• Fatalities: 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes, accounting for 15% of all traffic fatalities. This represents the highest number of motorcyclist deaths since at least 1975.
• Injuries: Approximately 82,564 motorcyclists were injured in traffic crashes, a slight decrease of 0.2% from the previous year.
• Fatality Rate: Motorcyclists experienced a fatality rate of 31.39 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, nearly 28 times higher than the rate for passenger car occupants.  

Contributing Factors to Motorcycle Crashes

• Speeding: In 2023, 36% of motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were speeding, compared to 22% of passenger car drivers. 
• Alcohol Impairment: 41% of motorcyclists who died in single-vehicle crashes were alcohol-impaired.
• Helmet Use: In states without universal helmet laws, 51% of motorcyclists killed in 2023 were not wearing helmets, compared to 10% in states with such laws.  

High-Risk Times and Demographics

• Time of Day: The majority of fatal motorcycle crashes occurred between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., with the highest number between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• Age Group: Motorcyclists aged 21 to 24 had the highest involvement in speeding-related fatal crashes, at 54%.
• Licensing: In 2023, 34% of motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes were riding without a valid motorcycle license.