Motorcycle accidents continue to rise in Texas, and understanding the numbers behind these crashes is essential for every rider. From the common causes of motorcycle accidents, like distracted driving, failure to yield, and low visibility at intersections, to the severe injuries riders often suffer the data paints a clear picture of the risks on our roads.
1. There were 599 Fatalities and More than 2,400 Serious Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents in 2023
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were 599 fatalities and more than 2,400 serious injuries from motorcycle accidents in 2023. That is a 7% increase in deaths compared to 2022. Fatal crashes involving motorcycles at intersections rose by 21%.
2. Fewer Cars on the Road Does Not Mean Fewer Motorcycle Accident Deaths
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there have been fewer vehicles on the road over the last few years, but motorcycle deaths have only increased. The statistics in 2023 show a slight decline in overall traffic fatalities, but for motorcyclists, the risks remain high, with motorcycle accident fatalities rising to 1.26 per 100 million miles traveled.
3. Texas has the Third Highest Number of Motorcycle Accidents
According to 2022 data from the National Safety Council (NSC), Texas has the third highest number of motorcycle accidents, behind Florida and California.
4. 62% of Motorcycle Fatalities Happened in Multi-car Collisions
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) research, 62% of motorcycle fatalities happened in multiple-vehicle collisions, and only 38% of the deaths occurred in single-vehicle crashes.
5. 76% of Motorcycle Accidents in Multi-car Collisions were Front Impact Accidents
The most recent data from the NHTSA reports that motorcycles are hit from the front most of the time. In 76% of motorcycle accidents involving two or more vehicles, the motorcycle was impacted from the front. A rear impact was seen in only 7% of the crashes. This indicates that in most of these accidents, low visibility of the motorcycle played a part in the crash.
6. Helmets Reduces the Risk of Head Injury by 69%
The best way for a motorcyclist to protect themselves is to wear a helmet. Recent data compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reinforce the importance of wearing helmets. Their findings show wearing helmets reduces the risk of head injury by 69% and prevents fatal motorcycle accidents 37% of the time for riders and 41% of the time for passengers.
7. 25% of Motorcycle Accident Fatalities involve Alcohol
In 2020, the NHTSA analyzed the relationship between alcohol and motorcycle fatalities and found alcohol to play a significant role in motorcycle accidents. More than 25% of motorcycle accident fatalities were alcohol-involved crashes. There is also a consistent pattern in single-vehicle accidents where alcohol contributed to more than 40% of motorcycle deaths.
These statistics highlight just how vulnerable motorcyclists are on Texas roads. Beyond the fatal crashes, thousands of riders suffer painful and long-lasting injuries each year—including severe road rash, which can lead to infection, scarring, and a lengthy recovery. If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, our firm is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.