People enjoy motorcycles for the sense of freedom, adventure, and exhilaration they provide, offering a heightened connection to the environment through open-air sensory experiences and the adrenaline rush from speed and control. The culture fosters camaraderie and community among riders, while the bike itself can embody a sense of individuality, independence, and empowerment for the rider. Practical benefits like easy parking and navigating traffic also contribute to their appeal.
Riding motorcycles does have its pros, but it also has cons, like risks of experiencing catastrophic accidents. This study investigated the downside, specifically the most dangerous times of the year to ride motorcycles. For this, the study analyzed two key road and accident factors: the number of motorcyclist fatalities each month and the average inches of rainfall, with fatalities adjusted per 100 billion miles traveled. These were combined to create a monthly risk score, with months ranked in descending order. Additional context was provided by looking at related factors such as speeding-related deaths and alcohol or drug involvement.
Quick Highlights:
- July is the deadliest month for motorcycles, with 440 lives lost in crashes in just five years.
- Summer is the most dangerous season for motorcycles, with the three deadliest months all being summer and averaging 247 fatal accidents on the road.
- May is the wettest month, bringing 3.3 inches of rain and creating slick roads that raise the risk of an accident.
- Motorcycles account for only 0.6% of vehicle miles traveled, yet riders make up 15.5% of all traffic fatalities.
Summary of the Findings:
Month by Month
July is the deadliest month for motorcycles, earning a near-perfect risk score of 99. Riders face the highest rate of fatal accidents, with 256 losing their lives per 100B miles traveled. Summer crowds and celebrations bring more alcohol into the mix, contributing to 88 fatal crashes linked to riding under the influence. July also sees heavy rain, with 2.9 inches falling, making already busy roads even more hazardous.
August ranks second, scoring 98. Riders face a similar level of danger as in July, with a rate of 246 lives lost in just one month. Speeding is an even bigger factor this month, taking 94 motorcyclists, while alcohol- and drug-related crashes contribute to 29 deaths. Rain falls at 2.84 inches, keeping roads slick and busy.
June comes in third place for the deadliest months for motorcycles, with a risk score of 97. Summer roads are crowded, and fast riding plays a large role in accidents, with 668 lives lost. Alcohol and drug use are also key factors, accounting for 29 fatalities, while rainfall adds 2.86 inches, creating slippery conditions on top of already heavy traffic.
September is fourth, with a risk score of 93. 244 riders died in crashes, tying with June. Speeding leads to the death of 91 motorcyclists, and 28 more lives are lost due to substance use. 2.25 inches of rain are also keeping roads unpredictable.
May rounds out the top five most dangerous months for motorcycles, scoring 92. Spring showers create dangerous situations with 3.27 inches of rain, the most rain all year. Substance misuse leads to 69 deaths, and an additional 237 riders die due to speeding, keeping the month among the deadliest.
April comes in sixth, earning a score of 66. Riders face a rate of 190 fatalities, and alcohol plays a heavy role in 24 of these deaths. 2.56 inches of rain mixes with growing spring traffic, and high rates of speeding make highways unexpectedly dangerous.
October ranks as the seventh most dangerous month for motorcycles, with a risk score of 62. This month sees 508 riders die in crashes, higher than in April. Speeding plays a major role, contributing to 68 of these deaths. Rain at 2.48 inches adds to the hazards, contributing to the 183 rider deaths.
March takes eighth place, scoring 37. Spring rain begins to return, with 2.55 inches falling, creating slick streets. A total of 350 riders die during this month, and 53 are caused by speeding. Substance abuse also plays a big role, as 47 people lose their lives due to motorcyclists under the influence.
November ranks ninth, with a score of 26. Cooler temperatures and shorter days don’t stop motorcyclists, and 125 lose their lives in crashes for every 100B miles driven. Alcohol and drug use play a factor in 44 deaths, while 14 motorists are lost to going fast on wet roads from 1.8 inches of rain.
February rounds out the top ten deadliest months for motorcycles, earning a score of 14. Winter conditions bring challenges for bikers, and 219 deaths occur during February. Speeding and driving under the influence lead to the death of 111 motorcyclists, while slick roads from 2.3 inches of precipitation add to the danger.
December is eleventh, with a score of 9. Riding is slower in colder months, but 218 people still die in motorcycle crashes. Alcohol contributes to 22 of these deaths, and more riders are affected by slick or wet roads from 2.48 inches of rain.
January rounds out the year, finishing off the list with a risk score of 1. 172 riders lose their lives, with 22 crashes linked to alcohol or drugs, identical to December.
A spokesperson from Nicolet Law commented, “Motorcycling is a constant negotiation with risk; crowded roads, high speeds, and unpredictable weather combine to make every ride potentially deadly. Summer might bring more riders and celebrations, but it also brings more hazards, from slick streets to impaired drivers. Understanding these dangers isn’t just about statistics; it’s about the daily reality that motorcyclists confront every time they hit the road.”
Good Times with Bad Risks
Unlike being in a car, motorcycles allow riders to feel the wind and fully experience their surroundings, fostering a feeling of liberation and being one with the open road. The heightened senses and increased awareness of the environment while riding create a vivid, vibrant experience that can be described as connecting to the world more directly. Riders have a sense of control, making the rules and experiencing total personal freedom.
But it is not all good times; motorcycles can be dangerous due to riders’ exposure to road hazards and other vehicles, leading to severe injuries or death. The lack of protective features found in cars, such as airbags and seatbelts, combined with motorcycles smaller size, less stability, and lower visibility, contribute to high fatality and injury rates in crashes. Common dangers include collisions with other vehicles (especially during left turns), road hazards like potholes and debris, as well as the loss of control from manufacturer defects or poor maintenance.
Moreover, inexperience, poor motorcycle operating skills, driver error, or overconfidence can lead to mistakes and loss of control. Careless or distracted drivers, speeding, or driving under the influence of alcohol are all factors that increase the risk of motorcycle accidents.
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries, including fractures, road rash, burns, and nerve damage. Riders are at high risk for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage, and paralysis due to the lack of protection. In severe cases, accidents can lead to limb loss or internal organ damage. The combination of these factors means that motorcyclists are significantly more likely to die in a crash compared to occupants of cars and light trucks.
In 2023, motorcycle fatalities reached a high not seen since at least 1975, accounting for 15% of all traffic fatalities despite motorcycles being a smaller percentage of registered vehicles. Key risks for the increase include collisions with other vehicles, speeding, and riding under the influence, while protective measures like DOT-compliant helmets, proper protective gear, responsible riding, and increased driver/rider awareness can significantly improve safety outcomes.
This article was created at the WHN News Desk using some of the information provided by Gracey Martinex on behalf of personal injury law firm Nicolet Law, dedicated to their clients and community; going the extra mile with exceptional legal advice, open communication, and responsiveness when you need it most.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN neither agrees nor disagrees with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
