A new fatal motorcycle accident study published by The O’Sullivan Law firm examines 20 years of U.S. fatal crash data from the NHTSA. According to their findings, over 84,038 fatal motorcycle accidents occurred between 2000-2019, killing about 87,000 people. Motorcycles only make up 3 percent of registered vehicles and 0.6 percent of miles traveled but are in 12 percent of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. 

The firm also created an interactive map of every fatal motorcycle crash from the year 2000-to 2019. The points on the map represent the 84,038 fatal motorcycle accidents that occurs within the time period examined in the study. 

Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities For Motorcyclists (50,000+ Population)

The study named the most dangerous cities in the U.S. for motorcyclists with a population of at least 50,000 people. Daytona Beach, Florida has been named the worst city for motorcycle accidents, with a rate of crashes almost twice as high as the next city and making up 42 percent of all fatal accidents in the city. Here are the top 10 most dangerous cities for motorcyclists. 

  1. Daytona Beach, Florida: 156.1 crashes per 100k residents
  2. Pinellas Park, Florida: 83.9 crashes per 100k residents
  3. Davie, Florida: 73.4 crashes per 100k residents
  4. Texas City, Texas: 71.9 crashes per 100k residents
  5. Galveston, Texas: 71.4 crashes per 100k residents
  6. Ocala, Florida: 60.9 crashes per 100k residents
  7. North Charleston, South Carolina: 58.9 crashes per 100k residents
  8. Lakeland, Florida: 58 crashes per 100k residents
  9. Fort Lauderdale, Florida: 57.6 crashes per 100k residents
  10. Melbourne, Florida: 55.4 crashes per 100k residents

Top 10 Most Dangerous Big Cities For Motorcyclists (300,000+ Population)

The firm also named the most dangerous cities in the U.S. for motorcyclists with a population of at least 300,000. Here are the top 10 most dangerous big cities for motorcyclists. 

  1. Tampa, Florida: 46.78 crashes per 100k residents
  2. New Orleans, Florida: 41.26 crashes per 100k residents
  3. Jacksonville, Florida: 39.16 crashes per 100k residents
  4. Tulsa, Oklahoma: 36.14 crashes per 100k residents
  5. Miami, Florida: 35.25 crashes per 100k residents
  6. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: 34.95 crashes per 100k residents
  7. Detroit, Michigan: 33.58 crashes per 100k residents
  8. Memphis, Tennessee: 32.40 crashes per 100k residents
  9. Cleveland, Ohio: 31.49 crashes per 100k residents
  10. Phoenix, Arizona: 30.51 crashes per 100k residents

Why Do Most Motorcycle Crashes Happen in Florida?

Although there isn’t a finite reason why Florida takes seven out of the ten most dangerous cities for motorcyclists, there are several factors that may contribute to its rankings. As of 2019, Florida has the second largest number of registered motorcycles in the U.S., right behind California. Surprisingly, most motorcycle accidents take place during good weather conditions. With more riders on the road with a year-round warm climate, more motorcycle accidents occur in the state, leading to higher fatality rates. 

Florida is also home to the largest motorcycle event in the nation, Daytona Beach Bike Week. Daytona Beach Bike Week is a 10-day motorcycle event that brings about half a million people to the city annually. Motorcyclists are urged to drive safely to the event and avoid drinking and driving. According to the study, 24 percent of motorcyclists in fatal accidents had a blood alcohol content level above the legal limit.

Who Is Most At Risk?

Riding a motorcycle can be a fun and exhilarating activity, but also can be very dangerous. Motorcycle riders most at risk are those who are male, Caucasian, and middle-aged. According to the study, 96% of motorcycle riders in fatal accidents were male and 87% of riders killed in a motorcycle accident were Caucasian. As stated by the CDC other common factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include drinking and driving, disobeying traffic laws, and speeding. Motorcyclists are also at an increased risk of injury due to a lack of seatbelts and airbags. Make sure to share the road and stay alert at all times when riding your motorcycle.