Motorcycle Safety & Statistics

Something as simple as wearing protective clothing and a helmet can mean the difference between life and death when riding a motorcycle.

With the summer months here and more people enjoying their bikes in the warm weather, it’s important remember some safety tips.

Motorcycle Accident Stats

A total of 4,381 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2013. Motorcycle deaths accounted for 13 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths in 2013. These stats are the most recent available from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).

Motorcycle Riding Safety

Wear brightly colored gear so drivers see you.

Never, ever, drive while impaired.

Vehicles and motorcycles should not attempt to share a lane.

Always use turn signals when changing or turning lanes.

Try, when possible, to avoid traveling in poor weather conditions.

Helmet Laws

The most important piece of motorcycle safety equipment is wearing a helmet. Helmets decrease the severity of serious head injuries and fatalities. According government estimates, wearing a helmet reduces the risk of dying in a crash by 37 percent. While un-helmeted drivers are three times more likely to sustain traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a crash.

Motorcycle helmet laws largely vary state by state. Currently, 19 states and the District of Columbia have laws that require all motorcyclists to wear a helmet, known as universal laws. Nevada is one of those states.