DOT HS 810 606 June 2006 

Technical Report 

Recent Trends in Fatal Motorcycle Crashes: 

An Update 

 

Published By: 

 NHTSA’s 

 National Center for Statistics and Analysis
 

This publication is distributed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic 

Safety Administration, in the interest of information exchange. The opinions, findings and 

conclusions expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the 

Department of Transportation or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The United 

States Government assumes no liability for its contents or use thereof. If trade or manufacturers’ 

names are mentioned, it is only because they are considered essential to the object of the publication 

and should not be construed as an endorsement. The United States Government does not endorse 

products or manufacturers. 

Cover Photo-Courtesy of Detective Elizabeth Keevil of the Fairfax County Police Crash Reconstruction 

Section. 
 

Technical Report Documentation Page 

1. Report No. 

DOT HS 810 606

2. Government Accession No. 3. Recipient's Catalog No. 

5. Report Date 

June 2006 

4. Title and Subtitle 

Recent Trends in Fatal Motorcycle Crashes: An Update 

6. Performing Organization Code 

NPO - 121 

7. Author(s) 

Umesh Shankar1 and Cherian Varghese2

8. Performing Organization Report No. 

9. Performing Organization Name and Address 10. Work Unit No. (TRAIS) 

Mathematical Analysis Division, Office of Traffic Records and Analysis 

National Center for Statistics and Analysis 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

NPO-121, 400 Seventh Street SW. 

Washington, DC 20590 

11. Contract or Grant No. 

13. Type of Report and Period Covered 

NHTSA Technical 

Report 

12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address 

Mathematical Analysis Division, Office of Traffic Records and Analysis 

National Center for Statistics and Analysis 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

NPO-121, 400 Seventh Street SW. 

Washington, DC 20590 14. Sponsoring Agency Code 

15. Supplementary Notes 

1

Team Leader, Data Reporting Branch, Mathematical Analysis Division, Office of Traffic Records 

and Analysis, National Center for Statistics and Analysis 

2 Programmer Analyst (contractor) for the Mathematical Analysis Division of the National Center for 

Statistics and Analysis. 

16. Abstract

Motorcycle rider fatalities decreased each year from 1995 to 1997, reaching a historic low of 2,116 in 

1997. Beginning in 1998 motorcycle rider fatalities started to increase each year. Since 1997 

motorcycle rider fatalities have increased by 89 percent. NHTSA released a comprehensive report in 

2001 based on increases in motorcycle rider fatalities for two consecutive years (1998 and 1999). The 

latest 2004 data show that motorcycle rider fatalities increased for the seventh year in a row since 

1997. This report is an update to the 2001 report and was written to provide insight and update into the 

continued increasing trend in motorcycle rider fatalities in the recent years. 

The analysis was based on 1995-2004 data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) along 

with data from Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and 

the United States Census Bureau.

17. Key Words 

motorcycle, motorcycle rider, fatalities, fatal 

crashes, recent trends, engine displacement, age 

group, land use 

 

18. Distribution Statement 

Document is available to the public through 

the National Technical Information Service, 

Springfield, VA 22161 

www.ntis.gov

19. Security Classification (of this report) 

Unclassified

20. Security Classification (of this page) 

Unclassified

21. No. of Pages 

69

22. Price 

Form DOT F1700.7 (8-72) Reproduction of completed page authorized
 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 i 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................. 1

1.1. PURPOSE ......................................................................................................................... 1 

1.2. FINDINGS......................................................................................................................... 2 

2. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................. 3

3. ANALYTICAL APPROACH AND DATA SOURCES .................................................... 4

3.1. ANALYTICAL APPROACH ............................................................................................... 4 

3.2. DATA SOURCES............................................................................................................... 4 

4. DATA ANALYSIS................................................................................................................ 4

4.1. SUMMARY DATA............................................................................................................. 4 

4.2. TRENDS ......................................................................................................................... 11 

4.3. COMMON CRASH CHARACTERISTICS.......................................................................... 37 

5. FINDINGS........................................................................................................................... 45

5.1 EXPOSURE..................................................................................................................... 45 

5.2 TRENDS ......................................................................................................................... 45 

5.3 COMMON CRASH CHARACTERISTICS.......................................................................... 46 

6. APPENDIX A: ADDITIONAL DATA ............................................................................. 48

7. APPENDIX B: DATA SOURCES..................................................................................... 60

7.1 FATALITY ANALYSIS REPORTING SYSTEM (FARS) ................................................... 60 

7.2 MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY COUNCIL (MIC)................................................................. 60 

7.3 FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION (FHWA)....................................................... 61 

7.4 U.S. CENSUS BUREAU................................................................................................... 61 

8. REFERENCES.................................................................................................................... 62
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 ii 

LIST OF DATA TABLES

TABLE 1: FATALITIES FROM MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES BY YEAR AND PERSON TYPE...............5

TABLE 2: ON-HIGHWAY MOTORCYCLES BY ENGINE DISPLACEMENT IN CC....................................6

TABLE 3: NEW ON-HIGHWAY MOTORCYCLE UNITS SOLD BY YEAR AND PERCENT AND 

CUMULATIVE INCREASES..................................................................................................................7

TABLE 4: OWNERSHIP OF MOTORCYCLES BY AGE GROUP.....................................................................8

TABLE 5: MOTORCYCLE REGISTRATIONS AND VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED (VMT) BY YEAR ...9

TABLE 6: ESTIMATE OF U.S. RESIDENT POPULATION (100,000) BY YEAR AND AGE GROUP ........10

TABLE 7: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES AND FATALITY RATES BY YEAR AND PER 

REGISTERED VEHICLE AND VEHICLE MILES OF TRAVEL ...................................................12

TABLE 8: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES BY YEAR AND PERSON TYPE.....................................13

TABLE 9: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES BY YEAR AND SEX.........................................................14

TABLE 10: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES BY YEAR AND AGE GROUP.......................................15

TABLE 11: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES AS PERCENT BY YEAR AND AGE GROUP.............17

TABLE 12: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES BY YEAR AND ENGINE DISPLACEMENT ..............18

TABLE 13: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES IN 1,001-1,500 CC ENGINE SIZE BY YEAR AND 

AGE GROUP........................................................................................................................................20

TABLE 14: MEAN AGE OF MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES AND MEAN ENGINE 

DISPLACEMENT IN CC INVOLVED IN FATAL CRASH BY YEAR........................................21

TABLE 15: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES BY YEAR AND DAY OF WEEK ..................................23

TABLE 16: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES BY YEAR AND LAND USE...........................................24

TABLE 17: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES BY YEAR AND CRASH TYPE .....................................25

TABLE 18: FATALLY INJURED MOTORCYCLE RIDERS BY YEAR AND HELMET USE.....................26

TABLE 19: FATALLY INJURED MOTORCYCLE RIDERS IN STATES WITH/WITHOUT UNIVERSAL 

HELMET LAWS .................................................................................................................................27

TABLE 20: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES BY YEAR AND ROADWAY TYPE..............................28

TABLE 21: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES BY YEAR AND SPEEDING FACTOR.........................30

TABLE 22: MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR FATALITIES BY YEAR AND OPERATOR BAC .....................31

TABLE 23: MOTORCYCLE OPERATORS KILLED BY YEAR, LICENSE STATUS, AND LICENSE 

COMPLIANCE....................................................................................................................................33

TABLE 24: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITY RATES BY REGISTERED MOTORCYCLES, 

VEHICLE MILES OF TRAVEL, AND YEAR................................................................................34

TABLE 25: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITY RATE BY AGE GROUP PER 100,000 U.S. RESIDENT 

POPULATION AND YEAR ...............................................................................................................36

TABLE 26: MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR FATALITIES IN 2004 BY AGE GROUP AND ALCOHOL 

LEVEL ..................................................................................................................................................48
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 iii 

TABLE 27: MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR FATALITIES IN 2004 BY ENGINE SIZE AND ALCOHOL 

LEVEL ..................................................................................................................................................48

TABLE 28: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES IN 2004 BY AGE GROUP AND DAY OF WEEK .......49

TABLE 29: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES IN 2004 BY ENGINE SIZE AND DAY OF WEEK......49

TABLE 30: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES BY AGE GROUP AND LAND USE IN 2004................50

TABLE 31: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES BY ENGINE SIZE AND LAND USE IN 2004..............50

TABLE 32: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES IN 2004 BY AGE GROUP AND CRASH TYPE ..........51

TABLE 33: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES IN 2004 BY ENGINE SIZE AND CRASH TYPE ........51

TABLE 34: FATALLY INJURED MOTORCYCLE RIDERS IN 2004 BY AGE GROUP AND 

HELMET USE .....................................................................................................................................52

TABLE 35: FATALLY INJURED MOTORCYCLE RIDERS IN 2004 BY ENGINE SIZE AND 

HELMET USE .....................................................................................................................................52

TABLE 36: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES IN 2004 BY AGE GROUP AND 

ROADWAY FUNCTION CLASS ......................................................................................................53

TABLE 37: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES IN 2004 BY ENGINE SIZE AND 

ROADWAY FUNCTION CLASS ......................................................................................................53

TABLE 38: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES IN 2004 BY AGE GROUP AND SPEEDING ...............54

TABLE 39: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES IN 2004 BY ENGINE SIZE AND SPEEDING..............54

TABLE 40: MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR FATALITIES IN 2004 BY AGE GROUP, LICENSE STATUS, 

AND LICENSE COMPLIANCE........................................................................................................55

TABLE 41: MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR FATALITIES IN 2004 BY ENGINE SIZE, LICENSE STATUS, 

AND LICENSE COMPLIANCE........................................................................................................55
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 iv 

TABLE OF FIGURES

CHART 1: ENGINE SIZE PERCENTAGE BY YEAR .....................................................................6 

CHART 2: MOTORCYCLE OWNERSHIP PERCENTAGE BY AGE GROUP AND YEAR .....................8

CHART 3: REGISTERED MOTORCYCLES AND VMT BY YEAR ...................................................9 

CHART 4: U.S. RESIDENT POPULATION BY AGE GROUP AND YEAR.........................................11 

CHART 5: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES BY YEAR ........................................................12 

CHART 6: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES BY PERSON TYPE AND YEAR ...........................14 

CHART 7: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES BY AGE GROUP AND YEAR ..............................16 

CHART 8: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITY PERCENTAGE BY YEAR AND AGE GROUP ...........17 

CHART 9: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES BY YEAR AND ENGINE DISPLACEMENT CC.......19 

CHART 10: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES IN 1,001-1,500 CC ENGINE SIZE BY YEAR AND 

AGE GROUP ......................................................................................................20 

CHART 11: MEAN AGE OF MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIY BY YEAR ..................................22 

CHART 12: MEAN ENGINE DISPLACEMENT IN CC IN FATAL CRASH BY YEAR ........................22 

CHART 13: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES BY YEAR AND LAND USE ................................25 

CHART 14: FATALLY INJURED MOTORCYCLE RIDERS BY YEAR AND HELMET USE ...............27 

CHART 15: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES BY YEAR AND ROADWAY TYPE ..................... 29 

CHART 16: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES BY YEAR AND SPEEDING FACTOR..................30 

CHART 17: MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR FATALITIES BY YEAR AND OPERATOR BAC............... 32 

CHART 18: MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR FATALITIES BY YEAR, LICENSE STATUS, AND 

LICENSE COMPLIANCE ..................................................................................... 33 

CHART 19: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITY RATE BY REGISTERED MOTORCYCLES, VMT, 

AND YEAR ........................................................................................................ 35 

CHART 20: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITY RATE BY AGE GROUP PER 100,000 U.S. RESIDENT 

POPULATION AND YEAR ....................................................................................36 

CHART 21: MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR FATALITIES IN 2004 BY AGE GROUP AND ALCOHOL 

LEVEL ...............................................................................................................38 

CHART 22: MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR FATALITIES IN 2004 BY ENGINE SIZE CC AND ALCOHOL 

LEVEL .............................................................................................................. 38 

CHART 23: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES IN 2004 BY AGE GROUP AND DAY OF WEEK .....39 

CHART 24: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES IN 2004 BY ENGINE SIZE CC AND 

DAY OF WEEK ...................................................................................................39 

CHART 25: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES IN 2004 BY AGE GROUP AND ROADWAY 

FUNCTION CLASS ..............................................................................................40 

CHART 26: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES IN 2004 BY ENGINE SIZE CC AND ROADWAY 

FUNCTION CLASS ..............................................................................................40 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 v 

CHART 27: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES IN 2004 BY AGE GROUP AND CRASH TYPE .......41 

CHART 28: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES IN 2004 BY ENGINE SIZE CC AND 

CRASH TYPE .................................................................................................... 41 

CHART 29: FATALLY INJURED MOTORCYCLE RIDERS IN 2004 BY AGE GROUP AND 

HELMET USE .....................................................................................................42 

CHART 30: FATALLY INJURED MOTORCYCLE RIDERS IN 2004 BY ENGINE SIZE CC AND 

HELMET USE .....................................................................................................42 

CHART 31: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES IN 2004 BY AGE GROUP AND SPEEDING............43 

CHART 32: MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES IN 2004 BY ENGINE SIZE CC AND SPEEDING ....43 

CHART 33: MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR FATALITIES IN 2004 BY AGE GROUP AND LICENSE 

STATUS .............................................................................................................44 

CHART 34: MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR FATALITIES IN 2004 BY ENGINE SIZE CC AND LICENSE 

STATUS ............................................................................................................ 44 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 1

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

This report was written to provide insight and update into the recent continued increasing 

trend in motorcycle rider fatalities. The analysis was based on 1995-2004 data from: the 

Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), a census of all fatal motor vehicle crashes; 

Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) motorcycle sales and market distribution data; 

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) motorcycle registration and vehicle miles 

traveled (VMT) data; and the United States Census Bureau general population data. 

Motorcycle rider fatalities decreased each year from 1995 to 1997, reaching a historic 

low of 2,116 in 1997. Beginning in 1998 this trend was reversed and motorcycle rider 

fatalities have increased each year. Since 1997 motorcycle rider fatalities have increased 

by 89 percent from 2,116 to 4,008 in 2004. NHTSA previously released a 

comprehensive report in 2001 based on increases in motorcycle rider fatalities for two 

consecutive years (1998 and 1999). The latest 2004 data show that motorcycle rider 

fatalities increased for the seventh year in a row since 1997. This report is an update to 

the previously released report in 2001 along with more recent data from 1995 to 2004. 

The recently released 2005 projections show motorcycle rider fatalities are expected to 

increase for the eighth year in a row. The increase in motorcycle rider fatalities from 

2004 to 2005 as per the projections is 7.7 percent – from 4,008 to 4,315. 

1.1. Purpose

The purpose of this report is to: 

• Combine NHTSA’s motor vehicle crash data from FARS with data from the 

Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) 

and the U.S. Census Bureau; 

• Analyze combined data within specific problem areas by looking for trends and 

calculating rates; and 

• Identify areas that may explain the possible causes for the recent continued 

increases in motorcycle rider fatalities. 

The analytical approach involved several steps. First, a review of the data sources was 

conducted to determine the appropriate data elements to be examined within FARS, and 

to determine whether exposure data by age groups were available. Motorcycle 

registration data and VMT data by age groups were not available from FHWA. 

Ownership data by age groups for four different years were available from MIC and were 

used to complement the fatal crash data with new rider data. Resident population data 

from the U.S. Census Bureau were also used for analysis based on age groups. 

Motorcycle registration and VMT data from FHWA were used to calculate rates over the 

ten-year period from 1995 to 2004 to identify trends. 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 2 

1.2. Findings

The findings from the analysis described in this report identify a variety of trends from 

FARS data, available exposure data, and calculated rates. Analyses from all data sources 

support FARS data which found greater involvement of riders in the 40 and above age 

group and larger (1,001-1,500 cc) engine motorcycles in fatal crashes. If the patterns seen 

in the analyses continue as seen from the combination of data sources, there is the 

likelihood that the increase in motorcycle rider fatalities will continue in the future years 

also. These findings could aid in the design of crash prevention programs: 

• Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) data show an increase in the number of onhighway motorcycles and motorcycle registration data from the Federal Highway 

Administration (FHWA) also show an increase in the number of registered 

motorcycles; 

• MIC data show an increase in motorcycle ownership in the 40 and above age group 

and FARS data show an increase in motorcycle rider fatalities in the age group of 

40 and above in the last 10 years; 

• According to MIC, sales of motorcycles with larger engine sizes have increased 

over the past years, corresponding to FARS data where an increased number of 

motorcycle rider fatalities involve a motorcycle with a larger engine size; 

• An increased number of motorcycle rider fatalities in the 40 and above age group 

were seen on rural roadways; 

• Among roadway types, undivided roadways accounted for a majority of 

motorcycle rider fatalities; 

• Speeding is one of the major contributing factors in motorcycle crashes especially 

among motorcycle riders under the age of 30; 

• Motorcycle operators with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 g/dL or 

higher continue to be a major problem; 

• Helmet use among fatally injured motorcycle riders has remained constant, at just 

above 50 percent in the last ten years; 

• About two-thirds (66%) of the fatally injured motorcycles riders in States without 

universal helmet laws in 2004 were not wearing helmets compared to 15 percent in 

States with universal helmet laws, and 

• Among all riders, motorcycle operator fatalities under the age of 20 had larger 

percentages of improperly licensed. 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 3 

2. INTRODUCTION 

More than 125,000 motorcycle riders have died in traffic crashes since the enactment of 

the Highway Safety Act of 1966 and The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act 

of 1966. 

The recently released 2005 projections show motorcycle rider fatalities are expected to 

increase for the eighth year in a row. The increase in motorcycle rider fatalities from 

2004 to 2005 as per the projections is 7.7 percent – from 4,008 to 4,315. According to 

these projections, motorcycle rider fatalities will account for 10 percent of the 43,200 

total fatalities from motor vehicle crashes. All data in this report are based on motorcycle 

rider fatalities from 1995-2004. 

In 2004, motorcycles made up nearly 2.4 percent of all registered vehicles in the United 

States and accounted for only 0.3 percent of all vehicle miles traveled. In comparison, 

motorcycle riders accounted for 5.3 percent of total traffic fatalities in 1995 and have 

increased to 9.4 percent of the total traffic fatalities in 2004. Per 100,000 registered 

vehicles, the fatality rate for motorcycle riders (69.33) in 2004 was 4.6 times the fatality 

rate for passenger car occupants (15.05). Per vehicle mile traveled in 2004, motorcycle 

riders (39.89) were about 34 times more likely than passenger car occupants (1.18) to die 

in a motor vehicle traffic crash. 

The purpose of this report is to identify areas that may explain the possible causes for the 

recent continued increases in motorcycle rider fatalities. 

In order to better understand the reasons for the increase in fatalities, FARS data can be 

analyzed in various cross tabulations of many data elements. These analyses among the 

different variables provide better insight into the specific problem areas relating to the 

increase in fatalities. This analysis and report is based on FARS data elements in various 

cross tabulations either individual or combined. 

The following sections detail data used in the analysis, describe the methodology to 

analyze crash and exposure data, highlight the findings, and summarize the implications 

for crash prevention programs. 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 4 

3. ANALYTICAL APPROACH AND DATA SOURCES 

3.1. Analytical Approach

The analytical approach for the report involved the following steps: 

• Review of the data sources, FARS, MIC, FHWA and the U.S. Census Bureau, to 

determine the data elements of interest in FARS and how these data sources could 

be combined with data from the other three sources; 

• Calculation of proportions and rates to analyze 10 years of trend data and within 

specific data elements; and 

• Summarization of data that focus on increases in motorcycle rider fatalities. 

3.2. Data Sources

Four data sources were used in this analysis: 

• Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data relating to fatal traffic crashes; 

• 2004 Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) Statistical Annual data relating to 

ownership, retail sales, and motorcycle population; 

• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) data relating to motorcycle registration 

and vehicle miles traveled (VMT); and 

• U.S. Census Bureau data relating to resident population. 

The following sections provide some comparisons from the four data sources that have 

been used in this analysis. 

4. DATA ANALYSIS 

4.1. Summary Data 

4.1.1. Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) Data 

Motorcycle rider fatalities increased from 2,227 in 1995 to 4,008 in 2004. Motorcycle 

rider fatalities in 1997 had reached an all time low of 2,116 and from then, have 

increased every year. A review of FARS data from 1995 through 2004 shows that in 

1997 motorcycle rider fatalities (2,116) were only 5.3 percent of the overall motor 

vehicle fatalities (42,013) and in 2004 motorcycle rider fatalities (4,008) have 

increased to 9.4 percent of the total motor vehicle fatalities (42,636). Table 1 shows 

the distribution of motor vehicle crash fatalities by year and person type from 1995 to 

2004. 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 5 

Table 1: Fatalities from Motor Vehicle Crashes by Year and Person Type 

Person Type 

Occupants by Vehicle Type

Passenger(1)

Vehicles Motorcycles Others/ Unknown(2)

Non 

Motorists(3)

Total 

Year Fatalities 

No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % 

1995 31,991 77 2,227 5 1,073 3 6,526 16 41,817 100 

1996 32,437 77 2,161 5 1,099 3 6,368 15 42,065 100 

1997 32,448 77 2,116 5 1,161 3 6,288 15 42,013 100 

1998 31,899 77 2,294 6 1,189 3 6,119 15 41,501 100 

1999 32,127 77 2,483 6 1,265 3 5,842 14 41,717 100 

2000 32,225 77 2,897 7 1,226 3 5,597 13 41,945 100 

2001 32,043 76 3,197 8 1,200 3 5,756 14 42,196 100 

2002 32,843 76 3,270 8 1,262 3 5,630 13 43,005 100 

2003 32,271 75 3,714 9 1,356 3 5,543 13 42,884 100 

2004 31,693 74 4,008 9 1,441 3 5,494 13 42,636 100 

Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 

(1) Passenger cars, pickups, vans, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), and other light trucks. 

(2) Others/Unknown vehicle type includes large trucks, buses, other types of vehicles, and 

 unknown type of vehicle. 

(3) Non-motorists include pedestrians and pedalcyclists. 

4.1.2. Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) Data 

According to the most recent Motorcycle Industry Council Statistics Annual (2004), 

motorcycle registrations accounted for 2.3 percent of all motor vehicles registered for 

use on public roads in 2003. 

There were 3.0 motorcycles in use for every 100 persons living in United States in 

2003. California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania represented one-third 

(33 percent) of the motorcycles in use in 2003. By region, the South had the highest 

motorcycle population in 2003 with 30 percent of the total motorcycles in use. The 

West showed the highest motorcycle penetration, at 3.4 vehicles per 100 persons. 

The Midwest had 3.3 motorcycles per 100 persons; the East had 2.8 motorcycles per 

100 persons; and the South had 2.8 motorcycles per 100 persons. 

An estimated 6,390,000 on-highway motorcycles were in use in 2003 compared to 

3,650,000 motorcycles in 1990, an increase of 75 percent between 1990 and 2003. 

Table 2 shows the distribution of motorcycles by engine size in cubic centimeters (cc) 

for the years 1990, 1998, and 2003. More than three-fourths (76 percent) of the 

motorcycles in 2003 had an engine displacement of over 749 cc, compared to 40 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 6 

percent in 1990. The percentage of motorcycles for all other engine sizes has 

decreased from 1990 to 2003. These data indicate that motorcycles with engines over 

749 cc are becoming more prevalent. Chart 1 shows the percentages of motorcycles 

of different engine size groups for the years 1990, 1998, and 2003. 

Table 2: On-Highway Motorcycles by Engine Displacement in cc 

Calendar Year 

1990 1998 2003 Engine 

Displacement 

No. % No. % No. % 

Under 125 cc 430,700 11.8 202,000 4.2 234,500 3.7 

125-349 cc 328,500 9.0 240,400 5.0 223,800 3.5 

350-449 cc 197,100 5.4 187,600 3.9 5,900 0.1 

450-749 cc 1,215,500 33.3 995,500 20.7 1,052,600 16.5 

Over 749 cc 1,478,200 40.5 3,183,500 66.2 4,873,200 76.2 

Total 3,650,000 100.0 4,809,000 100.0 6,390,000 100.0 

Source: Motorcycle Industry Council Statistics, 2004 

Chart 1: Engine Size Percentage by Year

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

1990 1998 2003

Year

Percent Engine Size

Under 450 cc 450-749 cc Over 749 cc

 Source: Motorcycle Industry Council Statistics, 2004 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 7 

Table 3 shows the number of new on-highway motorcycle units sold from 1995-2004. 

There has been an increase each year in the number of units sold, from 1995. The 

cumulative increase in the number of units sold is almost 128 percent between 1995 

and 2003 with most of the increases occurring in 1998, 1999, and 2000. An estimated 

379,000 new on-highway motorcycle units were sold in 1999, about 27 percent over 

the previous year and an increase of over 50 percent from the 247,000 units sold in 

1997. The average number of units sold between 1995 and 2003 was 408,100 units 

per year. 

Table 3: New On-Highway Motorcycle Units Sold by Year and 

Percent and Cumulative Increases 

Year Units Sold Percent Increase from 

Previous Year 

Cumulative 

Increase 

1995 214,000 +1.9 +3.7 

1996 228,000 +6.5 +10.2 

1997 247,000 +9.2 +19.4 

1998 298,000 +20.6 +40.0 

1999 379,000 +27.2 +67.2 

2000 471,000 +24.3 +91.5 

2001 556,000 +18.0 +109.5 

2002 618,000 +11.2 +120.7 

2003 662,000 +7.1 +127.8 

2004 * * * 

Source: Motorcycle Industry Council statistics, 2004 

* Data not available yet 

The mean age of a motorcycle owner in 2003 was 40.2 years, compared to 38.1 years 

in 1998, and 33.1 years in 1990. Table 4 and Chart 2 show the percent of ownership 

of motorcycles by age groups for three individual years. The percent of ownership 

for those age 50 years and over in 2003 was 25.1 percent compared to 19.1 percent in 

1998 and 10.1 percent in 1990. Similar increases are also seen in the 40-49 age 

group. Motorcycle ownership in the under 18, 25-29, and 30-34 age groups showed 

corresponding decreases. The largest percentage decrease was in the 25-29 age 

group, and the greatest increase was in the 50 and over age group. 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 8 

Table 4: Ownership of Motorcycles by Age Group 

Year Age 1990 1998 2003 

Under 18 8.3% 4.1% 3.7% 

18 – 24 15.5% 10.6% 10.8% 

25 – 29 17.1% 10.9% 7.6% 

30 – 34 16.4% 11.5% 8.9% 

35 – 39 14.3% 16.0% 10.4% 

40 – 49 16.3% 24.6% 27.9% 

50 and Over 10.1% 19.1% 25.1% 

Not Stated 2.0% 3.2% 5.6% 

Median Age 32.0 Years 38.0 Years 41.0 Years 

Mean Age 33.1 Years 38.1 Years 40.2 Years 

Source: Motorcycle Industry Council statistics, 2004 

 

Chart 2: Motorcycle Ownership Percentage by Age Group and Year

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

1990 1998 2003

Year

Percent of Ownership

Under 25 25-29 30-39 40-49 50 & Over Unknown

 Source: Motorcycle Industry Council Statistics, 2004 

4.1.3. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Data 

Table 5 shows motorcycle registrations and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) data from 

1995 to 2004. The data show that motorcycle registrations have increased from 1995 

to 2004 by nearly 48 percent while the VMT for motorcycles shows an increase of 

about 3 percent from 1995 to 2004. Chart 3 shows trend lines for motorcycle 

registrations and VMT from 1995-2004. 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 9 

Table 5: Motorcycle Registrations and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) 

by Year 

Year Motorcycle Registrations Motorcycle VMT (Millions) 

1995 3,897,191 9,797 

1996 3,871,599 9,920 

1997 3,826,373 10,081 

1998 3,879,450 10,283 

1999 4,152,433 10,584 

2000 4,346,068 10,469 

2001 4,903,056 9,639 

2002 5,004,156 9,552 

2003 5,370,035 9,577 

2004 5,780,870 10,048 

Source: FHWA 

Chart 3: Registered Motorcycles and VMT by Year

0

3,000

6,000

9,000

12,000

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Year

VMT/Registrations

Registered Motorcycles (Thousands) VMT (Millions)

 Source: FHWA 

4.1.4. U.S. Census Bureau Data 

The U.S. population increased from 262,803,000 in 1995 to 293,655,000 in 2004, or 

by nearly 12 percent according to the estimates released by the Census Bureau on 

December 22, 2004. Table 6 and Chart 4 show population estimates from 1995 to 

2004 by age group. 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 10 

The population in the under 20, 40-49, 50-59, and over 59 age groups has steadily 

increased each year from 1995 to 2004; and population in the 30-39 age group has 

decreased each year since 1995 except in 2000. Population in the 20-29 age group 

decreased each year from 1995 to 1999, after which it has increased every year. The 

greatest increase in population has been in the 50-59 age group, followed by 40-49 

age group. From 1995-2004, the population in the 50-59 age group increased by 

more than 45 percent, and by nearly 20 percent in the 40-49 age group. In 2004, the 

proportion of 50-59 population was 12 percent of the overall population compared to 

9 percent in 1995. The increases in under 20 and 20-29 age groups for the same years 

were 8 percent and 10 percent respectively. The decrease in population in the 30-39 

age group was nearly 6 percent. 

Table 6: Estimate of U.S. Resident Population (100,000) by 

Year and Age Group 

Resident Population Age Group Year 

< 20 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 > 59 

 Total 

1995 756.8 368.9 441.2 377.2 247.3 436.7 2,628.0 

1996 764.4 364.4 438.7 392.4 252.8 439.5 2,652.3 

1997 771.0 363.1 433.7 398.5 269.1 442.5 2,677.8 

1998 777.0 362.5 427.8 407.4 281.2 446.5 2,702.5 

1999 781.9 362.3 422.7 416.2 293.2 450.5 2,726.9 

2000 805.5 384.3 432.0 427.5 313.3 459.3 2,821.9 

2001 807.8 387.4 430.1 435.5 326.0 464.3 2,851.0 

2002 809.8 392.4 426.5 442.2 337.8 470.9 2,879.4 

2003 812.2 398.8 421.3 447.5 347.6 480.5 2,907.9 

2004 815.5 405.3 415.2 451.8 359.9 488.8 2,936.6 

Source: Census Bureau 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 11 

Chart 4: U.S. Resident Population by Age group and Year

0

250

500

750

1,000

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Year

Population (100,000)

< 20 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 > 59

 Source: Census Bureau 

The analyses of all data are categorized into two broad categories: motorcycle rider 

fatality trends covering a ten year span and common crash characteristics relating to 

motorcycles covering only the latest 2004 data. Additional data used in the analysis, 

but not shown in this section, are shown at the end of the report in Appendix A. 

4.2. Trends 

4.2.1. Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Person Type 

In 2004, the fatality rate for motorcycle riders per 100,000 registered motorcycles was 

69.33, an increase of 21 percent from 57.14 in 1995. The fatality rate for motorcycle 

riders per 100 million VMT in 2004 was 39.89 compared to 22.73 in 1995. 

Motorcycle rider fatalities and fatality rates from 1995 to 2004 are shown in Table 7. 

Chart 5 depicts motorcycle rider fatalities by year. 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 12 

Table 7: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities and Fatality Rates by Year and Per 

Registered Vehicle and Vehicle Miles of Travel 

Year Registered 

Motorcycles 

Vehicle 

Miles 

Traveled 

(Millions) 

Motorcycle 

Rider 

Fatalities 

Fatality Rate 

per 100,000 

Registered 

Motorcycles 

Fatality 

Rate per 

100 

Million 

VMT 

1995 3,897,191 9,797 2,227 57.14 22.73 

1996 3,871,599 9,920 2,161 55.82 21.78 

1997 3,826,373 10,081 2,116 55.30 20.99 

1998 3,879,450 10,283 2,294 59.13 22.31 

1999 4,152,433 10,584 2,472 59.53 23.46 

2000 4,346,068 10,469 2,897 66.66 27.67 

2001 4,903,056 9,639 3,197 65.20 33.17 

2002 5,004,156 9,552 3,270 65.35 34.23 

2003 5,370,035 9,577 3,714 69.16 38.78 

2004 5,780,870 10,048 4,008 69.33 39.89 

Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF), 

VMT, Registered Motorcycles – FHWA 

Chart 5: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Year

0

1,100

2,200

3,300

4,400

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Year

Motorcyclist Fatlities

 Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 13 

4.2.2. Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Person Type 

Motorcycle rider fatalities reached a historic low of 2,116 in 1997, and have increased 

each year since reaching the low. Table 8 and Chart 6 show motorcycle rider fatalities 

from 1995 to 2004 by person type. In all the years motorcycle operators accounted for 

more than 90 percent of the fatalities while motorcycle passengers accounted for less 

than 10 percent. Even though motorcycle operator fatalities have increased by nearly 

83 percent from 1995 to 2004 and motorcycle passenger fatalities have increased by 

52 percent, the proportion of motorcycle operator to passenger fatalities has remained 

the same in the last 10 years. 

Table 8: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Year and Person Type 

Operator (Driver) Passenger Year 

No. % No. % 

Total 

1995 2,020 91 207 9 2,227 

1996 1,962 91 199 9 2,161 

1997 1,937 92 179 8 2,116 

1998 2,089 91 205 9 2,294 

1999 2,286 92 197 8 2,483 

2000 2,653 92 244 8 2,897 

2001 2,955 92 242 8 3,197 

2002 3,034 93 236 7 3,270 

2003 3,427 92 287 8 3,714 

2004 3,693 92 315 8 4,008 

Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 14 

Chart 6: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Person Type and Year

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Year

Fatalities

Driver Passenger

 Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 

Table 9 shows motorcycle rider fatalities by sex from 1995 to 2004. The data show 

that for the past ten years about 90 percent of the motorcycle riders killed were males. 

The number of female riders killed has more than doubled in the past ten years, but 

the proportion has remained at about 10 percent. 

Table 9: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Year and Sex 

Motorcycle Rider Sex 

Year Male Female Unknown 

No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

1995 2,024 91 203 9 0 0 2,227 

1996 1,966 91 195 9 0 0 2,161 

1997 1,926 91 190 9 0 0 2,116 

1998 2,088 91 206 9 0 0 2,294 

1999 2,257 91 225 9 1 0 2,472 

2000 2,620 90 277 10 0 0 2,897 

2001 2,904 91 293 9 0 0 3,197 

2002 2,961 91 309 9 0 0 3,270 

2003 3,342 90 372 10 0 0 3,714 

2004 3,575 89 431 11 2 0 4,008 

Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 15 

4.2.3. Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Age Groups (Percent) 

Table 10 and Chart 7 show the number of motorcycle rider fatalities from 1995 to 

2004 by age group. Motorcycle rider fatalities, from 1995 to 2004, have increased in 

all the age groups. The number of motorcycle rider fatalities in the age group of 40-49 

has steadily increased, each year from 405 in 1997 to 971 in 2004, an increase of 140 

percent. The largest percentage increase during this time period was in the over 59 

age group. In all the years (1995-2004) the largest number of motorcycle rider 

fatalities was in the 20-29 age group. 

Table 10: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Year and Age Group 

Motorcycle Rider Age Group Year 

< 20 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 >59 Unknown 

Total 

1995 195 909 576 359 131 57 0 2,227

1996 202 763 555 420 151 70 0 2,161

1997 166 694 556 405 207 87 1 2,116

1998 201 720 612 475 199 86 1 2,294

1999 137 761 612 570 286 117 0 2,483

2000 189 818 707 677 348 153 5 2,897

2001 211 925 798 729 383 149 2 3,197

2002 177 866 781 770 496 178 2 3,270

2003 229 950 839 904 575 215 2 3,714 

2004 250 1,041 869 971 646 230 1 4,008 

Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 16 

Chart 7: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Age Group and Year

0

300

600

900

1,200

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Year

Fatalities

<20 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 >59

 Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 

Even though motorcycle rider fatalities increased in every age group between 1995 

and 2004, the proportion of motorcycle rider fatalities increased for the 40-49, 50-59, 

and over 59 age groups and declined for the under 20, 20-29, and 30-39 age groups. 

Table 11 shows the percent of motorcycle rider fatalities by age groups for the last 10 

years. The percent of motorcycle rider fatalities in the 40-49 age group has increased 

by a factor of 1.5 from 16.1 percent in 1995 to 24.2 percent in 2004, in the 50-59 age 

group by a factor of 2.7 from 5.9 percent in 1995 to 16.1 percent in 2004 and in the 

over 59 age group by a factor of 2.1 from 2.6 percent to 5.7 percent over the same 

period of time. 

These increases have been observed for the most part, in the over 40 age group. The 

percent of fatalities in the 20-29 age group has declined considerably between 1995 

and 2004 and declines were also seen in the percent of fatalities in the under 20 and 

the 30-39 age groups during the same period. 

However, there are still proportionally more fatalities in the 20-29 year age group 

than in the other age groups from 1995 to 2004. This indicates that the 20-29 age 

group is still the leading age group in terms of the number of motorcycle rider 

fatalities among all age groups. Chart 8 shows motorcycle rider fatality percentage by 

year and age group. 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 17 

Table 11: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities as Percent by Year and Age Group 

Motorcycle Rider Age Group by Percent Year 

< 20 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 > 59 

1995 8.8 40.8 25.9 16.1 5.9 2.6 

1996 9.3 35.3 25.7 19.4 7.0 3.2 

1997 7.8 32.8 26.3 19.1 9.8 4.1 

1998 8.8 31.4 26.7 20.7 8.7 3.7 

1999 5.5 30.6 24.6 23.0 11.5 4.7 

2000 6.5 28.2 24.4 23.4 12.0 5.3 

2001 6.6 28.9 25.0 22.8 12.0 4.7 

2002 5.4 26.5 23.9 23.5 15.2 5.4 

2003 6.2 25.6 22.6 24.3 15.5 5.8 

2004 6.2 26.0 21.7 24.2 16.1 5.7 

Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 

Chart 8: Motorcycle Rider Fatality Percentage by Year and Age Group

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Year

Percent Fatalities

< 20 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 59 +

 Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 18 

4.2.4. Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Engine Displacement in Cubic Centimeters (cc) 

The overall increase in motorcycle rider fatalities in recent years has been due to a 

considerable increase in motorcycle rider fatalities within the 1,001-1,500 cc engine 

size group. The number of motorcycle rider fatalities in the 1,001-1,500 cc engine 

group increased from 666 in 1995 to 1,542 in 2004, an increase of 132 percent. 

Increases in motorcycle rider fatalities were also seen in the 501-1,000 cc and over 

1,500 cc engine groups. The largest number of motorcycle rider fatalities is still in the 

501-1,000 cc engine group. However, the fatality count among motorcycle riders in 

the 1,001-1,500 cc group is quickly approaching the 501-1,000 cc level. Motorcycle 

rider fatalities declined in the 500 cc and below engine group by 40 percent from 

1995 to 2004. Fatalities in the 501-1,000 cc group have increased by 62 percent 

during the same time period. Starting in 1996, a small number of all motorcycle rider 

fatalities are reported involving motorcycles with engine displacements greater than 

1,500 cc. Table 12 and Chart 9 show motorcycle rider fatalities from 1995 to 2004 by 

engine displacement. 

Table 12: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Year and Engine Displacement 

Engine Displacement in Cubic Centimeters 

Year Up to 500 501-1,000 1,001-1,500 > 1,500 Unknown 

No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

1995 370 17 1,009 45 666 30 0 0 182 8 2,227 

1996 321 15 1,001 46 654 30 8 0 177 8 2,161 

1997 260 12 957 45 729 34 11 1 159 8 2,116 

1998 214 9 1,040 45 781 34 16 1 243 11 2,294 

1999 185 7 982 40 818 33 23 1 475 19 2,483 

2000 210 7 1,261 44 1,092 38 46 2 288 10 2,897 

2001 233 7 1,410 44 1,178 37 48 2 328 10 3,197 

2002 209 6 1,381 42 1,252 38 98 3 330 10 3,270 

2003 213 6 1,531 41 1,510 41 106 3 354 10 3,714 

2004 221 6 1,631 41 1,542 38 124 3 490 12 4,008 

Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 19 

Chart 9: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Year and Engine Displacement

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Year

Fatalities

Upto 500 cc 501-1,000 cc 1,001-1,500 cc 1,501 & Above 

 Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 

4.2.5. Motorcycle Rider Fatalities in 1,001-1,500 cc Engine Size by Year and Age Group 

Data from Table 12 showed that, between 1995 and 2004 the major increase in 

motorcycle rider fatalities was in the 1,001-1,500 cc engine size group. Analysis of 

data from Table 13 shows the number of motorcycle rider fatalities in the 1,001-1,500 

cc engine size category has increased in the 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and over 59 age 

groups between 1995 and 2004. Motorcycle rider fatalities have been steadily 

increasing in the 40-49 age group each year since 1995; fatalities in the 50-59 age 

group have been increasing each year since 1998. 

Between 1995 and 2004, motorcycle rider fatalities for the 1,001-1,500 cc engine size 

have increased by 3.1 times in the 40-49 age group and by 5.3 times in 50-59 age 

group. This increase in motorcycle rider fatality numbers indicates the involvement 

of more large motorcycles (1,001-1,500 cc engine size) with riders over 40 years of 

age, in fatal crashes. 

The percentage of motorcycle rider fatalities in the 40-49 age group has increased 

from 27 percent in 1995 to 37 percent in 2004 in the 1,001-1,500 cc engine size. 

About 72 percent of the motorcycle rider fatalities in 2004 were in the 40 and over 

age group and the remaining 28 percent in the under 40 age group, compared to 43 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 20 

percent in over 40 age group, and 57 percent in under 40 age group in 1995. Chart 10 

shows motorcycle rider fatalities in 1,001-1,500 cc engine size motorcycles by age 

group and year. 

Table 13: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities in 1,001-1,500 cc Engine Size by 

Year and Age Group 

Motorcycle Rider Age Group 

Year < 20 20-29 30-39 40-49 50- 59 59+ 

No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Total* 

1995 12 2 135 20 233 35 182 27 77 12 27 4 666 

1996 15 2 119 18 211 32 198 30 85 13 26 4 654 

1997 8 1 99 14 232 32 225 31 124 17 41 6 729 

1998 17 2 91 12 252 32 267 34 111 14 42 5 781 

1999 3 0 79 10 205 25 294 36 177 22 60 7 818 

2000 9 1 92 8 282 26 416 38 215 20 75 7 1,092 

2001 12 1 125 11 313 27 420 36 236 20 71 6 1,178 

2002 9 1 105 8 290 23 443 35 324 26 81 6 1,252 

2003 18 1 122 8 342 23 541 36 371 25 116 8 1,510 

2004 13 1 105 7 310 20 575 37 413 27 126 8 1,542 

Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) * Includes unknown age.

Chart 10: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities in 1,001-1,500 cc Engine Size by 

Year and Age Group

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Year

Percent Fatalities

< 20 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 59 +

 Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 21 

4.2.6. Mean Age of Motorcycle Riders Killed and Mean Engine Displacement in Fatal 

Crashes 

The average age of motorcycle riders killed in crashes has increased each year from 

1995 to 2004. The mean age of the motorcycle rider killed in 2004 was 38.0 years 

compared to 32.1 years in 1995, an increase of nearly 6 years. Similarly the mean 

engine displacement of the motorcycles involved in fatal crashes has increased from 

841 cc in 1995 to 1,015 cc in 2004. The data indicate an increase in the average age 

of motorcycle riders killed and greater involvement of motorcycles with larger 

engines in fatal crashes. Table 14 shows the mean age of motorcycle riders killed and 

mean engine displacement in fatal crash from 1995 to 2004. Charts 11 and 12 show 

the trend in the last ten years in, motorcycle rider mean age and mean engine size of 

motorcycles involved in fatal crashes. 

Table 14: Mean Age of Motorcycle Rider Fatalities and Mean Engine 

Displacement in cc Involved in Fatal Crash by Year 

Year Mean Age of Motorcycle 

Rider Killed (Years) (1)

Mean Engine Displacement 

Involved in Fatal Crash (cc) (2)

1995 32.1 841 

1996 33.4 866 

1997 34.8 897 

1998 34.6 902 

1999 36.5 927 

2000 36.8 961 

2001 36.3 957 

2002 37.9 1,002 

2003 38.0 1,014 

2004 38.0 1,015 

Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 

Note: (1) Excludes unknown occupant age, (2) Excludes unknown engine size 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 22 

Chart 11: Mean Age of Motorcycle Rider Fatality by Year

0

10

20

30

40

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Year

Mean Age (Years)

 Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 

Chart 12: Mean Engine Displacement in cc in Fatal Crash by Year

0

300

600

900

1,200

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Year

Mean Engine Size cc

 Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 23 

4.2.7. Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Day of Week 

In the last ten years, the proportion of motorcycle rider fatalities during weekdays and 

weekends has changed slightly with a slight increase in fatalities during weekends. A 

greater number of motorcycle rider fatalities are seen during weekends. NHTSA uses 

the following definition for weekdays and weekends: 

 Weekday: 6 a.m. Monday through 5:59 p.m. Friday. 

Weekend: 6 p.m. Friday through 5:59 a.m. Monday. 

Based on the definition mentioned above, the number of hours during a weekend is 

60 (21⁄2 days) and during weekdays is 108 (41⁄2 days). The total number of weekend 

days during a year is 130 (52 weeks x 21⁄2 days) and the total number of weekdays 

during a year is 234 (52 weeks x 41⁄2 days). In 2004, there were 1,891 motorcycle 

rider fatalities during weekdays, which translates to an average of 8 fatalities every 

day and there were 2,107 weekend fatalities, which translates to an average of 16 

fatalities every day. Hence, there were twice as many motorcycle rider fatalities 

during weekends than during weekdays. This might suggest more recreational 

motorcycle riding during weekends. Table 15 shows motorcycle rider fatalities by 

year and day of week. 

Table 15: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Year and Day of Week 

Day of Week 

Year Weekday Weekend Unknown 

No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

1995 1,113 50 1,100 49 14 1 2,227 

1996 1,068 49 1,086 50 7 0 2,161 

1997 988 47 1,120 53 8 0 2,116 

1998 1,081 47 1,204 52 9 0 2,294 

1999 1,162 47 1,314 53 7 0 2,483 

2000 1,323 46 1,563 54 11 0 2,897 

2001 1,525 48 1,660 52 12 0 3,197 

2002 1,568 48 1,695 52 7 0 3,270 

2003 1,736 47 1,959 53 19 1 3,714 

2004 1,891 47 2,107 53 10 0 4,008 

Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 24 

4.2.8. Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Land Use 

The increase in motorcycle rider fatalities has been very steady in rural and urban 

areas in the past ten years but the proportion of motorcycle rider fatalities has 

remained almost the same. Table 16 shows the breakdown of motorcycle rider 

fatalities by land use for the years 1995 through 2004. Rural motorcycle rider 

fatalities increased by 89 percent from 1,047 in 1997 to 1,982 in 2004; and urban 

motorcycle rider fatalities increased by 88 percent from 1,064 in 1997 to 2,004 in 

2004. Chart 13 shows the proportions of motorcycle rider fatalities by land use from 

1995-2004. 

Table 16: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Year and Land Use 

Land Use 

Year Rural Urban Unknown 

No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

1995 1,070 48 1,144 51 13 1 2,227 

1996 1,027 48 1,126 52 8 0 2,161 

1997 1,047 49 1,064 50 5 0 2,116 

1998 1,166 51 1,119 49 9 0 2,294 

1999 1,290 52 1,175 47 18 1 2,483 

2000 1,428 49 1,385 48 84 3 2,897 

2001 1,631 51 1,562 49 4 0 3,197 

2002 1,641 50 1,625 50 4 0 3,270 

2003 1,824 49 1,874 50 16 0 3,714 

2004 1,982 49 2,004 50 22 1 4,008 

Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 25 

Chart 13: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Year and Land Use

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Year

Percent Fatalities

Rural Urban Unknown

 Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 

4.2.9. Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Crash Type 

Motorcycle rider fatalities in single-vehicle and multivehicle crashes each year is 

shown in Table 17. Motorcycle rider fatalities in single-vehicle crashes increased by 

88 percent from 960 in 1995 to 1,808 in 2004 and in multivehicle crashes increased 

by 74 percent from 1,267 in 1995 to 2,200 in 2004. The proportions of motorcycle 

rider fatalities in single-vehicle to multivehicle crashes do not indicate any significant 

variation over the ten-year period. 

Table 17: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Year and Crash Type 

Single-vehicle Crash Multivehicle Crash Year 

Number Percent Number Percent 

Total 

1995 960 43 1,267 57 2,227 

1996 937 43 1,224 57 2,161 

1997 937 44 1,179 56 2,116 

1998 1,042 45 1,252 55 2,294 

1999 1,140 46 1,343 54 2,483 

2000 1,307 45 1,590 55 2,897 

2001 1,469 46 1,728 54 3,197 

2002 1,540 47 1,730 53 3,270 

2003 1,629 44 2,085 56 3,714 

2004 1,808 45 2,200 55 4,008 

Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 26 

4.2.10. Fatally Injured Motorcycle Riders by Helmet Use 

Helmet use rate in crashes among fatally injured motorcycle riders has remained 

almost the same from 1995 to 2004. Table 18 shows the number and percent of 

fatally injured motorcycle riders by helmet use from 1995 to 2004. Chart 14 depicts 

the percent of fatally injured motorcycle riders who used and did not use helmets. 

In 2004, 20 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico required helmet use by 

all motorcycle operators and passengers. In another 27 States, only persons under a 

specific age, usually 18, were required to wear helmets. Three States had no laws 

requiring helmet use. Table 19 shows fatally injured motorcycle riders by their helmet 

usage in States with and without universal helmet laws in 2003 and 2004. Two-thirds 

(66%) of the fatally injured motorcycles riders in States without universal helmet 

laws in 2004 were not wearing helmets compared to 15 percent in States with 

universal helmet laws. 

Table 18: Fatally Injured Motorcycle Riders by Year and Helmet Use 

Helmet Use 

Year Helmet Not Used Helmet Used 

Number Percent Number Percent 

Total 

1995 980 44 1,247 56 2,227 

1996 958 44 1,203 56 2,161 

1997 919 43 1,197 57 2,116 

1998 1,063 46 1,231 54 2,294 

1999 1,121 45 1,362 55 2,483 

2000 1,339 46 1,558 54 2,897 

2001 1,537 48 1,660 52 3,197 

2002 1,565 48 1,705 52 3,270 

2003 1,743 47 1,971 53 3,714 

2004 1,794 45 2,214 55 4,008 

Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 

Unknown helmet use was distributed proportionally to the known use categories. 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 27 

Chart 14: Fatally Injured Motorcycle Riders by Year and Helmet Use

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Year

Percent Fatalities

Helmet Not Used Helmet Used

 Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF)

Table 19: Fatally Injured Motorcycle Riders in States 

With/Without Universal Helmet Laws 

Year Motorcycle Rider Fatalities 2003 2004 

Total in States With Universal 

Helmet Laws 1,610 100% 1,677 100%

 Helmeted 1,365 85% 1,428 85%

 Not Helmeted 245 15% 249 15%

Total in States Without Universal 

Helmet Laws 2,104 100% 2,331 100%

 Helmeted 615 29% 792 34%

 Not Helmeted 1,489 71% 1,539 66%

Source: NCSA, FARS 2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 28 

4.2.11. Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Roadway Type 

In 2004, 72 percent of the motorcycle rider fatalities occurred on undivided roadways, 

another 17 percent were on roadways that had a median but with no median barrier. 

Data from 1995 to 2004 indicate that there are not many changes in the percentage of 

the fatalities occurring on different types of roadways. Starting in 2003, a new 

attribute (Entrance/Exit Ramp) was added to the variable Roadway Type. Table 20 

and Chart 15 show motorcycle rider fatalities on different roadways from 1995-2004. 

Table 20: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Year and Roadway Type 

Roadway Type 

Not 

Divided 

MedianNo 

Barrier 

Median 

w/Barrier 

One Way 

Traffic 

Entrance

/Exit 

Ramp 

Year 

No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % 

* 

Total 

1995 1,586 71 431 19 145 7 31 1 - - 2,227 

1996 1,531 71 411 19 168 8 21 1 - - 2,161 

1997 1,484 70 437 21 146 7 16 1 - - 2,116 

1998 1,662 72 405 18 176 8 23 1 - - 2,294 

1999 1,762 71 491 20 163 7 42 2 - - 2,483 

2000 2,043 71 558 19 215 7 35 1 - - 2,897 

2001 2,281 71 588 18 265 8 43 1 - - 3,197 

2002 2,334 71 617 19 263 8 30 1 - - 3,270 

2003 2,609 70 679 18 275 7 45 1 67 2 3,714 

2004 2,876 72 700 17 291 7 30 1 95 2 4,008 

Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 

* Includes unknown roadway types. 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 29 

Chart 15: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Year and Roadway Type

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Year

Percent Fatalities

Not Physically Divided Median-No Barrier Median with Barrier

One-Way Traffic Entrance/Exit Ramp

 Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 

4.2.12. Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Speeding 

The percent of motorcycle rider fatalities, in crashes where speeding was recorded as 

a driver contributing factor – decreased by 6 percentage points from 43 percent in 

1995 to 37 percent in 2004. Table 21 shows the numbers and percentage of fatalities 

listed for each of the past ten years. Chart 16 shows the percentage of motorcycle 

rider fatalities by year and speeding factor. 

Definition: Speeding Related - A crash is considered to be speeding-related if the 

driver was charged with a speeding-related offense or if an officer indicated that 

racing, driving too fast for conditions, or exceeding the posted speed limit was a 

contributing factor in the crash. 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 30 

Table 21: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Year and Speeding Factor 

Speeding Factor 

Year Speeding Not Speeding 

Number Percent Number Percent 

Total 

1995 963 43 1,264 57 2,227 

1996 942 44 1,219 56 2,161 

1997 885 42 1,231 58 2,116 

1998 956 42 1,338 58 2,294 

1999 1,033 42 1,450 58 2,483 

2000 1,123 39 1,774 61 2,897 

2001 1,260 39 1,937 61 3,197 

2002 1,272 39 1,998 61 3,270 

2003 1,373 37 2,341 63 3,714 

2004 1,497 37 2,511 63 4,008 

Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 

 

Chart 16: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Year and Speeding Factor

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Year

Percent Fatalities

Speeding Not Speeding

 Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 31 

4.2.13. Motorcycle Operator Fatalities by Driver Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) 

NHTSA defines a fatal traffic crash as being alcohol-related if either a driver or a 

nonoccupant (e.g., pedestrian) had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 grams 

per deciliter (g/dL) or greater in a police reported traffic crash. The alcohol estimates 

in this report are based on multiple imputation method. For more information on the 

alcohol methodology refer to NHSTA document titled ‘Transitioning to Multiple 

Imputation – A New Method to Impute Missing Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) 

values in FARS’ - (DOT HS 809 403).

Persons with BACs of .08 g/dL or greater involved in fatal crashes are considered to 

be intoxicated. This is the legal limit of intoxication in many states. Alcohol 

involvement among motorcycle operators has been declining over the last ten years. 

The percent of fatally injured motorcycle operators, who had been drinking, declined 

by 8 percentage points from 42 percent in 1995 to 34 percent in 2004. But a majority 

of motorcycle operators killed who had been drinking were intoxicated with a BAC 

of .08+. In 2004, there were 1,264 operators killed who had been drinking (BAC 

.01+) of which 1,025 (81 percent) operators killed were intoxicated (BAC .08+). 

These numbers indicate that even though the alcohol involvement among motorcycle 

operators is declining, there is still an underlying problem because of the high 

proportion of motorcycle operators with BACs over .08+. Table 22 shows the 

numbers and percent of motorcycle operators killed by their BAC from 1995 to 2004. 

Chart 17 shows the percent of motorcycle operators killed by their BAC and year. 

Table 22: Motorcycle Operator Fatalities by Year and Operator BAC 

BAC .00 BAC .01-.07 BAC .08+ BAC .01+ Year 

No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

1995 1,165 58 174 9 681 34 855 42 2,020 

1996 1,101 56 160 8 700 36 861 44 1,962 

1997 1,134 59 163 8 640 33 803 41 1,937 

1998 1,214 58 139 7 736 35 875 42 2,089 

1999 1,370 60 163 7 753 33 916 40 2,286 

2000 1,581 60 213 8 859 32 1,072 40 2,653 

2001 1,860 63 223 8 872 30 1,095 37 2,955 

2002 1,840 61 236 8 958 32 1,194 39 3,034 

2003 2,156 63 245 7 1,026 30 1,271 37 3,427 

2004 2,429 66 239 6 1,025 28 1,264 34 3,693 

Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 32 

Chart 17: Motorcycle Operator Fatalities by Year and Operator BAC

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Year

Percent Fatalities

BAC 0.0 BAC .01-.07 BAC .08+

 Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 

4.2.14. Motorcycle Operator Fatalities by License Status and License Compliance 

The definitions for the terms properly and improperly licensed, used in this report are 

based on the following: 

Properly Licensed – a valid driver license (Non-CDL License Status) with a 

motorcycle endorsement, a motorcycle only license, learner’s permit; and a temporary 

license; or no license required for operating a motorcycle type vehicle like mopeds. 

Improperly Licensed – not licensed, not licensed to operate a motorcycle, or a 

license that is suspended, revoked, expired, or canceled or denied. 

From 1995 to 2004 the percentage of fatally injured motorcycle operators who were 

properly licensed has increased steadily. In 2004, the percentage of properly licensed 

motorcycle operators killed in fatal crashes reached an all time high of 75 percent, an 

increase of 12 percentage points compared to 63 percent in 1995. Still 25 percent of 

the operators killed in 2004 were riding a motorcycle with an improper license. Table 

23 shows the number and percentage of operators killed by their license status for the 

past ten years. Chart 18 shows the proportion of properly licensed and improperly 

licensed motorcycle operators killed by year. 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 33 

Table 23: Motorcycle Operators Killed by Year, License Status, and 

License Compliance 

License Status with License Compliance 

Properly 

Licensed 

Improperly 

Licensed Year Unknown 

No. % No. % No. % 

Total

1995 1,263 63 737 36 20 1 2,020 

1996 1,274 65 666 34 22 1 1,962 

1997 1,300 67 623 32 14 1 1,937 

1998 1,405 67 665 32 19 1 2,089 

1999 1,628 71 636 28 22 1 2,286 

2000 1,894 71 738 28 21 1 2,653 

2001 2,114 72 815 28 26 1 2,955 

2002 2,233 74 779 26 22 1 3,034 

2003 2,562 75 847 25 18 1 3,427 

2004 2,753 75 909 25 31 1 3,693 

Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 

Chart 18: Motorcycle Operator Fatalities by Year, License Status and 

License Compliance

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Year

Percent Fatalities

Properly Licensed Improperly Licensed Unknown

 Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 34 

4.2.15. Motorcycle Rider Fatality Rate by Registered Motorcycles and VMT 

Fatality rates for motorcycle riders declined between 1995 and 1997 when measured 

per 100,000 registered motorcycles and when measured per 100 million motorcycle 

VMT. However, starting from 1998 fatality rates started to increase steadily. The 

fatality rate per 100,000 registered motorcycles has increased by 25 percent from 

55.30 in 1997 to 69.33 in 2004 and the fatality rate per 100 million motorcycle 

vehicle miles traveled has increased by 90 percent from 20.99 in 1997 to 39.89 in 

2004. The number of fatalities has increased more sharply for these years than the 

increase in the VMT. Table 24 and Chart 19 show the fatality rates for registered 

motorcycles and motorcycle VMT from 1995 to 2004. 

Table 24: Motorcycle Rider Fatality Rates by Registered Motorcycles, 

Vehicle Miles of Travel, and Year 

Year Rate per 100,000 Registered 

Motorcycles Rate per 100 million VMT 

1995 57.14 22.73 

1996 55.82 21.78 

1997 55.30 20.99 

1998 59.13 22.31 

1999 59.80 23.46 

2000 66.66 27.67 

2001 65.20 33.17 

2002 65.35 34.23 

2003 69.16 38.78 

2004 69.33 39.89 

Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF ) 

Motorcycle Registrations, VMT – FHWA 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 35 

Chart 19: Motorcycle Rider Fatality Rate by Registered Motorcycles, VMT 

and Year 

0

20

40

60

80

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Year

Fatality Rate

Registered Motorcycle Rate VMT Rate

 Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) Motorcycle Registrations, VMT – FHWA 

4.2.16. Motorcycle Rider Fatality Rate per 100,000 U.S. Resident Population 

Even though the population of 40-49, 50-59 and over 59 age groups grew between 

1995 and 2004, the increase in motorcycle rider fatalities for these groups has 

outpaced the increase in population as evident from the increase in the fatality rates. 

Table 25 gives the motorcycle rider fatality rates by age group per 100,000 US 

resident populations. The greatest rate increase is seen for the over 59-age group with 

the rate jumping from 0.13 in 1995 to 0.47 in 2004. Similarly the fatality rate for the 

50-59 age group has risen from 0.53 in 1995 to 1.79 in 2004 and the fatality rate for 

the 40-49 age group has risen from 0.95 in 1995 to 2.14 in 2004. The rates for other 

age groups have also increased over the same period of time but not to the same level 

as seen in riders aged 40 and over. These rates underscore the increase in motorcycle 

rider fatalities in the over 40 age groups seen in previous sections. Chart 20 shows 10 

year trends of motorcycle rider fatality rates by age group per 100,000 U.S. resident 

population. 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 36 

Table 25: Motorcycle Rider Fatality Rate by Age Group Per 100,000 

U.S. Resident Population and Year 

Rider Age Group Year 

< 20 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 59+ 

Total 

1995 0.26 2.46 1.31 0.95 0.53 0.13 0.85 

1996 0.26 2.09 1.27 1.07 0.60 0.16 0.81 

1997 0.22 1.91 1.28 1.02 0.77 0.20 0.79 

1998 0.26 1.99 1.43 1.17 0.71 0.19 0.85 

1999 0.18 2.10 1.45 1.37 0.98 0.26 0.91 

2000 0.23 2.13 1.64 1.58 1.11 0.33 1.03 

2001 0.26 2.39 1.86 1.67 1.17 0.32 1.12 

2002 0.22 2.21 1.83 1.74 1.47 0.38 1.14 

2003 0.28 2.38 1.99 2.02 1.65 0.44 1.27 

2004 0.30 2.56 2.09 2.14 1.79 0.47 1.36 

Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 

Population Data – Census Bureau 

Chart 20: Motorcycle Rider Fatality Rate by Age Group per 100,000 U.S. 

Resident Population and Year

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Year

Rate per 100,000 Population

< 20 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 59 +

 Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF), Population Data – Census Bureau 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 37 

4.3. Common Crash Characteristics 

After looking at motorcycle rider fatality trend data in the past 10 years by different 

variables, the two variables that standout in terms of change in trend are motorcycle rider 

age and motorcycle engine size. Our analysis, in this section is based on 2004 data and 

focuses on the two variables mentioned above and on some of the common 

characteristics relating to motorcycle crashes. The data tables for the analysis in this 

section are provided in Appendix A. 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 38 

4.3.1. Motorcycle Operator Fatalities by Age Group and Alcohol Involvement 

Among the motorcycle operators killed in 2004, a high percentage of alcohol 

involvement was noticed in the age groups of 40-49 and 30-39. Of all the operators killed 

with a BAC level of .08 or higher, nearly 60 percent were in the 30-39 and 40-49 age 

groups. Chart 21 shows motorcycle operator fatalities in 2004 by age group and their 

alcohol level. 

Chart 21: Motorcycle Operator Fatalities in 2004 by Age Group and Alcohol 

Level

89

69 59 57

70 75

2

7

7 7

6 7

9

24 34 36

24 18

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

<20 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 >59

Percent Fatalities

BAC .00 BAC .01-.07 BAC .08+

 Source: NCSA, FARS 2004(ARF)

4.3.2. Motorcycle Operator Fatalities by Engine Size cc and Alcohol Involvement 

Chart 22 shows motorcycle operator fatalities in 2004 by motorcycle engine size and 

alcohol level. Highest alcohol involvement among fatal motorcycle operators was seen 

in the 1,001-1,500 cc engine sizes. Alcohol involvement was least for motorcycle 

operators killed in the 501-1,000 cc engine size. 

Chart 22: Motorcycle Operator Fatalities in 2004 by Engine Size cc and 

Alcohol Level

69 71

59 70

3 6

7

4

28 23 34 26

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Up to 500 cc 501-1,000 cc 1,001-1,500 cc 1,501 & Larger

Percent Fatalities

BAC .00 BAC .01-.07 BAC .08+

 Source: NCSA, FARS 2004(ARF)
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 39 

4.3.3. Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Age Group and Day of Week 

Motorcycle rider fatalities in 2004 during weekdays were higher for the under 30 age 

groups. However, for the 30 and above age groups there were more fatalities during 

weekends than weekdays. Based on the time definition of weekday/weekend in the trends 

section, in the 30 and above age groups there were 2.5 times as many fatalities during 

weekends than during weekdays. Chart 23 shows motorcycle rider fatalities in 2004 by 

age groups and day of week. 

Chart 23: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities in 2004 by Age Group and Day of Week

138

539

373

432

295

112 114

496 495

537

351

115

0

150

300

450

600

< 20 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 > 59

Fatalities

Weekday Weekend Unknown

 Source: NCSA, FARS 2004(ARF)

4.3.4. Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Engine Size cc and Day of Week 

Among motorcycle rider fatalities in 2004, weekday fatalities were higher for riders in 

the below 500 cc engine sizes and weekend fatalities were higher for riders in the 1,001-

1,500 cc engine sizes. Based on the definition of weekday/weekend, there were nearly 3 

times as many fatalities during weekends involving 1,001-1,500 cc engine motorcycles 

than during weekdays. Chart 24 shows motorcycle rider fatalities in 2004 by engine size 

and day of week. 

Chart 24: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities in 2004 by Engine Size cc and 

Day of Week

133

800

639

60 85

827

902

64

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

Up to 500 cc 501-1,000 cc 1,001-1,500 cc 1,501 cc & Higher

Fatalities

Weekday Weekend Unknown

 Source: NCSA, FARS 2004(ARF)
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 40 

4.3.5. Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Age Group and Roadway Function Class 

Motorcycle rider fatalities in 2004 in the under 40 age group was seen more on urban 

roadways and in the 40 and above age group was more on rural roadways. Majority of the 

fatally injured motorcycle riders on rural roadways are age 40 and older which could 

indicate leisure riding among 40-year-old and older riders. Chart 25 shows motorcycle 

rider fatalities by age group and roadway function class. 

Chart 25: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities in 2004 by Age Group and

 Roadway Function Class

46 38 43 55 62 67

53 61 56

45 37 32

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

< 20 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 > 59

Percent Fatalities

Rural Urban Unknown

 Source: NCSA, FARS 2004(ARF)

4.3.6. Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Engine Size cc and Roadway Function Class 

A majority of the motorcycle rider fatalities on urban roadways were seen mostly 

involving motorcycles with engine sizes between 501-1,000 cc. A majority of the 

motorcycle rider fatalities for other engine sizes were on rural roadways. Chart 26 shows 

motorcycle rider fatalities in 2004 by engine size and roadway function class. 

Chart 26: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities in 2004 by Engine Size cc and 

Roadway Function Class

57

41

56

72

42

58

43

27

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Up to 500 cc 501-1,000 cc 1,001-1,500 cc 1,501 cc & Higher

Percent Fatalities

Rural Urban Unknown

 Source: NCSA, FARS 2004(ARF)
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 41 

4.3.7. Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Age Group and Crash Type 

In 2004, nearly two-thirds of the motorcycle rider fatalities in the under 20 age group 

were in multivehicle crashes. Among the motorcycle rider fatalities in single vehicle 

crashes a higher percentage were in the over 59 age group. Chart 27 shows motorcycle 

rider fatalities in 2004 by age group and crash type. 

Chart 27: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities in 2004 by Age Group and Crash Type

36

47 45 47 42 48

64

53 55 53 58 52

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

< 20 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 > 59

Percent Fatalities

Single-vehicle Multivehicle

 Source: NCSA, FARS 2004(ARF)

4.3.8. Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Engine Size cc and Crash Type 

Among all the engine size groups in 2004, motorcycle rider fatalities involving 1,501 cc 

and higher engine sizes were higher in multivehicle crashes. The proportion of 

multivehicle to single-vehicle fatalities for all engine sizes is similar to the overall trend. 

Chart 28 shows motorcycle rider fatalities by engine size and crash type. 

Chart 28: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities in 2004 by Engine Size cc and Crash 

Type

44 44 48 40

56 56 52 60

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Up to 500 cc 501-1,000 cc 1,001-1,500 cc 1,501 cc & Higher

Percent Fatalities

Single-vehicle Multivehicle

 Source: NCSA, FARS 2004(ARF)
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 42 

4.3.9. Fatally Injured Motorcycle Riders by Age Group and Helmet Use 

Among all age groups, helmet use among fatally injured motorcycle riders in 2004 was 

higher in the under 30 and over 59 age groups and lower for 30-59 age group. Chart 29 

shows fatally injured motorcycle riders by age group and helmet use. 

Chart 29: Fatally Injured Motorcycle Riders in 2004 by Age Group and 

Helmet Use

60 60 55 51 52 61

40 40 45 49 48 39

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

< 20 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 > 59

Percent Fatally Injured

Helmet Used Helmet Not Used

 Source: NCSA, FARS 2004(ARF)

4.3.10. Fatally Injured Motorcycle Riders by Engine Size cc and Helmet Use 

Among fatally injured motorcycle riders in 2004, helmet use was highest for the 501-

1,000 cc engine size group. Helmet use was about two-thirds among the 501-1,000 cc 

engine size motorcycle riders compared to nearly 50 percent among riders in the other 

engine sizes. Chart 30 shows fatally injured motorcycle riders in 2004 by engine size and 

helmet use. 

Chart 30: Fatally Injured Motorcycle Riders in 2004 by Engine Size cc and 

Helmet Use

50

65

48 54

50

35

52 46

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Up to 500 cc 501-1,000 cc 1,001-1,500 cc 1,501 cc & Higher

Percent Fatally Injured

Helmet Used Helmet Not Used

 Source: NCSA, FARS 2004(ARF)
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 43 

4.3.11. Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Age Group and Speeding 

Among the motorcycle riders who were fatally injured in 2004 in crashes when speeding 

was a contributing factor, higher percentages were in the under 40 age group. The highest 

percentage of speeding-related motorcycle rider fatalities was in the age group of 20-29 

followed by the under 20 age group. Chart 31 shows motorcycle rider fatalities by age 

group and speeding. 

Chart 31: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities in 2004 by Age Group and Speeding

45 52 43

28 21 25

55 48 57

72 79 75

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

< 20 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 > 59

Percent Fatalities

Speeding Not Speeding

 Source: NCSA, FARS 2004(ARF)

4.3.12. Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Engine Size cc and Speeding 

In 2004, a higher percentage of speeding-related motorcycle rider fatalities were seen 

involving 501-1,000 cc engine size motorcycles. Speeding was less among motorcycle 

rider fatalities involving 1,001-1,500 cc engine sizes. Chart 32 shows motorcycle rider 

fatalities by engine size and speeding. 

Chart 32: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities in 2004 by Engine Size cc and Speeding

33

48

28 25

67

52

72 75

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Up to 500 cc 501-1,000 cc 1,001-1,500 cc 1,501 cc & Higher

Percent Fatalities

Speeding Not Speeding

 Source: NCSA, FARS 2004(ARF)
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 44 

4.3.13. Motorcycle Operator Fatalities by Age Group and License Status 

Among motorcycle operators fatally injured in crashes in 2004 a higher percentage of 

improperly licensed operators were in the under 20 age group. The percentage of properly 

licensed drivers was higher in all other age groups with the highest being in the above 50 

age group category. The proportion of properly licensed operators increases with the 

increase in age group of the operator. Chart 33 shows motorcycle operator fatalities by 

age group and license status. 

Chart 33: Motorcycle Operator Fatalities in 2004 by Age Group and 

License Status

52 63 71 82 90 89

46 36 28 18 9 9

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

< 20 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 > 59

Percent Fatalities

Properly Licensed Improperly Licensed Unknown

 Source: NCSA, FARS 2004(ARF)

4.3.14. Motorcycle Operator Fatalities by Engine Size cc and License Status 

Among motorcycle operators fatally injured in crashes in 2004 a higher proportion of 

improperly licensed operators were in the 500 cc and below engine category. Increases in 

properly licensed motorcycle operators were seen with the increase in motorcycle engine 

size. Chart 34 shows motorcycle operator fatalities in 2004 by engine size cc and 

motorcycle operator license status. 

Chart 34: Motorcycle Operator Fatalities in 2004 by Engine Size cc and 

License Status

59 69

85 94

40 30

14 6

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Up to 500 cc 501-1,000 cc 1,001-1,500 cc 1,501 cc & Higher

Percent Fatalities

Properly Licensed Improperly Licensed Unknown

 Source: NCSA, FARS 2004(ARF)
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 45 

5. FINDINGS 

The findings in this report are divided in two categories: 1) findings based on trends in the 

past ten years in motorcycle rider fatalities from FARS, motorcycle sales data from MIC, 

population data from the U.S. Census Bureau, and VMT and registration data from FHWA, 

and 2) findings based on common crash characteristics in motorcycle rider fatalities from 

FARS 2004 data. If the patterns seen in the analyses continue as seen from the combination 

of data sources, there is the likelihood that the increase in motorcycle rider fatalities will 

continue in the future years also. 

5.1 Exposure 

Motorcycle registration data from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) show a 

greater number of registered motorcycles. Data from the Motorcycle Industry Council 

(MIC) show increasing sales in the number of new On-highway motorcycles. According 

to MIC, the majority of new motorcycles sold are with large engine sizes. MIC data also 

show an increase in motorcycle ownership in the 40 and above age group. Data from the 

U.S. Census Bureau show, among all ages, greater increases in the U.S. resident 

population in the 40 and above age group. 

5.2 Trends 

• FARS data show increases in motorcycle rider fatalities in the age group of 40 and 

above in the last 10 years. Among all the age groups, the 20-29 age group had the 

largest number of motorcycle rider fatalities. Motorcycle rider fatalities in the 40-49 

age group are fast approaching the number of fatalities in the 20-29 age group. 

• The mean age of motorcycle riders killed and the mean engine size of motorcycles 

involved in fatal crashes are increasing. The mean age of motorcycle riders killed has 

increased to 38, an increase of nearly 6 years, indicating more involvement of older 

riders (in the 40 and above age group). The mean engine size of motorcycles involved 

in crashes has increased indicating a greater number of motorcycles with larger 

engine sizes being driven. 

• FARS data show a greater number of motorcycle rider fatalities involving a 

motorcycle with a larger engine size. Most of the increases in motorcycle rider 

fatalities were seen in the 1,001-1,500 cc engine size, once again indicating more 

motorcycles with larger engine sizes being driven. 

• Although the number of motorcycle rider fatalities in single and multivehicle crashes 

has increased over the ten-year period, the proportion of motorcycle rider fatalities in 

single-vehicle to multivehicle crashes does not indicate any significant variation. 

• The percentage of properly licensed motorcycle operator fatalities in fatal crashes has 

increased during the past ten years, yet about one-fourth of fatally injured motorcycle 

operators, are still improperly licensed. 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 46 

• Helmet use among fatally injured motorcycle riders in crashes has remained the same, 

at just above 50 percent. In 2004, about two-thirds (66%) of the fatally injured 

motorcycle riders in States without universal helmet laws were not wearing helmets 

compared to 15 percent in States with universal helmet laws. 

• The percentage of motorcycle rider fatalities during weekdays and weekends has 

remained almost the same in the past ten years. However, motorcycle rider fatalities 

during weekends are twice the fatalities during weekdays which might indicate more 

recreational use of motorcycles during weekends. 

• Though motorcycle rider fatalities have increased steadily in both rural and urban 

areas during the last ten years, the proportion of motorcycle rider fatalities in both 

areas has remained almost the same. 

• Analysis of data show that 70 percent of all fatalities occur on undivided roadways. 

The percentage of motorcycle rider fatalities occurring on different roadway types has 

remained the same in the past ten years. 

• The percentage of speeding related motorcycle rider fatalities has declined in the past 

ten years but speeding still continues to be a contributing factor in about a third of the 

motorcycle rider fatalities. 

• As a trend alcohol involvement among motorcycle operators has been declining over 

the last ten years, but still a majority of the motorcycle operators killed are 

intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 g/dL or higher. 

Motorcycle operators with high BAC continue to be a major problem. 

5.3 Common Crash Characteristics 

Two significant findings from the analysis were the increases in motorcycle rider 

fatalities among older (40 and over) age groups and larger (1,001-1,500 cc) engine sizes. 

The findings below based on crash characteristics are based on these two variables. 

5.3.1. Age Group 

• Nearly three-fourths (72 percent) of the motorcycle rider fatalities in the 40 and over 

age group were on larger engine size motorcycles. 

• Alcohol involvement among motorcycle operators was highest among operators in 

the age group of 40-49 compared to all age groups. 

• Speeding is one of the major contributing factors in motorcycle crashes, especially 

among motorcycle riders under the age of 30. 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 47 

• A greater number of motorcycle rider fatalities in the 40 and above ages were seen on 

rural roadways. 

• Among motorcycle operators of all ages, the percentage of properly licensed 

operators increased with increase in operator age. 

• Helmet use among fatally injured motorcycle riders was just above 50 percent among 

those aged 30-59, compared to 60 percent in the other age groups. 

• Motorcycle rider fatalities in the above 30 age groups during weekends were more 

than twice as high as during weekdays. 

5.3.2. Engine Size 

• Alcohol involvement among motorcycle operators was highest among operators 

riding 1,001-1,500 cc engine size motorcycles. 

• Speeding related motorcycle rider fatalities was higher in 501-1,000 cc engine size 

motorcycles. 

• A greater number of motorcycle rider fatalities involving 1,001-1,500 cc engine size 

motorcycles were seen on rural roadways. 

• An increase in the percentage of properly licensed motorcycle operators was seen 

with the increase in motorcycle engine size. 

• Helmet use among fatally injured motorcycle riders was higher for motorcycle riders 

on the 501-1,000 cc engine size compared to other engine sizes. 

• Motorcycle rider fatalities were higher during weekends in the 1,001-1,500 cc engine 

size motorcycles. 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 48 

6. APPENDIX A: Additional Data 

The following sections provide additional data that were used in the analysis but not 

shown in the previous sections. 

Table 26: Motorcycle Operator Fatalities in 2004 by Age Group and 

Alcohol Level 

Age BAC .00 BAC .01-.07 BAC .08+ BAC .01+ 

Group No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

< 20 194 89 5 2 19 9 24 11 218 

20-29 675 69 68 7 232 24 299 31 974 

30-39 475 58 58 7 278 34 337 42 812 

40-49 502 57 59 7 314 36 373 43 875 

50-59 423 70 36 6 142 24 178 30 601 

59 + 159 75 14 7 38 18 53 25 212 

Unknown 1 50 0 0 1 50 1 50 1 

Total 2,429 66 239 6 1,025 28 1,264 34 3,693 

Source: NCSA, FARS 2004 (ARF) 

Table 27: Motorcycle Operator Fatalities in 2004 by Engine Size and 

Alcohol Level 

BAC .00 BAC .01-.07 BAC .08+ BAC .01+ Engine Size No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

Up to 500 cc 146 69 7 3 59 28 66 31 212 

501-1,000 cc 1,095 71 97 6 348 23 445 29 1,540 

1,001-1,500 cc 816 59 93 7 468 34 561 41 1,377 

1,501 cc & 

Higher 76 70 4 4 28 26 32 30 108 

Unknown 297 65 37 8 122 27 159 35 456 

Total 2,429 66 239 6 1,025 28 1,264 34 3,693 

Source: NCSA, FARS 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 49 

Table 28: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities in 2004 by Age Group and 

Day of Week 

Day of Week 

Age Group Weekday Weekend Unknown 

No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

< 20 138 55 112 45 0 0 250 

20-29 539 52 496 48 6 1 1,041 

30-39 373 43 495 57 1 0 869 

40-49 432 44 537 55 2 0 971 

50-59 295 46 351 54 0 0 646 

> 59 114 50 115 50 1 0 230 

Unknown 0 0 1 100 0 0 1 

Total 1,891 47 2,107 53 10 0 4,008 

Source: NCSA, FARS 2004 (ARF) 

Table 29: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities in 2004 by Engine Size and 

Day of Week 

Day of Week 

Engine Size Weekday Weekend Unknown 

# % # % # % 

Total 

Up to 500 cc 133 60 85 38 3 1 221 

501-1,000 cc 800 49 827 51 4 0 1,631 

1,001-1,500 cc 639 41 902 58 1 0 1,542 

1,501 cc & Higher 60 48 64 52 0 0 124 

Unknown 259 53 229 47 2 0 490 

Total 1,891 47 2,107 53 10 0 4,008 

Source: NCSA, FARS 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 50 

Table 31: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Engine Size and Land Use in 2004 

Land Use 

Engine Size Rural Urban Unknown 

No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

Up to 500 cc 126 57 93 42 2 1 221

501-1,000 cc 671 41 952 58 8 0 1,631

1,001-1,500 cc 867 56 665 43 10 1 1,542

1,501 cc & Higher 89 72 34 27 1 1 124

Unknown 229 47 260 53 1 0 490

Total 1,982 49 2,004 50 22 1 4,008

Source: NCSA, FARS 2004 (ARF) 

Table 30: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by Age Group and Land Use in 2004 

Land Use 

Age Group Rural Urban Unknown

No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

< 20 116 46 132 53 2 1 250

20-29 398 38 640 61 3 0 1,041

30-39 376 43 485 56 8 1 869

40-49 535 55 433 45 3 0 971

50-59 403 62 239 37 4 1 646

59 + 154 67 74 32 2 1 230

Unknown 0 0 1 100 0 0 1

Total 1,982 49 2,004 50 22 1 4,008

Source: NCSA, FARS 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 51 

Table 32: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities in 2004 by Age Group and Crash Type 

Crash Type 

Single-vehicle Multivehicle 

Total 

Age Group 

No. % No. % No. % 

< 20 89 36 161 64 250 100

20-29 486 47 555 53 1,041 100

30-39 395 45 474 55 869 100

40-49 459 47 512 53 971 100

50-59 269 42 377 58 646 100

59 + 110 48 120 52 230 100

Unknown 0 0 1 100 1 100

Total 1,808 45 2,200 55 4,008 100

Source: NCSA, FARS 2004 (ARF) 

Table 33: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities in 2004 by Engine Size and Crash Type 

Crash Type 

Single-vehicle Multivehicle 

Total Engine Size 

No. % No. % No. % 

Up to 500 cc 97 44 124 56 221 100 

501-1,000 cc 711 44 920 56 1,631 100 

1,001-1,500 cc 739 48 803 52 1,542 100 

1,501 cc & Higher 49 40 75 60 124 100 

Unknown 212 43 278 57 490 100 

Total 1,808 45 2,200 55 4,008 100 

Source: NCSA, FARS 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 52 

Table 34: Fatally Injured Motorcycle Riders in 2004 by Age Group and 

Helmet Use 

Helmet Use 

Not Used Used 

Total Age Group 

No. % No. % No. % 

< 20 100 40 150 60 250 100

20-29 419 40 622 60 1,041 100

30-39 393 45 476 55 869 100

40-49 479 49 492 51 971 100

50-59 313 48 333 52 646 100

> 59 89 39 141 61 230 100

Unknown 1 100 0 0 1 100

Total 1,794 45 2,214 55 4,008 100

Source: NCSA, FARS 2004 (ARF) 

Table 35: Fatally Injured Motorcycle Riders in 2004 by Engine Size and 

Helmet Use 

Helmet Use 

Not Used Used 

Total Engine Size 

No. % No. % No. % 

Up to 500 cc 109 50 112 50 221 100 

501-1,000 cc 567 35 1,064 65 1,631 100 

1,001-1,500 cc 806 52 736 48 1,542 100 

1,501 cc & Higher 57 46 67 54 124 100 

Unknown 254 52 236 48 490 100 

Total 1,794 45 2,214 55 4,008 100 

Source: NCSA, FARS 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 53 

Table 36: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities in 2004 by Age Group and 

Roadway Function Class 

Roadway Function Class

Age Group Rural Urban Unknown

No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

< 20 116 46 132 53 2 1 250

20-29 398 38 640 61 3 0 1,041

30-39 376 43 485 56 8 1 869

40-49 535 55 433 45 3 0 971

50-59 403 62 239 37 4 1 646

59+ 154 67 74 32 2 1 230

Unknown 0 0 1 100 0 0 1

Total 1,982 49 2,004 50 22 1 4,008

Source: NCSA, FARS 2004 (ARF) 

Table 37: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities in 2004 by Engine Size and 

Roadway Function Class 

Roadway Function Class 

Engine Size Rural Urban Unknown 

No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

Up to 500 cc 126 57 93 42 2 1 221

501-1,000 cc 671 41 952 58 8 0 1,631

1,001-1,500 cc 867 56 665 43 10 1 1,542

1,501 cc & Higher 89 72 34 27 1 1 124

Unknown 229 47 260 53 1 0 490

Total 1,982 49 2,004 50 22 1 4,008

Source: NCSA, FARS 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 54 

Table 38: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities in 2004 by Age Group and Speeding 

Speeding Related 

Speeding Not Speeding 

Total 

Age Group 

No. % No. % No. % 

< 20 113 45 137 55 250 100

20-29 541 52 500 48 1,041 100

30-39 374 43 495 57 869 100

40-49 274 28 697 72 971 100

50-59 137 21 509 79 646 100

> 59 57 25 173 75 230 100

Unknown 1 100 0 0 1 100

Total 1,497 37 2,511 63 4,008 100

Source: NCSA, FARS 2004 (ARF) 

Table 39: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities in 2004 by Engine Size and Speeding 

Speeding Related 

Speeding Not Speeding 

Total Engine Size 

No. % No. % No. % 

Up to 500 cc 73 33 148 67 221 100 

501-1,000 cc 789 48 842 52 1,631 100 

1,001-1,500 cc 432 28 1,110 72 1,542 100 

1,501 cc & Higher 31 25 93 75 124 100 

Unknown 172 35 318 65 490 100 

Total 1,497 37 2,511 63 4,008 100 

Source: NCSA, FARS 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 55 

Table 40: Motorcycle Operator Fatalities in 2004 by Age Group, License Status, 

and License Compliance 

License Status 

Properly 

Licensed 

Improperly 

Licensed Unknown 

Total Age Group 

# % # % # % # % 

< 20 114 52 101 46 3 1 218 100 

20-29 616 63 353 36 5 1 974 100 

30-39 575 71 228 28 9 1 812 100 

40-49 717 82 154 18 4 0 875 100 

50-59 542 90 53 9 6 1 601 100 

> 59 189 89 20 9 3 1 212 100 

Unknown 0 0 0 0 1 100 1 100 

Total 2,753 75 909 25 31 1 3,693 100 

Source: NCSA, FARS 2004 (ARF) 

Table 41: Motorcycle Operator Fatalities in 2004 by Engine Size, 

License Status, and License Compliance 

License Status 

Properly 

Licensed 

Improperly 

Licensed 

Unknown Engine Size 

# % # % # % 

Total 

Up to 500 cc 126 59 84 40 2 1 212 

501-1,000 cc 1,069 69 463 30 8 1 1,540 

1,001-1,500 cc 1,174 85 187 14 16 1 1,377 

1,501 cc & Higher 101 94 7 6 0 0 108 

Unknown 283 62 168 37 5 1 456 

Total 2,753 75 909 25 31 1 3,693 

Source: NCSA, FARS 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 56

Table 42: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by State from 1975-1989 

Calendar Year State

1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 

Alabama 42 59 65 67 55 54 56 53 58 52 61 72 39 39 34 

Alaska 10 9 13 16 10 6 8 6 14 10 5 8 1 6 8 

Arizona 63 53 77 87 135 121 119 84 103 116 112 104 89 99 76 

Arkansas 26 29 31 28 38 43 41 26 47 31 37 31 40 30 23 

California 493 598 684 785 865 821 783 695 666 860 804 877 754 609 639 

Colorado 46 33 61 64 78 69 86 76 69 73 71 50 62 50 38 

Connecticut 39 55 55 76 89 116 86 100 84 91 89 65 69 63 53 

Delaware 8 9 4 8 13 14 8 18 10 7 18 6 14 11 4 

Dist of Columbia 7 4 4 5 4 3 8 4 7 7 5 5 3 6 4 

Florida 155 144 180 227 249 265 243 240 238 314 277 272 242 223 212 

Georgia 66 64 86 88 105 118 109 116 90 91 89 87 67 63 65 

Hawaii 9 6 12 24 22 11 18 18 21 20 11 16 14 17 17 

Idaho 22 19 21 25 35 34 25 21 24 27 30 27 27 29 25 

Illinois 174 175 207 228 205 226 204 188 181 173 181 182 161 178 128 

Indiana 85 81 96 121 157 136 121 108 104 85 106 131 129 89 69 

Iowa 62 67 69 72 84 77 79 69 60 45 57 58 63 61 44 

Kansas 38 44 51 52 55 60 72 50 42 47 33 38 40 43 25 

Kentucky 53 45 45 50 63 45 53 50 49 49 48 49 44 43 23 

Louisiana 49 65 90 102 82 120 130 91 91 67 74 63 42 50 37 

Maine 18 19 25 25 30 34 32 30 30 33 22 22 22 19 17 

Maryland 53 47 49 67 64 100 89 76 66 76 66 82 60 57 39 

Massachusetts 71 68 89 93 97 110 77 65 75 83 86 65 58 59 64 

Michigan 161 133 156 168 124 148 145 114 113 150 137 118 118 82 73 

Minnesota 61 59 92 107 99 121 97 72 74 66 81 71 52 61 39 

Mississippi 10 27 31 37 21 27 42 50 44 50 29 29 33 18 24 

Missouri 63 80 80 68 72 84 66 68 63 73 58 55 54 64 46 

Montana 12 20 9 22 21 24 24 18 24 27 34 15 25 18 16 

Nebraska 21 27 30 30 32 35 34 27 26 25 26 24 33 19 13 

Nevada 10 25 17 30 36 39 17 22 19 14 20 19 23 26 21 

New Hampshire 16 17 27 27 35 33 25 21 19 16 33 29 27 20 23 

New Jersey 41 52 85 81 89 85 101 90 76 72 61 71 51 54 31 

New Mexico 24 27 29 52 51 65 46 47 56 49 47 49 35 40 31 

New York 126 145 215 182 198 229 208 188 207 173 202 195 189 175 140 

North Carolina 71 72 79 87 105 93 98 91 66 109 110 110 97 81 57 

North Dakota 9 6 14 10 12 15 14 18 15 7 8 7 7 8 1 

Ohio 144 149 187 219 255 237 202 206 187 214 203 217 199 155 162 

Oklahoma 56 53 71 73 80 88 93 80 64 67 79 60 44 51 44 

Oregon 37 42 71 67 67 80 68 62 56 63 69 79 72 48 45 

Pennsylvania 150 112 162 172 178 194 165 151 148 171 165 160 148 132 113 

Rhode Island 10 18 21 13 12 16 14 19 20 7 15 20 18 14 15 

South Carolina 54 46 53 38 46 58 54 71 86 97 83 65 59 61 54 

South Dakota 13 10 18 13 22 18 15 13 12 9 15 10 14 13 14 

Tennessee 79 61 86 77 63 84 95 80 85 98 89 95 86 68 60 

Texas 202 182 264 318 347 375 437 401 350 362 369 404 290 299 243 

Utah 21 16 24 23 30 44 42 31 28 38 33 29 33 28 23 

Vermont 10 7 9 13 11 18 10 11 5 10 11 5 12 5 7 

Virginia 53 62 65 74 62 84 92 58 68 70 107 91 66 67 36 

Washington 53 60 74 113 119 117 101 107 77 72 80 80 90 75 68 

West Virginia 21 24 33 33 34 31 29 30 29 27 18 26 27 23 19 

Wisconsin 63 81 67 109 123 108 108 113 103 101 90 110 89 100 70 

Wyoming 9 6 21 11 15 11 17 10 16 14 10 13 5 13 9 

NATIONAL 3,189 3,312 4,104 4,577 4,894 5,144 4,906 4,453 4,265 4,608 4,564 4,566 4,036 3,662 3,141 

Puerto Rico N/A N/A N/A 28 N/A 36 32 21 28 29 18 31 31 32 35 

Source: NCSA, FARS 1975-1989 (Final) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 57

Table 43: Motorcycle Rider Fatalities by State from 1990-2004 

Calendar Year State

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 

Alabama 30 38 34 32 31 33 31 29 34 32 43 43 43 52 74 

Alaska 10 11 7 3 2 3 6 6 5 9 6 7 12 12 8 

Arizona 78 60 64 66 66 65 69 57 60 73 90 73 94 109 119 

Arkansas 32 23 22 21 25 17 25 19 28 22 27 38 38 56 57 

California 583 515 325 310 295 260 232 235 204 236 276 299 324 383 432 

Colorado 68 45 41 48 47 45 50 38 56 60 73 84 73 70 80 

Connecticut 50 29 38 44 32 33 32 38 41 38 50 46 47 29 57 

Delaware 10 7 14 8 6 6 10 8 6 7 5 10 7 11 8 

Dist of Columbia 5 6 1 2 2 6 4 4 5 4 7 5 7 7 8 

Florida 224 175 175 197 172 181 160 184 183 178 259 287 319 365 432 

Georgia 63 60 56 52 55 44 47 56 66 59 61 95 85 103 111 

Hawaii 20 18 16 26 29 21 20 14 21 17 18 18 24 19 21 

Idaho 22 12 17 24 6 18 12 18 6 13 18 19 12 19 24 

Illinois 152 111 104 115 148 101 109 83 99 103 126 140 100 143 157 

Indiana 82 82 71 51 64 65 62 48 69 67 73 75 88 81 108 

Iowa 37 40 29 38 30 43 17 28 28 30 32 39 41 51 37 

Kansas 35 49 28 20 20 14 19 17 19 15 21 25 33 31 30 

Kentucky 38 34 37 36 33 23 28 26 32 42 38 59 45 58 68 

Louisiana 43 29 36 29 28 28 29 20 35 40 57 65 68 83 72 

Maine 19 30 20 10 17 13 15 10 15 16 18 14 13 20 22 

Maryland 45 49 56 45 29 26 25 26 35 44 50 53 51 56 69 

Massachusetts 54 42 33 44 30 28 34 30 34 35 33 53 58 35 58 

Michigan 87 85 57 58 72 83 61 63 56 83 86 97 87 81 81 

Minnesota 51 42 28 34 47 36 42 25 41 30 37 42 47 64 52 

Mississippi 25 15 15 12 16 15 10 13 18 18 22 30 26 42 40 

Missouri 50 41 44 30 41 40 35 37 28 37 44 53 60 90 56 

Montana 16 10 13 20 13 16 9 20 14 15 13 13 24 12 21 

Nebraska 6 14 9 6 9 6 6 5 6 8 3 12 15 13 21 

Nevada 22 18 19 15 20 23 19 24 13 17 21 21 35 26 52 

New Hampshire 18 14 10 16 12 16 22 14 17 32 27 22 12 9 28 

New Jersey 59 40 45 40 34 40 52 43 37 42 56 73 50 57 73 

New Mexico 47 38 32 29 21 33 26 26 21 23 26 31 32 36 39 

New York 143 124 119 115 88 92 96 114 111 113 119 147 141 154 150 

North Carolina 79 71 68 86 68 76 72 62 83 106 98 109 123 108 134 

North Dakota 8 9 5 7 2 6 5 3 3 3 4 4 1 4 9 

Ohio 163 164 112 134 107 108 116 106 118 121 127 125 133 136 134 

Oklahoma 43 37 30 34 31 40 25 33 25 33 24 39 39 43 78 

Oregon 27 35 25 28 22 22 28 24 25 18 37 32 26 44 37 

Pennsylvania 108 107 90 112 112 84 98 92 111 111 149 132 134 156 158 

Rhode Island 14 16 11 9 7 6 3 5 5 12 12 6 9 13 10 

South Carolina 59 44 57 57 50 50 54 60 73 65 82 82 90 89 88 

South Dakota 23 9 11 12 19 14 9 8 9 10 20 17 19 19 26 

Tennessee 62 50 69 61 59 48 50 56 42 59 69 78 75 90 93 

Texas 197 131 130 151 124 128 115 117 152 182 229 243 256 342 285 

Utah 18 23 17 15 21 11 21 22 14 23 24 28 18 22 31 

Vermont 8 6 6 13 3 8 3 7 4 7 6 11 5 3 11 

Virginia 59 42 38 32 33 35 36 39 42 38 43 45 54 56 57 

Washington 61 43 47 37 35 37 41 28 51 38 37 55 54 59 72 

West Virginia 15 24 19 19 21 26 10 8 21 24 17 21 29 30 27 

Wisconsin 69 77 40 40 58 48 52 63 65 66 78 72 82 103 80 

Wyoming 7 12 5 6 8 7 9 5 8 9 6 10 12 20 13 

NATIONAL 3,244 2,806 2,395 2,449 2,320 2,227 2,161 2,116 2,294 2,483 2,897 3,197 3,270 3,714 4,008 

Puerto Rico 32 25 27 30 32 32 26 27 27 35 51 47 60 56 63 

Source: NCSA, FARS 1990-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF) 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 58

Table 44: Registered Motorcycles by State from 1995 to 2004 

Calendar Year State 

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 

Alabama 37,926 36,706 39,025 44,540 49,205 54,849 54,998 62,010 70,859 81,086 

Alaska 12,917 13,122 13,467 13,695 14,924 16,107 16,788 18,173 19,615 21,134 

Arizona 69,170 72,235 74,680 54,373 145,190 165,094 191,364 219,105 209,215 209,048 

Arkansas 17,217 16,490 14,331 21,070 21,786 25,020 29,290 34,101 38,500 43,668 

California 532,053 526,048 454,360 403,971 419,572 448,501 488,042 535,424 562,176 626,529 

Colorado 88,120 94,217 95,162 97,236 95,027 98,297 194,856 1,201 8,013 8,411 

Connecticut 48,965 48,328 48,537 50,594 53,521 54,046 51,883 62,061 63,071 64,754 

Delaware 9,168 9,985 9,941 10,174 10,704 10,980 12,656 13,820 15,008 17,485 

Dist of Columbia 1,623 1,600 1,627 1,562 1,489 1,476 1,472 1,465 1,516 1,601 

Florida 190,112 203,334 209,473 221,966 235,716 255,210 305,461 345,490 392,420 461,935 

Georgia 72,318 73,492 75,625 86,273 87,009 88,071 91,946 109,024 118,671 129,439 

Hawaii 13,209 25,114 21,487 20,445 19,302 20,061 21,749 20,584 22,394 23,106 

Idaho 33,489 34,034 35,069 34,530 40,779 42,151 39,272 42,703 43,951 49,578 

Illinois 184,216 171,091 181,789 204,225 216,641 195,511 256,834 232,187 261,038 276,122 

Indiana 96,394 96,518 98,476 102,848 109,472 117,837 127,374 135,552 144,310 153,566 

Iowa 111,503 131,851 132,000 128,540 125,201 126,671 137,973 140,544 140,000 140,000 

Kansas 43,120 48,835 48,054 47,634 49,682 49,867 51,811 53,687 56,356 61,678 

Kentucky 32,996 36,603 38,658 39,901 41,905 44,003 46,206 48,508 50,932 53,478 

Louisiana 36,776 37,072 38,049 39,638 42,908 48,244 50,507 53,935 57,275 55,846 

Maine 25,972 26,768 28,166 28,117 30,953 28,899 32,808 31,021 34,923 38,712 

Maryland 38,833 37,936 38,701 42,636 45,973 49,403 54,711 56,823 63,994 72,844 

Massachusetts 74,243 90,844 88,800 99,583 103,110 106,718 114,965 129,663 130,355 136,887 

Michigan 127,902 149,971 155,673 154,358 167,882 183,592 199,168 204,805 215,698 228,856 

Minnesota 117,891 116,189 123,858 128,097 126,786 143,055 152,040 158,516 174,706 188,903 

Mississippi 29,636 30,162 30,857 31,138 32,212 31,859 26,840 27,037 26,998 27,162 

Missouri 54,939 54,118 55,527 53,653 57,329 60,940 64,513 64,179 73,828 77,519 

Montana 20,930 20,868 21,406 21,582 22,216 26,511 26,481 29,748 66,017 47,967 

Nebraska 18,951 18,596 18,063 18,662 19,631 21,159 23,076 25,349 27,233 28,671 

Nevada 21,672 22,471 23,781 24,709 23,499 24,912 32,521 35,898 37,206 44,823 

New Hampshire 49,445 51,890 47,312 46,040 47,656 48,651 53,321 57,389 59,692 66,319 

New Jersey 88,634 91,995 94,243 100,564 105,547 111,853 125,747 134,034 140,383 149,911 

New Mexico 31,180 31,578 31,392 32,364 30,669 28,554 28,269 34,467 32,544 36,294 

New York 169,679 136,246 135,814 138,846 143,547 107,486 118,864 142,790 150,756 170,148 

North Carolina 67,207 67,855 70,216 75,002 78,733 82,647 86,761 91,063 95,598 100,366 

North Dakota 16,894 16,394 16,051 16,167 16,387 17,035 18,214 17,865 19,154 20,953 

Ohio 218,502 219,719 220,092 229,306 240,590 254,666 269,082 271,112 286,378 298,652 

Oklahoma 55,480 59,210 52,318 53,326 53,277 57,646 77,566 66,838 72,705 84,651 

Oregon 61,236 60,841 62,836 64,506 66,609 69,468 72,522 74,453 75,149 75,453 

Pennsylvania 171,335 178,527 183,116 191,073 200,829 215,737 238,433 249,916 268,990 292,196 

Rhode Island 16,979 17,048 17,741 17,673 19,210 19,484 21,374 23,009 24,589 26,506 

South Carolina 34,570 39,219 39,853 41,116 46,844 51,679 56,660 62,726 57,177 60,029 

South Dakota 25,184 24,734 24,584 25,210 25,761 29,205 31,525 33,935 37,549 41,602 

Tennessee 70,058 78,869 56,229 59,620 62,985 71,084 83,880 84,334 93,814 108,659 

Texas 130,117 148,815 133,423 149,175 168,896 187,174 213,299 234,922 261,553 286,992 

Utah 22,171 23,171 23,175 24,470 24,674 28,291 38,787 41,421 38,131 44,386 

Vermont 18,113 18,256 18,856 16,684 17,663 21,740 24,194 26,527 26,332 28,304 

Virginia 58,199 57,561 56,338 57,582 57,464 60,857 65,056 70,139 73,692 75,457 

Washington 95,795 104,450 104,553 106,352 107,290 118,697 123,492 134,212 141,945 160,227 

West Virginia 18,494 16,075 17,655 22,496 19,447 26,307 27,855 30,868 19,291 19,534 

Wisconsin 168,937 169,594 190,673 170,329 192,806 179,576 209,486 204,732 240,519 232,808 

Wyoming 16,559 14,954 15,261 15,799 15,925 19,187 21,064 24,791 27,816 30,615 

NATIONAL 3,767,029 3,871,599 3,826,373 3,879,450 4,152,433 4,346,068 4,903,056 5,004,156 5,370,035 5,780,870 

Puerto Rico N/A N/A N/A 33,502 21,436 21,436 21,833 21,833 21,833 31,770 

Source: FHWA 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 59

Table 45: Motorcycle Rider Fatality Rate per 10,000 Registered Motorcycles by State from 1995 to 2004 

Calendar Year State 

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 

Alabama 8.7 8.4 7.4 7.6 6.5 7.8 7.8 6.9 7.3 9.1 

Alaska 2.3 4.6 4.5 3.7 6.0 3.7 4.2 6.6 6.1 3.8 

Arizona 9.4 9.6 7.6 11.0 5.0 5.5 3.8 4.3 5.2 5.7 

Arkansas 9.9 15.2 13.3 13.3 10.1 10.8 13.0 11.1 14.5 13.1 

California 4.9 4.4 5.2 5.0 5.6 6.2 6.1 6.1 6.8 6.9 

Colorado 5.1 5.3 4.0 5.8 6.3 7.4 4.3 607.8 87.4 95.1 

Connecticut 6.7 6.6 7.8 8.1 7.1 9.3 8.9 7.6 4.6 8.8 

Delaware 6.5 10.0 8.0 5.9 6.5 4.6 7.9 5.1 7.3 4.6 

Dist of Columbia 37.0 25.0 24.6 32.0 26.9 47.4 34.0 47.8 46.2 50.0 

Florida 9.5 7.9 8.8 8.2 7.6 10.1 9.4 9.2 9.3 9.4 

Georgia 6.1 6.4 7.4 7.7 6.8 6.9 10.3 7.8 8.7 8.6 

Hawaii 15.9 8.0 6.5 10.3 8.8 9.0 8.3 11.7 8.5 9.1 

Idaho 5.4 3.5 5.1 1.7 3.2 4.3 4.8 2.8 4.3 4.8 

Illinois 5.5 6.4 4.6 4.8 4.8 6.4 5.5 4.3 5.5 5.7 

Indiana 6.7 6.4 4.9 6.7 6.1 6.2 5.9 6.5 5.6 7.0 

Iowa 3.9 1.3 2.1 2.2 2.4 2.5 2.8 2.9 3.6 2.6 

Kansas 3.2 3.9 3.5 4.0 3.0 4.2 4.8 6.1 5.5 4.9 

Kentucky 7.0 7.6 6.7 8.0 10.0 8.6 12.8 9.3 11.4 12.7 

Louisiana 7.6 7.8 5.3 8.8 9.3 11.8 12.9 12.6 14.5 12.9 

Maine 5.0 5.6 3.6 5.3 5.2 6.2 4.3 4.2 5.7 5.7 

Maryland 6.7 6.6 6.7 8.2 9.6 10.1 9.7 9.0 8.8 9.5 

Massachusetts 3.8 3.7 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.1 4.6 4.5 2.7 4.2 

Michigan 6.5 4.1 4.0 3.6 4.9 4.7 4.9 4.2 3.8 3.5 

Minnesota 3.1 3.6 2.0 3.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 3.0 3.7 2.8 

Mississippi 5.1 3.3 4.2 5.8 5.6 6.9 11.2 9.6 15.6 14.7 

Missouri 7.3 6.5 6.7 5.2 6.5 7.2 8.2 9.3 12.2 7.2 

Montana 7.6 4.3 9.3 6.5 6.8 4.9 4.9 8.1 1.8 4.4 

Nebraska 3.2 3.2 2.8 3.2 4.1 1.4 5.2 5.9 4.8 7.3 

Nevada 10.6 8.5 10.1 5.3 7.2 8.4 6.5 9.7 7.0 11.6 

New Hampshire 3.2 4.2 3.0 3.7 6.7 5.5 4.1 2.1 1.5 4.2 

New Jersey 4.5 5.7 4.6 3.7 4.0 5.0 5.8 3.7 4.1 4.9 

New Mexico 10.6 8.2 8.3 6.5 7.5 9.1 11.0 9.3 11.1 10.7 

New York 5.4 7.0 8.4 8.0 7.9 11.1 12.4 9.9 10.2 8.8 

North Carolina 11.3 10.6 8.8 11.1 13.5 11.9 12.6 13.5 11.3 13.4 

North Dakota 3.6 3.0 1.9 1.9 1.8 2.3 2.2 0.6 2.1 4.3 

Ohio 4.9 5.3 4.8 5.1 5.0 5.0 4.6 4.9 4.7 4.5 

Oklahoma 7.2 4.2 6.3 4.7 6.2 4.2 5.0 5.8 5.9 9.2 

Oregon 3.6 4.6 3.8 3.9 2.7 5.3 4.4 3.5 5.9 4.9 

Pennsylvania 4.9 5.5 5.0 5.8 5.5 6.9 5.5 5.4 5.8 5.4 

Rhode Island 3.5 1.8 2.8 2.8 6.2 6.2 2.8 3.9 5.3 3.8 

South Carolina 14.5 13.8 15.1 17.8 13.9 15.9 14.5 14.3 15.6 14.7 

South Dakota 5.6 3.6 3.3 3.6 3.9 6.8 5.4 5.6 5.1 6.2 

Tennessee 6.9 6.3 10.0 7.0 9.4 9.7 9.3 8.9 9.6 8.6 

Texas 9.8 7.7 8.8 10.2 10.8 12.2 11.4 10.9 13.1 9.9 

Utah 5.0 9.1 9.5 5.7 9.3 8.5 7.2 4.3 5.8 7.0 

Vermont 4.4 1.6 3.7 2.4 4.0 2.8 4.5 1.9 1.1 3.9 

Virginia 6.0 6.3 6.9 7.3 6.6 7.1 6.9 7.7 7.6 7.6 

Washington 3.9 3.9 2.7 4.8 3.5 3.1 4.5 4.0 4.2 4.5 

West Virginia 14.1 6.2 4.5 9.3 12.3 6.5 7.5 9.4 15.6 13.8 

Wisconsin 2.8 3.1 3.3 3.8 3.4 4.3 3.4 4.0 4.3 3.4 

Wyoming 4.2 6.0 3.3 5.1 5.7 3.1 4.7 4.8 7.2 4.2 

NATIONAL 5.9 5.6 5.5 5.9 6.0 6.7 6.5 6.5 6.9 6.9 

Puerto Rico N/A N/A N/A 8.1 16.3 23.8 21.5 27.5 25.6 19.8 

Source: NCSA, FARS 1995-2003 (Final), 2004 (ARF), Motorcycle Registration -FHWA 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 60

7. APPENDIX B: Data Sources 

The following sections give information relating to the four data sources used in the 

analysis. 

7.1 Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) 

The National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA) collects and analyzes data, 

conducts research, and disseminates statistical information to support efforts by NHTSA 

and the highway safety community aimed at reducing deaths, injuries, and economic 

losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes. 

NCSA designed and developed the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) database, 

a national census of police-reported motor vehicle crashes resulting in fatal injuries. 

FARS compiles data from various sources on the location and circumstances of the crash, 

types of vehicles, and people involved. This system generates overall measures of 

highway safety, helps identify traffic safety problems, and provides a basis to evaluate 

the effectiveness of motor vehicle safety standards and highway safety programs. 

FARS system became operational in 1975. It contains a census of fatal motor vehicle 

traffic crashes within the 50 states and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. 

A motor vehicle crash is a transport incident that involves a motor vehicle in transport, is 

not an aircraft incident or water craft incident, and does not include any harmful event 

involving a railway train in transport prior to involvement of a motor vehicle in transport. 

To be included in FARS, a crash must involve a motor vehicle traveling on a traffic way 

customarily open to the public, and result in the death of a person (either an occupant of a 

vehicle or a non-motorist) within 30 days of the crash. Data elements contain specific 

information including the age of the person, license status of the driver, roadway type, 

motorcycle engine size, and land use (urban/rural). These data elements can be used in 

determining trends relating to fatal crashes. Thus, the FARS system provides a basis to 

evaluate the effectiveness of motor vehicle safety standards and highway safety 

programs. 

Additional information on FARS can be obtained from NHTSA’s website at: 

www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov

7.2 Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) 

The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) is a nonprofit national trade association 

representing the motorcycle industry. MIC’s purpose is to preserve and promote 

motorcycling and the motorcycle industry. This is accomplished through activities in 

government relations, statistics, communications, and technical and aftermarket 

programs. MIC has two offices, an Executive Office in Irvine, California, and a 

Government Relations Office in the Washington, DC, area. 
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 61

More than 300 members represent manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, 

scooters, parts and accessories, and members of allied trades, such as publishing 

companies, advertising agencies, insurance companies, and consultants. While dealers, 

clubs and individuals are not eligible for membership, MIC works with these groups on 

issues of mutual interest. Additional information can be obtained at: www.mic.org

7.3 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) 

FHWA is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation and is headquartered in 

Washington, DC, with field offices across the United States. FHWA performs its mission 

through these main programs: 

The Federal Highway Program provides federal financial assistance to States to construct 

and improve the National Highway System, urban and rural roads, and bridges. The 

program provides funds for general improvements and development of safe highways and 

roads. 

The Federal Lands Highway Program provides access to and within national forests, 

national parks, Indian reservations and other public lands by preparing plans, letting 

contracts, supervising construction facilities, and conducting bridge inspections and 

surveys. 

To support these program areas, FHWA conducts and manages a comprehensive 

research, development, and technology program. 

Each year FHWA brings together annual series of selected statistical tabulations relating 

to highway transportation in three major areas: 

• Highway Use – the ownership and operation of motor vehicles; 

• Highway Finance – the receipts and expenditures for highways by public 

agencies; and 

• The Highway Plant – the extent, characteristics, and performance of the public 

roadways, roads, and streets in the United States. 

Additional information can be obtained at: www.fhwa.dot.gov

7.4 U.S. Census Bureau 

The U.S. Census Bureau is part of the Department of Commerce and located in 

Washington, DC. One of the missions of the Census Bureau is to collect census data 

every ten years and update the data each year. The sole purpose of the census is to secure 

general statistical information and compile the population by state, race, age groups, and 

several other categories. Additional information can be obtained at: www.census.gov
 NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590 62

8. REFERENCES 

Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Traffic 

Safety Facts 2004: Motorcycle”, November 2005. 

Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Recent 

Trends in Fatal Motorcycle Crashes (DOT HS 809 271)”, June 2001. 

Motorcycle Industry Council, “Statistical Annual 2004”. 

U.S. Bureau of the Census, Historical National Population Estimates Internet Release 

Date, April 11, 2000 (revised June 28, 2000) 2000-2004 Population data are the July 1 

estimates from the 2000 Census; Release Date: December 22, 2004 

Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, “Motorcycle Vehicle 

Miles Traveled”. 

Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, “Registered 

Motorcycles”. 

Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 

“Transitioning to Multiple Imputation – A New Method to Impute Missing Blood Alcohol 

Concentration (BAC) values in FARS (DOT HS 809 403)”, January 2003. 
DOT HS 810 606

June 2006