Although motorcycles make up only 3% of all registered vehicles and 0.7% of all vehicle miles traveled in the United States, motorcyclists accounted for 14.6% of all traffic fatalities and 3.5% of all injuries in 2022. A factor that directly influences motorcycle fatality trends is helmet use.
Fatalities among motorcycle riders and passengers increased 1% from 2021 to 2022, while the rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled decreased by 16%. The fatality rate decrease in 2022 is a result of a 21% increase in miles driven (see additional details below). Over the last 10 years, deaths have increased 32%, while death rates have increased 13%. The number of motorcycle fatalities now stands at 6,218 and the rate is 26.16 per 100 million vehicle miles.
The National Safety Council, Nebraska has partnered with the Sarpy County Safety Program to offer Motorcycle Rider Education. Motorcycle safety training courses through the Sarpy County Safety Program utilizes the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's curriculum based on years of scientific and field experience.
When motorcycles and other vehicles collide, according to NHTSA it is usually the other driver who has violated the motorcyclist's right of way. Drivers need to focus on the road and motorcyclists need to be educated on how to react if that should happen.
Why do drivers often violate motorcyclists' right of way?
- Motorcycles are relatively small and drivers don't see them
- Drivers don't anticipate motorcycles' movements
- The driver's view of the motorcyclist is obstructed, often by the vehicle's blind spots or other vehicles
- Distracted driving
Motorcycle safety training courses provide instruction to riders and prospective riders to learn the proper way to operate a motorcycle or three-wheeled motorcycle. For more information on available courses, visit the Sarpy County Motorcycle Safety Training website or call 402.593.1564.
