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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has found that there are approximately 8.8 million motorcyclists on the road in the United States, according to active registrations from each state. This number marks a sharp increase since 2002, which had only 4.3 million motorcyclists.
This growing number is a concern for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as they’ve found that 15% of all traffic fatalities were motorcyclists. To put it in perspective, there are 1.13 passenger car fatalities for every 100 million vehicle miles traveled, compared to the rate for motorcyclists, which is 31.39 fatalities per 100 million miles traveled.
Using data from the IIHS and the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, CheapInsurance.com breaks down the difference in fatality rates in California and across the country, the factors that affect these rates, and how deaths can be prevented.
The growing concern of motorcycle fatalities
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported there were 6,335 motorcyclists killed in 2023, an increase from 6,251 in 2022 and a significant jump from fewer than 3,000 in 2000, according to data released in July 2025. The trend is clear. Motorcycle fatalities are on the rise, and legislators, governmental bodies, and the general public are becoming increasingly concerned.
Individuals and organizations are looking for ways to curb this crisis. To do so, one must examine where these fatalities are the most common and what cultural and legal factors are contributing to them.
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Motorcycle fatalities by state
The rate of motorcycle fatalities varies widely from state to state. There can be many reasons for these discrepancies; however, helmet use is one of the biggest contributing factors, according to the National Safety Council.
The graph displays the rates of motorcycle fatalities by state. This data is normalized for motorcycle ownership in each state.
In 2023 there were 6.2 motorcycle fatalities per 10,000 registered motorcyclists in California, ranking as the #24 highest rate among all states.
Top 5 most dangerous states based on motorcycle fatalities per 10,000 registered motorcyclists
- Texas – 15.2
- Missouri – 13.9
- Arkansas – 12.3
- Louisiana – 12.1
- Arizona – 11.2
Top 5 safest states based on motorcycle fatalities per 10,000 registered motorcyclists
- Maine – 2.5
- Wisconsin – 3.2
- Minnesota – 3.3
- Alaska – 3.6<