accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries.
Nationally, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III), 6,218 motorcyclists died in accidents in 2022. Fatal accidents like these highlight the high risk motorcyclists face on the road. Helmets play a crucial role in preventing brain injuries and can save lives, significantly reducing the risk of death and serious head trauma in motorcycle crashes. Wearing a DOT-compliant helmet significantly reduces injury severity in motorcycle crashes. Helmets are about 37% effective in preventing motorcycle deaths and about 67% effective in preventing brain injuries in motorcycle crashes. The majority of motorcyclist deaths are due to head injuries, making helmet use crucial. That means Texas motorcycle deaths are approximately equivalent to the national average, based on the population of Texas.
Dangerous Times and Locations
The likelihood of getting into a motorcycle accident doesn’t remain constant. It can change throughout the day or on specific days of the week. Also, certain locations are less safe for riding a motorcycle.
The most dangerous places to ride a motorcycle are anywhere with bad roads or lots of traffic. A significant number of motorcycle fatalities occur on major roads other than freeways and interstates, especially in urban areas. State and federal highways are usually pretty safe, because they are wide open, giving you lots of room to maneuver, raising the question of whether it is safer to ride on city streets or the highway. However, accident rates are higher in urban areas compared to rural areas, with urban environments accounting for about 60% of motorcycle fatalities versus 38% in rural areas. Motorcycle accidents often involve multiple vehicle crashes, but single vehicle crashes—such as rollovers or collisions with fixed objects—also make up a substantial portion of incidents. In fact, thirty-five percent of motorcyclist deaths in 2023 occurred in single-vehicle crashes, while 65% occurred in multiple-vehicle crashes. Head on collisions are among the most serious and fatal types of motorcycle accidents, frequently resulting from crossing into oncoming traffic or vehicle turning errors. Many crashes involving motorcycles are caused by the actions or negligence of other motorists or other drivers who fail to see or yield to motorcyclists, and these are among the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Texas. It is crucial for riders to stay vigilant about other motorists and other drivers on the road. To reduce risk, always ride sober and avoid riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Making sure you understand Houston motorcycle insurance requirements is also an important part of protecting yourself financially after a crash.
Fifty-nine percent of motorcyclist deaths in 2023 occurred during the months of May to September, with fatalities peaking in July and August.
Surprisingly, rush hour isn’t the most dangerous time of the day to drive in Texas. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, the most risky time of day is between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. Several contributing factors result in this being the most dangerous driving time.
Common Contributing Factors
Drunk driving and limited visibility are two contributing factors that make driving between those hours so dangerous. Texas ranks as the third most dangerous state in the country for drunk driving. Drunk drivers are most likely to be found on the road on weekend nights (including Friday). A high blood alcohol concentration (BAC), especially at or above 0.08%, significantly increases the risk of motorcycle crashes and fatalities. Alcohol impairs a rider's ability to operate a motorcycle safely by diminishing judgment, concentration, and response time, which are essential for the skill and coordination required to ride. Twenty-six percent of fatally injured motorcycle drivers in 2023 had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above 0.08%.
Because motorcycles have such a low profile, they are difficult to notice in the best conditions. At night or in bad weather like fog or rain, visibility decreases even more. Wearing protective gear, such as helmets, gloves, and reflective clothing, is crucial for preventing injuries and improving visibility. Helmet laws play a key role in increasing helmet use and reducing fatalities in motorcycle accidents. Additionally, protective gear can help minimize property damage to both the motorcycle and surrounding vehicles during a crash.
Unsafe speed is the leading factor in fatal motorcycle crashes, accounting for 28.2% of incidents. The adoption of Antilock Braking Systems (ABS) is associated with a 22% lower fatal crash rate compared to models without it.
Why Driver Inattention Can Be So Deadly for Motorcyclists
Finally, distracted driving presents a high threat to motorcyclists. When a driver looks away to read a text or eat a sandwich, they lose track of other vehicles on the road. A large vehicle like a truck or minivan might catch their attention before an accident, but a motorcycle is likely to go unnoticed until it is too late.
Proper licensing and training for motorcycle operators is crucial, as many motorcycle operators involved in crashes lack valid licenses or endorsements, increasing their risk of serious injury. The Federal Highway Administration, alongside the NHTSA, plays a key role in promoting motorcycle safety and supporting initiatives to reduce distracted driving.
This isn’t a trivial threat. According to the NHTSA, distracted driving resulted in 3,275 deaths in 2023. Similar dangers exist for bicyclists, who may need help from a Houston bike accident attorney when negligent drivers cause serious injuries.
How a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help After a Crash
The sad truth is that, after an accident, you are likely to be stuck in the hospital for weeks, or even months, assuming you survive. This is true not only for motorcycle accidents but for all types of traffic crashes, which often result in serious injuries and complex legal challenges. Victims may be able to pursue several types of damages after a car accident, but navigating those claims alone can be overwhelming. That makes pursuing action to get compensation for your injuries quite difficult.
Attorneys at Ramsey Law Group, a Houston personal injury firm, can solve that problem. We will be your hands, eyes, and mouth during the insurance or legal process. This allows you to focus on recovery while your attorney works within the system.
Furthermore, experienced lawyers know what type of evidence is most effective when fighting for fair compensation. We will preserve that evidence and negotiate with the insurance company for the highest possible financial recovery.
Can a Texas Personal Injury Lawyer Help if a Loved One Dies in a Motorcycle Accident?
Fatalities are, unfortunately, quite common in motorcycle accidents. If your loved one dies in an accident, you may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Typically, you have the right to file a lawsuit if your loved one would have been able to file a personal injury lawsuit had they survived. Our legal team can assist with these claims in the same way we handle injury claims, drawing on the experience and values described on our About Ramsey Law Group page.
Does the Amount I Ride Affect My Risk for Getting Hurt or Killed?
According to the III statistics, the fatality rate is approximately 26.16 per 100 million miles traveled. Therefore, while driving more presents a danger, you'd have to spend almost your entire life on the road to significantly increase that risk.
How Much Will a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Cost Me?
At Ramsey Law Group, we charge a contingency fee on motorcycle accident cases. That means we only charge you a fee if we win your case. If we do get you compensation, we will take a percentage of that recovery as our fee.
Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Texas Today
Were you or someone you love involved in a serious motorcycle accident in Texas? Our law firm may be able to help you get compensation for the harm suffered. Contact Ramsey Law Group today to schedule a free consultation with our motorcycle accident lawyers as soon as possible.