California motorcycle accident statistics you need to be aware of

Are motorcycles dangerous to drive? In California, the answer to that is yes. Let’s look at some of the data to see why.

According to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 4,762 motorcycle accidents in California in 2019. How many motorcycle accidents resulted in fatalities and injuries? These accidents resulted in 474 fatalities and 4,288 injuries. Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of being involved in a motor vehicle crash compared to passenger vehicle occupants.

More recent California data shows 583 motorcyclist fatalities in 2023, down 10.2% from 649 in 2022. Even with that decline, California still ranked second nationally for motorcyclist fatalities and accounted for more than 10% of all motorcyclist deaths in the United States. California also reported nearly 13,000 motorcycle injuries in its most recent full reporting cycle, showing that serious crashes remain a major statewide problem.

In terms of demographics, the majority of motorcycle accident fatalities (57%) were male, and the largest age group represented was those between the ages of 50 and 54 (14%). Most motorcycle accidents occurred on weekdays (70%), and the majority (53%) occurred between the hours of 3pm and 9pm. Motorcyclists face a higher likelihood of death and injury compared to occupants of passenger cars in traffic crashes.

More recent California fatality data shows the average age of riders killed was 41 in 2023. It also shows how concentrated the risk remains among men: male riders accounted for 95% of fatalities and 89% of serious injuries.

The leading cause of motorcycle accidents was unsafe speed, which was a factor in 31% of accidents. Alcohol was a factor in 27% of accidents, and inattention on the part of the motorcyclist was a factor in 23% of accidents.

While many reported crashes occurred on weekdays overall, the most severe crashes are heavily concentrated around the weekend. Nearly 46% of motorcycle fatalities occur on weekends, and the deadliest window runs from Friday evening through Monday morning.

In terms of location, most motorcycle accidents occurred on urban roads (66%), and the majority (73%) occurred at intersections. Single-vehicle motorcycle accidents were more common than multi-vehicle accidents (55% versus 45%).

Recent reporting also shows about 70% of motorcycle collisions happen at urban intersections, often because drivers fail to see a motorcyclist when making a left turn.

It’s important to note that these statistics only include accidents that were reported to the CHP. There may be additional motorcycle accidents that were not included in these figures.

But do you know the most common causes of motorcycle accidents?

What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in CA?

If you’re first guess is speed, you’re right! Fatal motorcycle accidents are a significant concern, with speeding being a major contributing factor. Here is a list we compiled of the most common causes of these crashes.

Recent California fatal crash data shows speeding was involved in 36% of fatal motorcycle crashes in 2023, up from 33% the year before. Alcohol impairment also remained a major factor: 26% of riders killed had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher, and that share rose to 41% in single-vehicle fatal crashes.

1. Unsafe speed: Exceeding the speed limit or going too fast for road conditions is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents.

2. Alcohol impairment: Operating a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair a rider’s judgment and reaction time, leading to accidents.

3. Inattention: Distractions such as texting or looking at a map can take a rider’s attention away from the road, increasing the risk of an accident.

4. Lack of experience: Riders who are new to motorcycle operation may not have the skills or experience to safely navigate the road.

5. Lane splitting: Riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving vehicles, a practice known as lane splitting, can be dangerous and increase the risk of an accident.

6. Road hazards: Potholes, debris, and other hazards in the road can cause a motorcycle to lose control and crash, leading to a serious motorcycle crash.

   Uneven pavement, gravel, and slick surfaces create a much greater loss-of-control risk for motorcycles than they do for passenger vehicles.

7. Poor weather conditions: Rain, snow, and other poor weather conditions can make it more difficult to operate a motorcycle safely.

8. Vehicle defects: Defective motorcycle parts can cause accidents if they fail while the motorcycle is in operation.

9. Following too closely: Riding too closely behind other vehicles can increase the risk of an accident if the lead vehicle brakes suddenly.

10. Left-turn accidents: Motorcycles are often involved in accidents when a car turning left fails to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic.

    In two-vehicle fatal motorcycle crashes, 46% involved another vehicle turning left while the motorcycle was going straight or passing.

What makes motorcycle crashes more dangerous than other motor vehicle accidents?

Motorcycles are more dangerous in crashes than other vehicles because they don’t have the same protective features, like airbags and metal frames. When a motorcycle crashes, the rider is more likely to be thrown off and hit the ground or other objects. Wearing a motorcycle helmet can significantly reduce the risk of fatal injuries. This can cause serious injuries. Motorcycles also have a higher risk of head injuries, which can be very serious and cause long-term problems. In addition, motorcycle riders are more likely to have multiple injuries that require a lot of medical treatment. Lastly, motorcycle accidents often result in fatal crashes more often than other types of vehicle accidents. In 2019, motorcycles made up only 3% of registered vehicles in the US but were involved in 14% of all traffic deaths, a much higher rate compared to passenger vehicle occupants.

California’s recent helmet data adds important context. In 2023, 94% of fatally injured riders in the state were wearing helmets, and unhelmeted deaths fell from 43 in 2022 to 33 in 2023. Helmets still matter, but they cannot eliminate the danger of high-speed crashes, direct impacts, and severe multi-vehicle collisions.

How many are fatal accidents?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,985 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2019, contributing significantly to motorcyclist fatalities.

In California alone, 583 motorcyclists were killed in 2023. Federal estimates also put nationwide motorcycle injuries at 82,564 in 2023, underscoring how often these crashes cause life-changing harm even when they are not fatal.

Motorcycle accidents are often more serious and fatal compared to car accidents due to the lack of protection that a motorcycle provides to its rider. The likelihood of accidents and fatalities for motorcyclists increases with the distance traveled, highlighting the importance of safety measures.

In 2019, motorcyclists were 27 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled, and nearly five times more likely to be injured. It is important for motorcyclists to always wear a helmet and other protective gear, and to drive defensively to reduce the risk of being involved in a fatal accident.

More recent federal estimates continue to put that fatality risk at nearly 28 times higher per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

To NTHSA facts you might find interesting

1. In 2019, 4,985 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes in the United States. National motorcycle accident statistics show that understanding these trends is crucial for improving road safety.

2. Motorcycle fatalities represented 14% of all traffic fatalities in 2019.

3. In 2019, motorcyclists were 27 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled.

4. Nearly 5 times more motorcyclists were injured in traffic crashes in 2019 compared to passenger car occupants.

5. In 2019, 37% of motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

6. In 2019, 48% of motorcycle fatalities occurred in single-vehicle crashes.

7. In 2019, 49% of motorcycle fatalities occurred on rural roads.

8. In 2019, 51% of motorcycle fatalities occurred in urban areas.

9. In 2019, 59% of motorcycle fatalities occurred on weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).

10. In 2019, 75% of motorcycle fatalities occurred between the hours of 3 p.m. and midnight.

Regional hotspots for motorcycle crashes in California

Recent fatality and severe injury reporting shows the highest concentrations in Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, Sacramento, and Alameda Counties. These counties have heavy traffic, dense urban corridors, and more intersections, which can increase the number of left-turn conflicts and other situations that are especially dangerous for motorcyclists.