This document is available to the public from the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161

U.S. Department

of Transportation 

National Highway

Traffic Safety

Administration

DOT HS 809 360 October 2001

Technical Report
This publication is distributed by the U.S. Department fo 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 or products 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.
Technical Report Documentation Page

1. Report No.

DOT HS 809 360

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

5. Report Date

October 2001

4. Title and Subtitle

Fatal Single Vehicle Motorcycle Crashes

6. Performing Organization Code

NRD-31

7. Author(s)

Shankar, Umesh

8. Performing Organization Report No.

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

Mathematical Analysis Division, National Center for Statistics and Analysis

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

U.S. Department of Transportation

NRD-31, 400 Seventh Street, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 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, National Center for Statistics and Analysis

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

U.S. Department of Transportation

NRD-31, 400 Seventh Street, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20590

14. Sponsoring Agency Code

15. Supplementary Notes

16. Abstract

More than 38,000 motorcyclists have died in single vehicle motorcycle crashes between 1975 and 1999. Motorcyclist 

fatalities in single vehicle crashes decreased each year from 1990 to 1996, reaching a historic low of 937 in 1996 and 

again in 1997. In 1998 and again in 1999 the fatalities increased to 1,042 (11.2%) in 1998 and to 1,140 (9.4%) in 1999. 

The overall increase in motorcyclist fatalities from 1997 to 1999 was 203 (21.7%).

Motorcyclist fatalities in single vehicle crashes account for about 45 percent of all motorcyclist fatalities. With such a 

high percentage of motorcyclist fatalities in single vehicle motorcycle crashes, this report was written to provide insight 

into the possible causes for these fatalities.

17. Key Words

motorcycle, motorcyclist, fatalities, fatal crashes, single 

vehicle, most harmful event, vehicle maneuver, crash 

avoidance maneuver, age group, land use

18. Distribution Statement

Document is available to the public through the National 

Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161

http//:www.ntis.gov

19. Security Classif. (of this report)

Unclassified

20. Security Classif. (of this page)

Unclassified

21. No. of Pages

46

22. Price

Form DOT F 1700.7 (8-72) Reproduction of completed page authorized
1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.................................................................................................. 3

1.1 PURPOSE......................................................................................................................... 3

1.2 CONCLUSIONS................................................................................................................. 4

2. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................. 5

3. ANALYTICAL APPROACH .............................................................................................. 6

3.1 FATALITY ANALYSIS REPORTING SYSTEM (FARS)...................................................... 6

3.2 FATAL MOTORCYCLE CRASH FACTS ............................................................................ 7

3.3 ANALYTICAL TOOLS ...................................................................................................... 8

4. FINDINGS ........................................................................................................................... 10

4.1 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY YEAR AND PERSON TYPE........................................ 10

4.2 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY YEAR AND SEX ........................................................ 10

4.3 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY YEAR AND AGE GROUP........................................... 11

4.4 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY YEAR AND LAND USE.............................................. 12

4.5 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY YEAR AND ENGINE DISPLACEMENT IN CUBIC 

CENTIMETERS (CC)....................................................................................................... 13

4.6 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY YEAR AND HELMET USE......................................... 13

4.7 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY YEAR AND SPEEDING FACTOR................................ 14

4.8 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY YEAR AND RELATION TO ROADWAY...................... 15

4.9 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY YEAR AND CRASH AVOIDANCE MANEUVER .......... 16

4.10 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY YEAR AND MOST HARMFUL EVENT....................... 17

4.11 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY YEAR AND VEHICLE MANEUVER ........................... 18

4.12 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY YEAR AND TIME OF DAY ........................................ 19

4.13 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY YEAR AND ROADWAY TYPE ................................... 20

4.14 MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR FATALITIES BY YEAR AND LICENSE STATUS AND LICENSE 

COMPLIANCE................................................................................................................ 21

4.15 FATALLY INJURED MOTORCYCLE OPERATORS BY YEAR AND DRIVER BLOOD 

ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION (BAC) ............................................................................ 22

4.16 FATALLY INJURED MOTORCYCLE OPERATORS WITH ALCOHOL INVOLVEMENT 

(BAC 3 0.01) BY YEAR AND TIME OF DAY.................................................................. 24

4.17 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES OFF ROADWAY BY YEAR AND SPEEDING FACTOR ..... 25

4.18 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY TIME OF DAY AND RELATION TO ROADWAY......... 26

4.19 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES WHERE MOST HARMFUL EVENT WAS COLLISION WITH 

A FIXED OBJECT AND RELATION TO ROADWAY ......................................................... 27

4.20 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES WHERE VEHICLE MANEUVER WAS TO NEGOTIATE A 

CURVE AND RELATION TO ROADWAY......................................................................... 28

4.21 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES WHILE NEGOTIATING A CURVE AND LAND USE ........ 29

4.22 FATALLY INJURED MOTORCYCLE OPERATORS BY TIME OF DAY AND OPERATOR 

BAC .............................................................................................................................. 30

4.23 FATALLY INJURED MOTORCYCLE OPERATORS BY TIME OF DAY (HOUR) AND 

OPERATOR BAC........................................................................................................... 31
2

TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)

4.24 FATALLY INJURED MOTORCYCLE OPERATORS BY SPEEDING FACTOR AND TIME OF 

DAY............................................................................................................................... 32

4.25 MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR FATALITIES WHEN VEHICLE MANEUVER WAS 

NEGOTIATE A CURVE BY MOST HARMFUL EVENT..................................................... 33

4.26 MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR FATALITIES WHEN VEHICLE MANEUVER WAS 

NEGOTIATE A CURVE BY SPEEDING FACTOR.............................................................. 34

4.27 MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR FATALITIES WHEN MOST HARMFUL EVENT WAS 

COLLISION WITH A FIXED OBJECT BY SPEEDING FACTOR......................................... 35

5. CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................................. 37

5.1 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY PERSON TYPE AND SEX........................................... 37

5.2 MOTORCYCLIST AGE................................................................................................... 37

5.3 MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR FATALITIES BY OPERATOR BAC..................................... 37

5.4 MOTORCYCLIST HELMET USE..................................................................................... 38

5.5 MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR LICENSE STATUS BY LICENSE COMPLIANCE.................. 38

5.6 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY SPEEDING FACTOR.................................................. 38

5.7 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY LAND USE (URBAN/RURAL).................................... 38

5.8 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY ROADWAY TYPE ..................................................... 38

5.9 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY TIME OF DAY .......................................................... 39

5.10 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY VEHICLE MANEUVER.............................................. 39

5.11 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY CRASH AVOIDANCE MANEUVER ............................ 39

5.12 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY MOST HARMFUL EVENT......................................... 39

5.13 MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES BY RELATION TO ROADWAY........................................ 39

6. APPENDIX A: DATA SOURCE....................................................................................... 40

7. APPENDIX B: STATUS OF STATE MOTORCYCLE HELMET USE 

REQUIREMENTS.............................................................................................................. 43

8. REFERENCES.................................................................................................................... 45
3

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In 1999, motorcyclist fatalities in single vehicle crashes accounted for almost half (46 

percent) of the fatalities from all fatal motorcycle crashes. With such a high percentage of 

motorcyclist fatalities in single vehicle crashes, this report was written to provide insight 

into the possible causes for these fatalities. The analysis was based on 1990-1999 data 

from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), a census of all fatal motor vehicle 

crashes.

More than 38,000 motorcyclists died in single vehicle motorcycle crashes between 1975 

and 1999. Motorcyclist fatalities in single vehicle crashes decreased each year from 1990 

to 1996, reaching a low of 937 in 1996 and again in 1997. However, in 1998 and again in 

1999 the fatalities in single vehicle motorcycle crashes increased to 1,042 (11.2%) in 

1998 and to 1,140 (9.4%) in 1999. The overall increase in motorcyclist fatalities from 

single vehicle crashes from 1997 to 1999 was 203 (21.7%).

This report does not analyze all variables within the FARS database and other data 

sources. Also, this analysis does not examine injury data from the General Estimates 

System (GES), which reports injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes. Further 

analyses need to be undertaken by examining other variables within FARS and GES that 

may provide additional information describing other factors associated with motorcycle 

crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) plans to

conduct these analyses and report the findings.

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this report is to:

• Use FARS data to analyze fatal single vehicle motorcycle crashes;

• Identify possible causes for motorcyclist fatalities.

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

conducted to determine the appropriate data elements to be examined within FARS. The 

data elements were then analyzed either individually or combined. The analysis was used 

in identifying possible elements within the crash information for motorcyclist fatalities in 

single vehicle crashes.
4

1.2 Conclusions

Findings from FARS data provide insight into possible reasons for motorcyclist fatalities 

in single vehicle motorcycle crashes and could aid in the design of crash prevention 

programs:

ÿ More riders age 40 and over are getting killed;

ÿ More motorcyclist fatalities are occurring on rural roads;

ÿ High BAC levels are a major problem among motorcycle operators;

ÿ Half of the fatalities are related to negotiating a curve prior to the crash;

ÿ Over 80 percent of the fatalities occur off roadway;

ÿ Undivided roadways account for a majority of the fatalities;

ÿ Almost two thirds of the fatalities were associated with speeding as an operator 

contributing factor in the crash;

ÿ Almost 60 percent of motorcyclist fatalities occur at night;

ÿ Collision with a fixed object is a significant factor in over half of the fatalities;

ÿ Braking and steering maneuvers possibly contribute for almost 25 percent of the 

fatalities;

ÿ Helmet use among fatally injured motorcyclists below 50 percent; and,

ÿ Almost one third of the fatally injured operators did not have a proper license.
5

2. INTRODUCTION

More than 38,000 motorcyclists died in single vehicle motorcycle crashes between 1975 

and 1999. This report examines motorcyclist fatalities in single vehicle crashes from 

1990-1999 in order to understand possible causes for the fatalities in these crashes.

In 1999, motorcycles made up less than 2 percent of all registered vehicles in the United 

States and accounted for only 0.4 percent of all vehicle miles traveled (VMT). However, 

in the same year, motorcyclists accounted for 5.5 percent of total traffic fatalities, and in 

1999, 5.9 percent of total traffic fatalities. Per 100,000 registered vehicles, fatality rate 

for motorcyclists (59.53) in 1999 was 3.6 times the fatality rate for passenger car 

occupants (16.41). Per vehicle mile traveled in 1999, motorcyclists (23.4) were about 18 

times as likely as passenger car occupants (1.3) to die in motor vehicle traffic crashes.

The purpose of this report is to:

• Examine data from NHTSA’s FARS fatal motor vehicle crash database;

• Analyze data within specific problem areas by looking for possible causes; and,

• Identify areas that may explain the possible reasons for motorcyclist fatalities in 

single vehicle crashes.

In order to better understand the reasons for motorcyclist fatalities in single vehicle 

crashes, FARS data can be analyzed by various cross tabulations of more than 100 data 

elements. These analyses among the different variables provide better understanding into 

the specific problem areas related to motorcyclist fatalities. This analysis and report is 

based on FARS data elements cross-tabulated either individually or combined.

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

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

prevention programs.
6

3. ANALYTICAL APPROACH

The analytical approach for the report involved the following steps:

• Reviewing the FARS data source to determine the data elements of interest in the 

crash and how these data elements could be combined;

• Formulating hypotheses about possible factors in fatal single vehicle motorcycle 

crashes; and,

• Summarizing data that focus on possible causes for motorcyclist fatalities in

single vehicle motorcycle crashes.

3.1 Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS)

A review of FARS data shows motorcyclist fatalities from single vehicle motorcycle 

crashes in 1990 were 1,469 or 45 percent of all motorcyclist fatalities. In 1999, there 

were 1,140 motorcyclist fatalities in single vehicle crashes, 46 percent of all motorcyclist 

fatalities. Table 1 shows motorcyclist fatalities from 1990 to 1999 by year and crash 

type. The percentage of motorcyclist fatalities in single vehicle crashes has not shown 

any significant change between 1990 and 1999. Motorcyclist fatalities from single 

vehicle crashes have decreased each year from 1990 to 1996, reaching an all time low of 

937 in 1996 and 1997. In 1998, motorcyclist fatalities from single vehicle crashes 

increased to 1,042 (11.2%). Again in 1999, the fatalities increased to 1,140 (9.4%). The 

total increase in motorcyclist fatalities from single vehicle crashes between 1997 and 

1999 was 203 (21.7%).

Table 1: Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Type of Crash

Type of Crash

Single Vehicle Crash Multiple Vehicle Crash

Year Number Percent Number Percent Total

1990 1,469 45 1,775 55 3,244

1991 1,285 46 1,521 54 2,806

1992 1,114 47 1,281 53 2,395

1993 1,069 44 1,380 56 2,449

1994 1,010 44 1,310 56 2,320

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

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999
7

Chart 1: Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Type of Crash

0

500

1000

1500

2000

90919293949596979899

Year

Fatalities

Single Vehicle Crash Multiple Vehicle Crash

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

3.2 Fatal Motorcycle Crash Facts

The motorcycle related data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, Recent Trends 

in Fatal Motorcycle Crashes (DOT HS 809 271), and Traffic Safety Facts 1999:

Motorcycles provided the following information that served as a basis for formulating the 

hypotheses shown on page 8:

• In 1999, 41 percent of all motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were speeding, 

approximately twice the rate for drivers of passenger cars or light trucks;

• In 1999, the percentage of alcohol involvement was more than 50 percent higher 

for motorcyclists than for drivers of passenger vehicles;

• Almost half (42 percent) of the motorcycle operators who died in single-vehicle 

crashes in 1999 were intoxicated. Three-fifths (61 percent) of those killed in 

single vehicle crashes on weekend nights were intoxicated;

• Motorcycle operators killed in traffic crashes at night were nearly 4 times as 

likely to be intoxicated as those killed during the day (43 percent and 12 percent 

respectively);

• Intoxication rates for drivers in fatal crashes in 1999 were highest for motorcycle 

operators (28 percent), compared to drivers of passenger cars (17 percent), light 

trucks (20 percent) and large trucks (1 percent);

• Motorcycles are more likely to be involved in a fatal collision with a fixed object 

than are other vehicles. In 1999, 27 percent of motorcycles involved in fatal 
8

crashes collided with a fixed object, compared to 17 percent for passenger cars, 

11 percent for light trucks, and 3 percent for large trucks;

• Nearly one out of six motorcycle operators (15 percent) involved in fatal crashes 

in 1999 was operating the vehicle with an invalid motorcycle only license (license 

suspended, revoked, expired, canceled or denied) at the time of the collision, 

while fewer (11 percent) drivers of passenger vehicles in fatal crashes had an 

invalid license;

• Motorcycle operators involved in fatal traffic crashes were more than 1.5 times as 

likely as passenger vehicle drivers to have a previous license suspension or 

revocation (20 percent and 13 percent respectively);

• There have been more 40 and over age motorcyclist fatalities in recent years; and,

• In 1999 and 1998, more motorcyclists were killed on rural roads than urban roads, 

reversing the trend from 1990 to 1997;

Based on the FARS data, review of the FARS data elements, Recent Trends in Fatal

Motorcycle Crashes, and Traffic Safety Facts 1999: Motorcycle, the following

hypotheses were formulated for testing in further analysis of fatal single vehicle

motorcycle crashes:

• Alcohol involvement among operators is a major factor;

• Motorcycles are more likely to be colliding with a fixed object;

• Motorcycles are more likely to be involved when negotiating a curve;

• More crashes are now occurring on rural roadways;

• More motorcyclist fatalities occur off roadway; and,

• Speeding is a factor.

3.3 Analytical Tools

Review of FARS data indicates further in-depth analysis is required using either the data 

elements individually or by combining the data elements to look for possible causes of 

motorcyclist fatalities in single vehicle crashes. This report focuses on the following 

major areas:

• Most harmful event in the crash;

• Speeding as a factor in the crash;
9

• Alcohol involvement among operators;

• Vehicle maneuver during the crash;

• Crash avoidance maneuver during the crash;

• Helmet use among motorcyclists;

• Age of the motorcyclist;

• Engine size of motorcycle involved in the fatal crash;

• Land use (rural/urban) in the crash;

• Roadway type in the crash;

• Relation to roadway during the crash; and,

• Time of day (day/night) of the crash.
10

4. FINDINGS

Detailed results are presented based on several of the FARS data elements used in the 

analysis of fatal single vehicle motorcycle crashes. Some of the findings indicate 

possible causes for motorcyclist fatalities in singe vehicle crashes. These are some of the 

areas that need attention and focus in developing safety programs and assist in designing 

crash prevention programs.

4.1 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Person Type

Table 2 shows the number and percent of motorcyclist fatalities by year and person type 

from 1990 to 1999. The numbers indicate that operators account for over 90 percent of 

the fatalities while passengers account for less than 10 percent of the fatalities. Review 

of the data shows no significant changes in the percentage of operator fatalities between

1990 and 1999.

Table 2: Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Person Type

Person Type

Operator (Driver) Passenger

Year

Number Percent Number Percent

Total

1990 1,321 90 148 10 1,469

1991 1,157 90 128 10 1,285

1992 1,017 91 97 9 1,114

1993 974 91 95 9 1,069

1994 912 90 98 10 1,010

1995 870 91 90 9 960

1996 853 91 84 9 937

1997 879 94 58 6 937

1998 956 92 86 8 1,042

1999 1,051 92 89 8 1,140

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

4.2 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Sex

Table 3 shows the number and percent of motorcyclist fatalities by year and motorcyclist 

sex from 1990 to 1999. The data show that between 1990 and 1999 over 90 percent of 

the motorcyclists killed were males and less than 10 percent were females. Review of the 

data shows no significant changes in the number and percentage of female fatalities 

between 1990 and 1999.
11

Table 3: Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Sex

Motorcyclist Sex

Male Female Unknown

Year Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Total

1990 1,369 93 100 7 0 0 1,469

1991 1,188 92 97 8 0 0 1,285

1992 1,039 93 75 7 0 0 1,114

1993 987 92 82 8 0 0 1,069

1994 935 93 75 7 0 0 1,010

1995 876 91 84 9 0 0 960

1996 849 91 88 9 0 0 937

1997 873 93 64 7 0 0 937

1998 955 92 87 8 0 0 1,042

1999 1,037 91 102 9 1 0 1,140

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

4.3 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Age Group

An increase in motorcyclist fatalities has been observed only in the 40 year old and over 

age group. Conversely the number of fatalities in the under-20 and 20-29 year old age 

groups declined considerably between 1990 and 1999. Fatalities in the 30-39 year old 

age group remained proportionally the same over this time period. But the 40-49 and 

over-49 year old age groups showed an increase between 1990 and 1999. The percentage 

of fatalities in the 40-49 year old age group increased from 9 percent in 1990 to 24 

percent, a factor of 2.7. The over-49 year old age group fatality percentage for the same 

years increased from 5 in 1990 to 15 in 1999, a factor of 3. Table 4 shows the number 

and percent of motorcyclist fatalities by age groups for the last 10 years.

However, examining Table 4 shows there are still proportionally more fatalities in the 20-

29 year old age group than in the under-20, 30-39, 40-49, and over-49 year old age 

groups from 1990 to 1999. This indicates that the 20-29 year old age group is still the 

leading at risk age group in terms of the number of motorcyclist fatalities. However, the 

number of fatalities in the 30-39 and 40-49 year old age groups are fast approaching the 

number of fatalities in the 20-29 year old age group.

The number of fatalities in the 40-49 year old age group has increased from 138 in 1990 

to 271 in 1999, an increase of 96 percent. Similarly, the number of fatalities in the over49 year old age group has increased from 67 in 1990 to 176 in 1999, an increase of 163 

percent. In fact, the number of fatalities in the 40 and over year old age group has 

increased from 205 in 1990 to 447 in 1999, an increase of 118 percent. The number of 

fatalities in the 40-49 and over-49 year old age groups has increased each year since 

1995. The fatalities in the 40 and over year old age group have doubled, from 219 in 

1995 to 447 in 1999, an increase of 104 percent.
12

Table 4: Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Age Group

Motorcyclist Age Group

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

Year No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %Total

1990 198 13 679 46 387 26 138 9 67 5 0 0 1,469

1991 168 13 565 44 358 28 133 10 60 5 1 0 1,285

1992 138 12 466 42 316 28 131 12 63 6 0 0 1,114

1993 99 9 435 41 307 29 153 14 74 7 1 0 1,069

1994 100 10 420 42 249 25 160 16 80 8 1 0 1,010

1995 73 8 404 42 264 28 142 15 77 8 0 0 960

1996 77 8 333 36 270 29 177 19 80 9 0 0 937

1997 50 5 317 34 267 28 180 19 123 13 0 0 937

1998 77 7 321 31 297 29 225 22 122 12 0 0 1,042

1999 61 5 340 30 292 26 271 24 176 15 0 0 1,140

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

4.4 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Land Use

Motorcyclist fatalities on rural roadways increased from 49 percent in 1990 to 58 percent 

in 1999, an increase of 9 percentage points. Between 1991 and 1999 the majority of 

single vehicle motorcyclist fatalities occurred on rural roads, in contrast to fatalities 

among all motorcyclists (Table 5). Motorcyclist fatalities on rural roads have increased 

each year since 1996, from 501 in 1996 to 657 in 1999, an increase of 31 percent.

Table 5: Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Land Use

Land Use

Rural Urban Unknown

Year Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Total

1990 726 49 742 51 1 0 1,469

1991 687 53 594 46 4 0 1,285

1992 591 53 514 46 9 1 1,114

1993 551 52 510 48 8 1 1,069

1994 531 53 478 47 1 0 1,010

1995 513 53 444 46 3 0 960

1996 501 53 436 47 0 0 937

1997 518 55 419 45 0 0 937

1998 592 57 445 43 5 0 1,042

1999 657 58 475 42 8 1 1,140

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999
13

4.5 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Engine Displacement in Cubic Centimeters (cc)

The percentage of motorcyclist fatalities in the 1,001-1,500 cc displacement engine size 

increased from 22 percent in 1990 to 33 percent in 1999, an increase of 11 percentage 

points, the only group by engine size to show an increase between 1990 and 1999. The 

largest number of motorcyclist fatalities still occurs in the 501-1,000 cc engine group. 

However, the fatality count among motorcyclists in the 1,001-1,500 cc group is

approaching the 501-1,000 cc levels. Motorcyclist fatalities in the 500 cc and less engine 

group declined from 17 percent in 1990 to 6 percent in 1999. Similarly, fatalities in the 

501-1,000 cc engine size have declined from 49 percent to 40 percent during the same 

time period. Starting in 1996, a very small number of all motorcyclist fatalities are 

reported involving motorcycles with engine displacements greater than 1,500 cc. These 

findings may reflect market trends in the new motorcycles being sold. Table 6 shows 

number and percent of fatalities from 1990 to 1999 by engine displacement.

Table 6: Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Engine Displacement (cc)

Engine Size: Displacement in Cubic Centimeters (cc)

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

Year No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %Total

1990 247 17 725 49 329 22 0 0 168 11 1,469

1991 194 15 667 52 316 25 0 0 108 8 1,285

1992 173 16 507 46 312 28 0 0 122 11 1,114

1993 143 13 514 48 308 29 0 0 104 10 1,069

1994 132 13 468 46 289 29 0 0 121 12 1,010

1995 122 13 462 48 285 30 0 0 91 9 960

1996 86 9 451 48 307 33 2 0 91 10 937

1997 72 8 446 48 331 35 6 1 82 9 937

1998 83 8 484 46 364 35 8 1 103 10 1,042

1999 73 6 455 40 372 33 12 1 228 20 1,140

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

4.6 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Helmet Use

Helmet use in fatal single vehicle motorcycle crashes among fatally injured

motorcyclists has shown a slow but steady increase from 39 percent in 1990 to 49 percent 

in 1999, a 10-percentage point increase. At the same time, just under half (48 percent) of 

all fatally injured motorcyclists in 1999 did not wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle 

compared to 54 percent in 1990. Table 7 shows the number and percent of fatally injured 

motorcyclists by helmet use from 1990 to 1999. Motorcyclists who died without a

helmet have increased sharply, from 424 in 1997 to 544 in 1999, an increase of 28 

percent.
14

Helmet use among fatally injured motorcyclists in all crashes (single and multiple

vehicle) was higher (DOT HS 809 271) when compared to helmet use among fatally 

injured motorcyclists in single vehicle crashes.

Table 7: Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Helmet Use

Helmet Use

Not Used Used Unknown

Year

Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent

Total

1990 788 54 579 39 102 7 1,469

1991 690 54 519 40 76 6 1,285

1992 513 46 542 49 59 5 1,114

1993 484 45 525 49 60 6 1,069

1994 474 47 494 49 42 4 1,010

1995 450 47 477 50 33 3 960

1996 436 47 470 50 31 3 937

1997 424 45 481 51 32 3 937

1998 497 48 503 48 42 4 1,042

1999 544 48 555 49 41 4 1,140

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

4.7 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Speeding Factor

The percent of fatally injured motorcyclists where speeding was recorded as a driver 

contributing factor remains about 55 percent and has not changed significantly. Further 

analysis of the data in the following sections reveals some important information relating 

to speeding. Table 8 shows the fatalities by year and speeding factor.
15

Table 8: Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Speeding Factor

Speeding Factor

Speeding Not Speeding Unknown

Year

Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent

Total

1990 856 58 595 41 18 1 1,469

1991 809 63 466 36 10 1 1,285

1992 649 58 457 41 8 1 1,114

1993 624 58 429 40 16 1 1,069

1994 588 58 401 40 21 2 1,010

1995 535 56 398 41 27 3 960

1996 548 58 372 40 17 2 937

1997 525 56 393 42 19 2 937

1998 566 54 465 45 11 1 1,042

1999 634 56 487 43 19 2 1,140

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

4.8 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Relation to Roadway

The definitions of on roadway and off roadway terms used throughout this report are 

based on the following:

Off Roadway – A crash occurring on the shoulder, median, roadside, outside right-ofway, off roadway – location unknown, in a parking lane, gore and separator. A gore is an 

area of land where two roadways diverge or converge.

On Roadway – A crash occurring on the roadway.

Review of data from Table 9 shows that over 80 percent of the motorcyclist fatalities are 

off roadway. Further analysis of the data in the following sections reveals some

important information relating to fatalities off roadway.
16

Table 9: Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Relation to Roadway

Relation to Roadway

On Roadway Off Roadway Unknown

Year

Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent

Total

1990 216 15 1,230 84 23 2 1,469

1991 205 16 1,048 82 32 2 1,285

1992 168 15 936 84 10 1 1,114

1993 156 15 912 85 1 0 1,069

1994 189 19 817 81 4 0 1,010

1995 172 18 782 81 6 1 960

1996 159 17 776 83 2 0 937

1997 165 18 769 82 3 0 937

1998 171 16 866 83 5 0 1,042

1999 199 17 938 82 3 0 1,140

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

4.9 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Crash Avoidance Maneuver

The crash avoidance maneuver is an element coded in the crash if the driver of the 

vehicle took any steps to avoid the crash. This data element was added to the FARS 

database in 1991. Almost one-fifth (22 percent) of the motorcyclist fatalities in 1999 

were related to either the braking or steering maneuvers. Table 10 shows the number and 

percent of motorcyclist fatalities by year and crash avoidance maneuver over the 9-year 

period from 1991 to 1999. The number of motorcyclist fatalities related to braking and 

steering maneuvers has increased from 16 percent in 1991 to 22 percent in 1999, an 

increase of 6 percentage points. The fatalities related to the braking maneuver has not 

changed with 13 percent of the fatalities in 1991 and 1999 whereas the fatalities relating 

to steering maneuver have increased from 3 percent in 1991 to 9 percent in 1999, an 

increase of 6 percentage points (or 200 percent). However, almost half of the fatal 

crashes did not report any crash avoidance maneuver during the crash investigation

(either not reported by police or information reported is inconclusive). Similarly, about 

30 percent of the fatalities were attributed to no maneuver in the crash.
17

Table 10: Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Crash Avoidance Maneuver

Crash Avoidance Maneuver

No 

Maneuver Braking Steering Other

Not 

Reported

Year No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %Total

1991 370 29 169 13 41 3 13 1 692 54 1,285

1992 418 38 109 10 38 3 13 1 536 48 1,114

1993 384 36 114 11 41 4 13 1 517 48 1,069

1994 310 31 152 15 48 5 12 1 488 48 1,010

1995 352 37 122 13 48 5 18 2 410 43 960

1996 319 34 147 16 61 7 8 1 402 43 937

1997 303 32 136 15 61 7 7 1 430 46 937

1998 297 29 140 13 75 7 13 1 517 50 1,042

1999 340 30 152 13 98 9 10 1 540 47 1,140

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1991-1999

4.10 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Most Harmful Event

The most harmful event applies to the vehicle. It is an event during a crash for a

particular vehicle that is judged to have produced the greatest personal injury. The 

definitions of non-collision, collision with object not fixed, and collision with fixed 

object terms used throughout this report are based on the following:

Non-collision - a crash in which the harmful event does not involve a collision with a 

fixed object, non-fixed object, or a motor vehicle. This includes overturn, fire/explosion, 

falls from a vehicle, and injuries in a vehicle.

Collision with object not fixed - objects that are movable or moving but are not motor 

vehicles. This includes pedestrians, pedalcyclists, animals, and /or trains.

Collision with fixed object - the collision of the vehicle with stationary structures or 

substantial vegetation attached to the terrain, like a bridge rail, guardrail, utility pole, 

culvert, concrete traffic barrier, fire hydrant and / or shrubbery.

Table 11 shows the number and percent of motorcyclist fatalities by year and most 

harmful event. About 30 percent of the fatalities were related to non-collision in the 

crash. Almost two thirds of the motorcyclist fatalities were associated where collision 

with fixed object was recorded as the most harmful event. The percentage of

motorcyclist fatalities colliding with a fixed object as the most harmful event has

decreased from 69 percent in 1990 to 59 percent in 1999, a reduction of 10 percentage 

points. This variable in the crash has been further combined with other variables in the 

crash to obtain the relationship between the two crash variables. Further analysis of these 

data relating to a collision with a fixed object is presented in the following sections.
18

Table 11: Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Most Harmful Event

Most Harmful Event

Non 

Collision

Collision with 

Object Not Fixed

Collision with a 

Fixed Object Unknown

Year No. % No. % No. % No. %Total

1990 337 23 116 8 1,016 69 0 0 1,469

1991 314 24 94 7 877 68 0 0 1,285

1992 269 24 84 8 761 68 0 0 1,114

1993 275 26 79 7 715 67 0 0 1,069

1994 300 30 69 7 632 63 9 1 1,010

1995 271 28 80 8 608 63 1 0 960

1996 276 29 74 8 586 63 1 0 937

1997 300 32 64 7 572 61 1 0 937

1998 291 28 61 6 687 66 3 0 1,042

1999 363 32 96 8 677 59 4 0 1,140

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

Chart 2: Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Most Harmful Event

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

90919293949596979899

Year

Percent Fatalities

Non Collision Collision w/Object Not Fixed

Collision w/Fixed Object Unknown

 Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

4.11 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Vehicle Maneuver

The vehicle maneuver is the driver’s action, or intended action, prior to commencement 

of an un-stabilizing event, as indicated on the crash report. Other vehicle maneuvers 

include going straight, starting in lane, stopping in lane, passing, parked, avoid animal, 

left turn, U-turn, changing lanes and others. Table 12 shows the number and percent of 

motorcyclist fatalities by year and vehicle maneuver. Review of the data shows half of 
19

the motorcyclist fatalities occurred when the vehicle was negotiating a curve. The other 

vehicle maneuver actions as an individual data element did not show significant number 

of fatalities to be analyzed further. The number of motorcyclist fatalities when

negotiating a curve has increased from 430 in 1997 to 570 in 1999, an increase of 33 

percent after reducing between 1990 and 1996. Further analysis of the data is provided in 

the following sections relating to vehicle maneuver when negotiating a curve.

Table 12: Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Vehicle Maneuver

Vehicle Maneuver

Negotiate Curve All Others Unknown

Year

Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent

Total

1990 710 48 752 51 7 0 1,469

1991 627 49 652 51 6 0 1,285

1992 567 51 540 48 7 1 1,114

1993 525 49 535 50 9 1 1,069

1994 488 48 516 51 6 1 1,010

1995 472 49 478 50 10 1 960

1996 451 48 478 51 8 1 937

1997 430 46 505 54 2 0 937

1998 507 49 528 51 7 1 1,042

1999 570 50 565 50 5 0 1,140

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

4.12 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Time of Day

The definitions of day and night terms used throughout this report are based on the 

following:

Day – 6:00 AM to 5:59 PM.

Night – 6:00 PM to 5:59 AM.

Table 13 shows the number and percentage of motorcyclists killed by year and time of 

day. Review of the data shows number of motorcyclists killed during the night accounted 

for more than half of the fatalities. However, the percentage of motorcyclists killed 

during the daytime has increased steadily from 28 percent in 1990 to 40 percent in 1999, 

an increase of 12 percentage points. In fact, the number of motorcyclist fatalities during 

the daytime has increased each year from 1995 to 1999. The number of motorcyclist 

fatalities occurring during the daytime has increased from 324 in 1995 to 457 in 1999, an 

increase of 41 percent. Similarly, the number of motorcyclist fatalities during the 

daytime has increased from 347 in 1997 to 457 in 1999, an increase of 32 percent. This 

may indicate the increasing use of motorcycles during the daytime hours in recent years.
20

Table 13: Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Time of Day

Time of Day

Night Day Unknown

Year Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Total

1990 1,021 70 415 28 33 2 1,469

1991 891 69 371 29 23 2 1,285

1992 750 67 340 31 24 2 1,114

1993 697 65 350 33 22 2 1,069

1994 626 62 363 36 21 2 1,010

1995 600 63 324 34 36 4 960

1996 587 63 330 35 20 2 937

1997 572 61 347 37 18 2 937

1998 602 58 402 39 38 4 1,042

1999 662 58 457 40 21 2 1,140

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

Chart 3: Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Time of Day

0

300

600

900

1200

90919293949596979899

Year

Fatalities

Night Day

 Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

4.13 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Roadway Type

Almost three-fourths of the motorcyclist fatalities in single vehicle crashes occurs on 

undivided roadways, another 15 percent are on roadways that have a median with no 

median barrier. Data from 1990 to 1999 indicate that there are not many changes in the 

percentage of fatalities occurring on different types of roadways. Table 14 shows the 

number and percentage of fatalities by year and on different roadways. The number of 
21

fatalities on undivided roadways has increased from 666 in 1996 to 847 in 1999, an 

increase of 27 percent.

Table 14: Motorcyclist Fatalities by Year and Roadway Type

Roadway Type

Not 

Divided

Median-No 

Barrier

Median 

w/Barrie r

One Way 

Traffic Unknown

Year No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %Total

1990 1,066 73 200 14 100 7 47 3 56 4 1,469

1991 935 73 178 14 98 8 31 2 43 3 1,285

1992 857 77 129 12 78 7 23 2 27 2 1,114

1993 811 76 126 12 74 7 39 4 19 2 1,069

1994 750 74 135 13 89 9 22 2 14 1 1,010

1995 718 75 131 14 77 8 14 1 20 2 960

1996 666 71 150 16 91 10 12 1 18 2 937

1997 684 73 163 17 70 7 9 1 11 1 937

1998 775 74 135 13 103 10 11 1 18 2 1,042

1999 847 74 179 16 79 7 24 2 11 1 1,140

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

4.14 Motorcycle Operator Fatalities by Year and License Status and License Compliance

The definitions of properly and improperly licensed terms, used throughout this report, 

are based on the following:

Properly Licensed – a valid driver license 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, canceled, or denied.

From 1990 to 1999, a steadily increasing percent of fatally injured motorcycle operators 

were properly licensed. This number hit an all time high of 68 percent in 1999, compared 

to 52 percent in 1990. Still almost one-third (31 percent) of the operators killed in 1999 

were riding a motorcycle with an improper license. Table 15 shows the number and 

percentage of operators killed by year and their license status for the past ten years. The 

number of motorcycle operator fatalities with a proper license increased from 520 in 

1996 to 715 in 1999, an increase of 38 percent.
22

Proper licensing among fatally injured motorcycle operators from all crashes (single and 

multiple vehicle) was higher (DOT HS 809 271) when compared to proper licensing 

among fatally injured motorcycle operators in single vehicle crashes.

Table 15: Motorcycle Operator Fatalities by Year and License Status and License 

Compliance

License Status with License Compliance

Properly Licensed Improperly Licensed Unknown

Year

Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent

Total

1990 692 52 608 46 21 2 1,321

1991 627 54 524 45 6 1 1,157

1992 559 55 439 43 19 2 1,017

1993 563 58 401 41 10 1 974

1994 536 59 373 41 3 0 912

1995 520 60 337 39 13 1 870

1996 520 61 321 38 12 1 853

1997 557 63 319 36 3 0 879

1998 624 65 321 34 11 1 956

1999 715 68 328 31 8 1 1,051

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

4.15 Fatally Injured Motorcycle Operators by Year and Driver Blood Alcohol 

Concentration (BAC)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines a fatal traffic crash as being 

alcohol-related if either a driver or a non-occupant (e.g., a pedestrian) had a blood alcohol 

concentration (BAC) of 0.01 grams per deciliter (g/dl) or greater in a police reported 

traffic crash. Persons with a BAC of 0.08 g/dl or greater involved in fatal crashes are 

considered to be intoxicated. This is the legal limit of intoxication in many states. BAC 

values have been assigned to drivers involved in fatal crashes when alcohol test results 

are unknown. A complete description of the statistical procedures used for unknown 

alcohol test results in FARS can be found in a technical report available from the 

National Center for Statistics and Analysis (Reference No. 2)

Alcohol involvement among fatally injured motorcycle operators has been declining over 

the last ten years. The percent of fatally injured operators who had been drinking in 1999 

was 53 percent, compared with 69 percent in 1990. But a majority of the fatally injured 

operators were intoxicated with a BAC ≥ 0.10. In 1999, there were 555 fatally injured 

operators who had been drinking (BAC ≥ 0.01), of which 442 (80 percent) operators 

killed were intoxicated (BAC ≥ 0.10). These numbers indicate that even though the 

alcohol involvement among operators is declining, there is still an underlying problem 

because of the high proportion with BACs ≥ 0.10. Table 16 shows the number and
23

percent of fatally injured operators by their BAC from 1990 to 1999. In 1999, 39 percent 

(442/1,140) of all motorcyclist fatalities in single vehicle crashes were intoxicated

operators. In fact, there were more fatally injured operators with alcohol than fatally 

injured operators without alcohol in each of the years between 1990 and 1999.

Table 16: Fatally Injured Motorcycle Operators by Year and Operator BAC

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.09 BAC 3 0.10 BAC 3 0.01

Year No. % No. % No. % No. % Total

1990 407 31 166 13 748 57 914 69 1,321

1991 379 33 145 13 633 55 778 67 1,157

1992 362 36 124 12 531 52 655 64 1,017

1993 386 40 108 11 480 49 588 60 974

1994 405 44 105 12 402 44 507 56 912

1995 377 43 110 13 383 44 493 57 870

1996 360 42 104 12 390 46 493 58 853

1997 409 47 104 12 366 42 470 53 879

1998 435 45 92 10 429 45 521 55 956

1999 496 47 113 11 442 42 555 53 1,051

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

Chart 4: Fatally Injured Motorcycle Operators by Year and Operator BAC

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

90919293949596979899

Year

Percent Fatalities

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.09 BAC 0.10+

 Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999
24

4.16 Fatally Injured Motorcycle Operators with Alcohol Involvement (BAC 3 0.01) by 

Year and Time of Day

Table 17 shows the number and percentage of fatally injured motorcycle operators with 

alcohol involvement (BAC ≥ 0.01) by year and time of day. Fatally injured motorcycle 

operators with alcohol involvement (BAC ≥ 0.01) account for more than half of all 

operator fatalities in single vehic le crashes (Table 16). The data show the number of 

fatally injured operators with alcohol involvement during nighttime hours was over three 

times the number of fatally injured operators with alcohol involvement during the

daytime. In fact, over one third (416/1,140 – 36 percent) of all motorcyclist fatalities in 

single vehicle crashes in 1999 were operators with BAC ≥ 0.01 killed at night. The 

numbers indicate high use of alcohol among fatally injured operators at night.

Table 17: Fatally Injured Motorcycle Operators with Alcohol Involvement

(BAC 3 0.01) by Year and Time of Day

Time of Day

Night Day Unknown

Year Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Total

1990 725 79 163 18 26 3 914

1991 623 80 136 17 19 2 778

1992 527 80 109 17 19 3 655

1993 457 78 117 20 15 3 588

1994 395 78 97 19 14 3 507

1995 370 75 97 20 25 5 493

1996 387 78 91 18 15 3 493

1997 359 76 102 22 9 2 470

1998 384 74 111 21 26 5 521

1999 416 75 125 23 14 3 555

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999
25

Chart 5: Fatally Injured Motorcycle Operators with Alcohol Involvement (BAC ≥ 0.01) 

by Year and Time of Day

0

200

400

600

800

90919293949596979899

Year

Fatalities

Night Day

 Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

4.17 Motorcyclist Fatalities Off Roadway by Year and Speeding Factor

Review of data from Table 18 shows more than half of all crashes in which motorcyclist 

fatalities occurred off roadway was related to speeding. The percentage of fatalities did 

not change significantly between 1990 and 1999. In 1999, 57 percent of crashes in which 

motorcyclist fatalities occurred off roadway were related to speeding.

Table 18: Motorcyclist Fatalities Off Roadway by Year and Speeding Factor

Speeding Factor

Speeding Not Speeding Unknown

Year

Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent

Total

1990 735 60 484 39 11 1 1,230

1991 680 65 364 35 4 0 1,048

1992 563 60 369 39 4 0 936

1993 546 60 359 39 7 1 912

1994 514 63 293 36 10 1 817

1995 455 58 314 40 13 2 782

1996 475 61 293 38 8 1 776

1997 451 59 305 40 13 2 769

1998 499 58 360 42 7 1 866

1999 535 57 394 42 9 1 938

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999
26

Chart 6: Motorcyclist Fatalities Off Roadway by Year and Speeding Factor

0

250

500

750

1000

90919293949596979899

Year

Fatalities

Speeding Not Speeding Unknown

 Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

4.18 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Time of Day and Relation to Roadway

Table 19 shows the number and percent of motorcyclist fatalities by time of day and 

relation to roadway aggregated over a ten-year period. The data show almost two-thirds 

(65 percent) of motorcyclist fatalities in crashes off roadway occurred during nighttime 

hours. In fact, over half (54 percent) of all motorcyclist fatalities occurred in crashes off 

roadway during the nighttime hours (5,873/10,963). The data also show that almost two 

thirds (65 percent) of all motorcyclist fatalities occurred during nighttime hours

(7,008/10,963).

Table 19: Motorcyclist Fatalities Off Roadway by Time of Day (1990-1999)

Relation to Roadway

Time of On Roadway Off Roadway Unknown

Day Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Total

Night 1,071 60 5,873 65 64 72 7,008

Day 710 39 2,966 33 23 26 3,699

Unknown 19 1 235 3 2 2 256

Total 1,800 100 9,074 100 89 100 10,963

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999
27

Chart 7: Motorcyclist Fatalities by Time of Day and Relation to Roadway (1990-1999)

Relation to Roadway - Off Roadway

5,873

2,966

235

Night Day Unknown

 Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

4.19 Motorcyclist Fatalities Where Most Harmful Event was Collision with a Fixed 

Object and Relation to Roadway

Chart 8 shows the number of motorcyclist fatalities where a collision with a fixed object 

was recorded as the most harmful event for the vehicle by relation to the roadway, 

aggregated over 10 years. A review of the data reveals that 95 percent (6,798/7,131) of 

the off roadway motorcyclist fatalities occurred as a result of a collision with a fixed 

object as the most harmful event recorded for the vehicle. Further analysis of the data in 

the following sections reveals some important information relating to fatalities by most 

harmful event.
28

Chart 8: Motorcyclist Fatalities Where Most Harmful Event was Collision with a Fixed 

Object and Relation to Roadway (1990-1999)

276

6,798

57

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

Fatalities

On Roadway Off Roadway Unknown

Relation to Roadway

Most Harmful Event - Collision with a Fixed Object

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

4.20 Motorcyclist Fatalities Where Vehicle Maneuver was to Negotiate a Curve and 

Relation to Roadway

The vehicle maneuver is the driver’s action, or intended action, prior to commencement 

of an un-stabilizing event, as indicated on the crash report – in this case negotiating a 

curve. Chart 9 shows the number of motorcyclist fatalities where negotiating a curve was 

recorded as the vehicle maneuver for the vehicle by relation to the roadway, aggregated 

over 10 years. Review of the data shows over 90 percent (4,887/5,347) of motorcyclist 

fatalities occur off roadway when negotiating a curve. Further data analysis in the 

following sections reveals some important information relating to fatalities when the 

vehicle maneuver is recorded as negotiating a curve in the crash report.
29

Chart 9: Motorcyclist Fatalities Where Vehic le Maneuver was Negotiate a Curve and 

Relation to Roadway (1990-1999)

426

4,887

34

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

Fatalities

On Roadway Off Roadway Unknown

Relation to Roadway

Vehicle Maneuver - Negotiate a Curve

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

4.21 Motorcyclist Fatalities While Negotiating a Curve and Land Use

Chart 10 shows the number of motorcyclist fatalities when negotiating a curve by land 

use, aggregated over a ten-year period. A review of the data shows that 60 percent 

(3,225/5,347) of motorcyclist fatalities occur on rural roads when negotiating a curve. 

Further data analysis in the following sections reveals some important information

relating to fatalities when the vehicle maneuver is recorded as negotiating a curve in the 

crash report.

Chart 10: Motorcyclist Fatalities Where Vehicle Maneuver was Negotiate a Curve and 

Land Use (1990-1999)

Vehicle Maneuver - Negotiate a Curve

3,225

2,103

19

Rural Urban Unknown

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999
30

4.22 Fatally Injured Motorcycle Operators by Time of Day and Operator BAC

Table 20 shows the number and percent of fatally injured motorcycle operators by time of 

day and operator BAC, aggregated over ten years. Review of the data shows 74 percent 

(797+3,847=4,644/6,309) of the fatally injured motorcycle operators during the night 

involved alcohol (BAC ≥ 0.01) compared to 33 percent (341+808=1,149/3,438) during 

the day. In fact, there were more operators killed with alcohol involvement (BAC ≥ 0.01) 

during nighttime hours than operators without alcohol involvement (BAC 0.00). There 

were 2.8 times more operators killed at night with alcohol involvement (BAC ≥ 0.01) 

than without alcohol involvement (BAC 0.00). Of the operators killed with alcohol 

involvement (BAC ≥ 0.01) at night (797+3,847=4,644), 83 percent (3,847/4,644) were 

intoxicated with a BAC ≥ 0.10. Forty-six percent (4,644/9,990) of all operators killed 

had some alcohol involvement (BAC ≥ 0.01) and were killed at night. Sixty percent of 

all operators killed in single vehicle crashes had BAC ≥ 0.01 (5,975/9,990).

Table 20: Fatally Injured Motorcycle Operators by Time of Day and Operator BAC 

(1990-1999)

Time of BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.09 BAC 3 0.10

Day Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Total

Night 1,665 26 797 13 3,847 61 6,309

Day 2,289 67 341 10 808 23 3,438

Unknown 62 26 33 13 148 61 243

Total 4,016 40 1,171 12 4,804 48 9,990

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

Chart 11: Fatally Injured Motorcycle Operators by Time of Day and Operator BAC 

(1990-1999)

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Night Day

Time of Day

Percent Fatalities

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.09 BAC 0.10+

 Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999
31

4.23 Fatally Injured Motorcycle Operators by Time of Day (Hour) and Operator BAC

Table 21 shows the number and percent of operator fatalities by time of day (each 3-hour 

period) and their BAC, aggregated over ten years. The highest number of fatalities 

during any three-hour period occurred between 6 PM and 9 PM (1,907). The highest 

percentage of operators killed with some alcohol involvement (85 percent) occurred 

between midnight and 3 AM. The ratio of operators killed with alcohol involvement 

(BAC ≥ 0.01) to operators killed without alcohol involvement (BAC 0.00) was 5.9 during 

the midnight to 3 AM period. A similar ratio during the 3 AM to 6 AM period was 4.7. 

The percentage of operators killed with some alcohol involvement during the 3 AM to 6 

AM period was a close second with 82 percent. Review of the data shows the percentage 

of fatally injured operators with some or any alcohol varies from 60 percent to 85 percent 

between 6 PM and 6 AM. These numbers indicate risks associated with alcohol use and 

motorcycle riding at night. The numbers also indicate deadly consequences in single 

vehicle motorcycle crashes from the combination of alcohol and motorcycle riding at 

night.

Among fatally injured operators with a BAC ≥ 0.01 (1,621) between midnight and 3 AM, 

86 percent (1,390) were intoxicated with a BAC ≥ 0.10. Similarly, 85 percent of the 

fatally injured operators with a BAC ≥ 0.01 between 3 AM and 6 AM were intoxicated 

with a BAC ≥ 0.10. Similar high intoxication percentages were also prevalent between 6 

PM to 9 PM and 9 PM to midnight. In fact, over one third 

(902+1,099+1,390=3,391/9,990) of all fatally injured operators between 6 PM and 3 AM 

were intoxicated operators with a BAC ≥ 0.10. These were also the hours with high 

percentage of fatally injured operators with some alcohol involvement (BAC ≥ 0.01).

Table 21: Fatally Injured Motorcycle Operators by Time of Day (Hour) and 

Operator BAC (1990-1999)

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.09 BAC 3 0.10

Time of Day No. % No. % No. % Total

Midnight to 3 AM (0-3) 274 14 231 12 1,390 73 1,895

3 AM to 6 AM (3-6) 113 17 78 12 456 70 647

6 AM to 9 AM (6-9) 199 64 33 11 78 25 311

9 AM to Noon (9-12) 434 82 24 5 73 14 531

Noon to 3 PM (12-15) 741 74 91 9 165 17 997

3 PM to 6 PM (15-18) 915 57 192 12 492 31 1,599

6 PM to 9 PM (18-21) 748 39 257 13 902 47 1,907

9 PM to Midnight (21-24) 529 28 231 12 1,099 59 1,860

Unknown 62 26 33 13 148 61 243

Total 4,016 40 1,171 12 4,804 48 9,990

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999
32

Chart 12: Fatally Injured Motorcycle Operators by Time of Day (Hour) and Operator 

BAC (1990-1999)

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

0-3 3-6 6-9 9-12 12-15 15-18 18-21 21-24

Time of Day

Percent Fatalities

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.09 BAC 0.10+

 Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

4.24 Fatally Injured Motorcycle Operators by Speeding Factor and Time of Day

Almost two-thirds (3,799/5,795 or 66 percent) of the operator fatalities where speeding 

was recorded as a driver related factor occurred at night. Table 22 shows the number and 

percentage of operator fatalities by speeding factor and time of day, aggregated over ten 

years. There were twice the number of operator fatalities while speeding during the night 

compared to the day. In fact, more than half (3,799/6,309 - 60 percent) of all operator 

fatalities during the night were attributed to speeding as a driver related factor. Similarly, 

more than half of all fatally injured operators during the day were attributed to speeding 

as a driver related factor. Overall 58 percent of operator fatalities were associated with 

speeding as a driver related factor. 

Table 22: Motorcycle Operator Fatalities by Speeding Factor and Time of Day 

(1990-1999)

Speeding Factor

Time of Speeding Not Speeding Unknown

Day Number Percent Number Percent Number PercentTotal

Night 3,799 60 2,431 39 79 1 6,309

Day 1,891 55 1,481 43 66 2 3,438

Unknown 105 43 131 54 7 3 243

Total 5,795 58 4,043 40 152 2 9,990

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999
33

Chart 13: Motorcycle Operator Fatalities by Speeding Factor and Time of Day

(1990-1999)

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

Speeding Not Speeding

Speeding Factor

Fatalities

Night Day Unknown

 Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

4.25 Motorcycle Operator Fatalities When Vehicle Maneuver was Negotiate a Curve by 

Most Harmful Event

Chart 14 shows the number of motorcycle operator fatalities when the vehicle maneuver 

was negotiating a curve by the most harmful event for the vehicle aggregated over ten 

years. A review of the data shows that almost three-fourths (3,575/4,916 – 73 percent) of 

the operator fatalities while negotiating a curve were associated where the most harmful 

event was a collision with a fixed object. These high percentage of fatalities related to 

collision with a fixed object may be due to the tendency to go off the road when riding a 

motorcycle and negotiating a curve either due to speeding or other factors in the crash.
34

Chart 14: Motorcycle Operator Fatalities When Vehicle Maneuver was Negotiate a Curve 

by Most Harmful Event (1990-1999)

Vehicle Maneuver - Negotiate a Curve

1,191

143

3,575

7

Non Collision Collision w/Object Not Fixed

Collision w/Fixed Object Unknown

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

4.26 Motorcycle Operator Fatalities When Vehicle Maneuver was Negotiate a Curve by 

Speeding Factor

Chart 15 shows the number of motorcycle operator fatalities when the vehicle maneuver 

was negotiating a curve by the speeding factor aggregated over ten years. A review of 

the data shows that in almost two-thirds (3,223/4,916 – 66 percent) of the operator 

fatalities while negotiating a curve, speeding was recorded as a driver-contributing factor 

in the crash. There were twice as many operator fatalities while speeding compared to 

when not speeding. These high percentage fatalities related to speeding may be due to 

the tendency to go off the road and collide with a fixed object when riding a motorcycle 

and negotiating a curve.
35

Chart 15: Motorcycle Operator Fatalities When Vehicle Maneuver was Negotiate a Curve 

by Speeding Factor (1990-1999)

Vehicle Maneuver - Negotiate a Curve

3,223

1,663

30

Speeding Not Speeding Unknown

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999

4.27 Motorcycle Operator Fatalities When Most Harmful Event was Collision with a 

Fixed Object by Speeding Factor

Chart 16 shows the number of motorcycle operator fatalities when the most harmful 

event was collision with a fixed object by the speeding factor aggregated over ten years. 

A review of the data shows that almost two-thirds (4,055/6,594 – 61 percent) of the 

operator fatalities while speeding were associated to collision with a fixed object in the 

crash. There were 1.6 times as many operator fatalities while speeding compared to 

when not speeding. These high percentage fatalities related to speeding may be due to 

the tendency to go off the road and collide with a fixed object when riding a motorcycle.
36

Chart 16: Motorcycle Operator Fatalities When Most Harmful Event was Collision with a 

Fixed Object by Speeding Factor (1990-1999)

Most Harmful Event - Collision with a Fixed Object

4,055

2,473

66

Speeding Not Speeding Unknown

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NHTSA, FARS 1990-1999
37

5. CONCLUSIONS

The analysis described in this report could aid in the design of countermeasure programs 

to reduce single vehicle motorcycle crashes. Most of the fatalities in single vehicle 

crashes were associated with collision with a fixed object, speeding, off roadway, 

undivided roads, rural roads, nighttime riding, and high alcohol use among operators. 

Safety messages based upon these data should be included as part of any motorcycle 

safety initiative or public information effort by NHTSA and its partners.

This report does not analyze all variables within the FARS database and other data 

sources. Also, this analysis does not examine injury data from the General Estimates 

System (GES), which reports injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes. Further 

analyses need to be undertaken by examining other variables within FARS and GES that 

may provide additional information describing other factors associated with single

vehicle motorcycle crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

(NHTSA) plans to conduct these analyses and report the findings.

5.1 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Person Type and Sex

In view of the fact that 90 percent of all fatally injured motorcyclists are operators rather 

than passengers, it is imperative that safety programs, education, training and

enforcement be addressed towards motorcycle operators. Also, since more than 90 

percent of the fatally injured motorcyclists are males, safety messages should be directed 

mostly towards a male audience.

5.2 Motorcyclist Age

Results from 1990-1999 FARS data show that there is an increase in the number of 

motorcyclist fatalities in the 40 and over age group. Review of US Census Bureau data 

from 1990-1999 (Recent Trends in Fatal Motorcycle Crashes – DOT HS 809 271) 

indicates an increase in the 40 and over age population. If these patterns continue, there 

is the likelihood that there will continue to be an increase in the number of 40 and over 

age motorcyclists involved in single vehicle fatal crashes.

5.3 Motorcycle Operator Fatalities by Operator BAC

Although the percentage of alcohol impaired fatally injured operators has decreased from 

69 percent in 1990 to 53 percent in 1999, alcohol use is still a major factor in single 

vehicle crashes. This is especially true at night. In fact, three-fourths of all operator 

fatalities involving some or any alcohol occur at night. The number of fatally injured 

operators with some alcohol involvement (BAC ≥ 0.01) at night is over three times the 

fatally injured operators with some alcohol during the day. This poses a great risk for all 

motorcycle operators, particularly when riding a motorcycle at night. The high rate of 

fatally injured intoxicated operators with a BAC ≥ 0.10 also adds to the overall problem 

of alcohol use among operators in single vehicle motorcycle crashes. Over 40 percent 

of all fatally injured operators in 1999 were intoxicated. These data should be utilized in 
38

developing any motorcycle safety initiative or public information effort by NHTSA and 

its partners.

5.4 Motorcyclist Helmet Use

Helmet use among occupants killed has increased from 39 percent in 1990 to 49 percent 

1999. Still almost half of the motorcyclists killed were not wearing a helmet. Increasing 

the number of states with helmet laws covering all riders, more education, and stronger 

enforcement of existing helmet use laws are required to reduce the risks of fatal injury.

Only 20 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico require helmet use for all riders. 

Twenty-seven states require use for a specific segment of riders and 3 states do not 

require any helmet use while riding a motorcycle (reference 4). Detailed information 

relating to the helmet use requirements is provided in Appendix B.

5.5 Motorcycle Operator License Status by License Compliance

Almost one third (31 percent) of the motorcycle operators killed in 1999 did not have a 

proper license compared to 46 percent in 1990. While these numbers suggest an increase 

in proper licensing among motorcyclists, they also suggest increased awareness and 

enforcement of motorcycle licensing.

5.6 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Speeding Factor

With more than half of all motorcyclist fatalities associated with speeding as a

contributing factor, safety messages relating to the risk of riding motorcycles and

speeding has to be communicated along with necessary education programs. This is 

particularly important at night with almost two-thirds of all operator fatalities attributed 

to speeding as a driver related factor in the crash.

5.7 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Land Use (Urban/Rural)

The number of motorcyclist fatalities on rural roads has increased between 1990 and 

1999. There has been a significant increase in motorcyclist fatalities especially between 

1996 and 1999. In 1999, 57 percent of the motorcyclist fatalities were on rural roads. 

Hence, information, education, training and enforcement efforts need to be focused on 

riding motorcycles in rural areas.

5.8 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Roadway Type

Over 70 percent of all fatalities occur on undivided roadways and another 15 percent on 

roadways that have a median but no barrier. Public information and education efforts 

should focus attention on the risks involved in operating motorcycles on undivided 

roadways, as well as the risks associated with speeding and alcohol use on undivided 

roadways.
39

5.9 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Time of Day

Almost two-thirds (58 percent) of motorcyclist fatalities in 1999 occurred during

nighttime hours. Over three-fourths of the operator fatalities during the night were 

alcohol related. Safety information based upon these data should be included as part of 

any motorcycle safety initiative or public information effort by NHTSA and its partners.

5.10 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Vehicle Maneuver

With 50 percent of motorcyclist fatalities occurring while the vehicle was negotiating a 

curve, it is imperative that this information be conveyed to operator education, and 

training programs. This is especially important because most fatalities in single vehicle 

motorcycle crashes occur:

• On rural roadways;

• With high alcohol use among operators;

• With speeding;

• Off roadway;

• On undivided roadways; and

• During the night.

5.11 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Crash Avoidance Maneuver

Almost one-fifth (22 percent) of motorcyclist fatalities in 1999 were related to either 

braking (13 percent) or steering maneuvers (9 percent). The crash avoidance maneuver is 

one of the important elements in the crash. The steering and braking maneuver indicate 

as being a possible factor in the motorcycle crash.

5.12 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Most Harmful Event

A collision with a fixed object as the most harmful event in conjunction with other 

factors in the crash plays an important role for most of the fatalities in single vehicle 

crashes. This becomes more significant due to the fact that most fatalities in single 

vehicle crashes were associated with speeding, occurring off roadway, on undivided 

roadways, rural roads, during nighttime hours and with high alcohol use among

operators.

5.13 Motorcyclist Fatalities by Relation to Roadway

The majority (over 80 percent) of motorcyclist fatalities between 1990 and 1999 were off 

roadway. The relation to roadway factors along with the other factors mentioned above 

once again shows the risks and the deadly consequences associated with single vehicle 

motorcycle crashes.
40

6. APPENDIX A: Data Source

The following section gives information relating to the data source used in the analysis.

6.1 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.

The 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.

NHTSA has contracted with an agency in each state to provide information on fatal 

crashes. Data on fatal motor vehicle traffic crashes are gathered from the state’s own 

source documents and are coded on standard FARS forms. The analyst or analysts from 

the contract agency in each state obtain documents needed to complete the FARS forms, 

which generally include some or all of the following:

Police Accident Reports (PARS);

State vehicle registration files;

State driver-licensing files;

State Highway Department data;

Vital Statistics;

Death certificates;
41

Coroner/medical examiner reports;

Hospital medical records; and,

Emergency medical services reports.

The FARS file contains descriptions of each fatal crash reported. Each crash has more 

than 100 coded data elements that characterize the crash, the vehicles, and the people 

involved. The specific data elements may be modified slightly at times, in response to 

users’ needs and highway safety emphasis areas.

All data elements are reported on one of the following forms:

The Accident Form: This form records information about the time and location of the 

crash, the first harmful event in the crash, whether it is a hit-and-run crash, whether a 

school bus was involved, and the number of vehicles and people involved. Information 

on the weather conditions, roadway surface conditions, geometric profiles of the

highways, the geographic location of the crash including the route information as well as 

the presence of the traffic control devices is also recorded in this form. Roadway

information such as the functional classification, route, National Highway System (NHS) 

relation, land use, the number of lanes, and the flow of traffic at the site of the crash is 

recorded on this form.

The Vehicle and Driver Form: These forms include the data for each vehicle and driver 

involved in the fatal crash. The data include the vehicle type, the initial and principal 

points of impact, the most harmful event, and the driver’s license status.

The Person Form: This form contains data on each person involved in the fatal crash. 

The data include the age, gender, role (driver, passenger, non-motorist), the severity of 

the injuries sustained, and the restraint usage characteristics.

FARS data can be used to answer a myriad of questions on the safety of vehicles, drivers, 

pedestrians, traffic situations, roadways and environmental conditions. But the data 

cannot by themselves be used to calculate the rates to find trends over a period of time 

based on exposure data. For example, FARS data can be used in evaluating the following:

Speed limit as a factor in fatal crashes;

Fatalities by zip code, region, county, or state;

Fatal crashes by land use categories (urban or rural);

Fatalities by type of roadway;

Pedestrian fatalities by zip code, region, county or state;

Fatalities by vehicle type (passenger car or motorcycle);

Fatalities by age group; and,

Fatalities in various weather or road surface conditions.

NCSA has developed a variety of reports and fact sheets using the information from 

FARS. Some are produced annually. Examples of the fact sheets and reports include:
42

Traffic Safety Facts: An annual compilation of data on motor vehicle crashes;

Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes as a leading cause of death in the US, 1997: A report 

examining the status of fatalities in motor vehicle crashes compared to the other causes of 

death;

Traffic Safety Facts – Motorcycles: An annual compilation of motorcycle crash data; 

and,

Traffic Safety Facts – Alcohol: An annual compilation of data on the effects and 

involvement of alcohol in motor vehicle crashes.

Additional information on traffic safety facts, FARS and other publications can be 

obtained from the NHTSA’s website at:

www.nhtsa.dot.gov
43

7. APPENDIX B: Status of State Motorcycle Helmet Use Requirements

Twenty states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico require helmet use for all riders. 

Twenty-seven states require use of helmet for a specific segment of riders, usually under 

18. Helmet use is not required in three states. The table below with the notes gives the 

details of the state helmet use requirements.

Helmet Use Required 

for all Riders

Helmet Use for A Specific Segment of 

Riders (Usually Under 18)

Helmet Use Not 

Required

Alabama Alaska Colorado

California Arizona Illinois

District of Columbia Arkansas Iowa

Georgia Connecticut

Maryland Delaware (1)

Massachusetts Florida (2)

Michigan Hawaii

Mississippi Idaho

Missouri Indiana

Nebraska Kansas

Nevada Kentucky (3)

New Jersey Louisiana (4)

New York Maine (5)

North Carolina Minnesota

Oregon Montana

Pennsylvania New Hampshire

Puerto Rico New Mexico

Tennessee North Dakota

Vermont Ohio (6)

Virginia Oklahoma

Washington Rhode Island (7)

West Virginia South Carolina

South Dakota

Texas (8)

Utah

Wisconsin

Wyoming
44

1. Riders under 19 must wear helmets and helmets must be in the possession of other 

riders, even though use is not required.

2. Required for riders under age 21 and for those without $10,000 of medical

insurance that will cover injuries resulting from a motorcycle crash.

3. Required for riders under age 21, riders operating a motorcycle with an

instruction permit, riders with less than one-year experience, and/or riders who do 

not provide proof of health insurance to county clerk. (Insurance provision

repealed effective July 15, 2000.)

4. Required for riders under age 18 and those who do not have a health insurance 

policy with medical benefits of at least $10,000. Proof of policy must be shown 

to law enforcement officer upon request.

5. Required only under 15 years of age, novices, and holders of learner’s permits.

6. Riders under 18 and first year novices are also required to wear helmets.

7. Riders under 21 and first operators must wear helmets.

8. Riders 20 and under and those who have not completed a rider training course or 

who do not have $10,000 medical insurance coverage.
45

8. REFERENCES

1. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 

“Traffic Safety Facts 1999: Motorcycle”.

2. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 

“A Method of Estimating Posterior BAC Distributions for Persons Involved in 

Fatal Traffic Accidents (DOT HS 807 094)”.

3. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 

“Recent Trends in Fatal Motorcycle Crashes (DOT HS 809 271)”.

4. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 

“State Legislative Fact Sheet, Motorcycle Helmet Use Laws, January 2001”.
DOT HS 809 360

October 2001