An official website of the United States government.
Here's how you know
The .gov means it's official.
Federal government websites always use a .gov or .mil domain. Before sharing sensitive information online, make sure you’re on a .gov or .mil site by inspecting your browser's address (or "location") bar.
This site is also protected by an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate that's been signed by the U.S. government. The https:// means all transmitted data is encrypted — in other words, any information or browsing history that you provide is transmitted securely.
It is not news that riding a motorcycle involves more risk than traveling in a passenger vehicle and that no single countermeasure can eliminate every crash, injury, or fatality. However, that elevated risk can be reduced with the implementation of multiple effective countermeasures and by recognizing that humans make mistakes—two fundamental pillars of a line […]
Use of DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets was 73.8 percent in 2023, not statistically different at the 0.05 level from 66.5 percent in 2022. The 2023 estimate is the highest ever recorded. The 2023 data collection occurred during the usual timeframe of early June, immediately following the Click It or Ticket campaign. There were 945 motorcyclists observed […]
Use of DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets was 73.8 percent1 in 2023, not statistically different at the 0.05 level from 66.5 percent in 2022. The 2023 estimate is the highest ever recorded. This result is from the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS), the only survey that provides nationwide, probability-based, observed data on motorcycle helmet use in […]
In 2022 there were 6,218 motorcyclists killed, 15 percent of all traffic fatalities. The number of motorcyclist fatalities in 2022 increased by 1 percent from 2021, from 6,143 to 6,218. Read the full fact guide here.
May 2023 is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Motorcyclists have the same rights and privileges as any other motor vehicle operator on our roads. Our four major campaigns include: Motorist Awareness of Motorcycles, focusing on helping motorists understand standard motorcycle driving behaviors and to learn how to drive safely around motorcycles on our roadways. Ride Sober or Get Pulled […]
Use of DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets was 64.9 percent in 2021, not statistically different at the 0.05 level from 69.0 percent in 2020. This result is from the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS), the only survey that provides nationwide, probability-based, observed data on motorcycle helmet use in the United States. NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics […]
If you ride a motorcycle, you already know how much fun riding can be. Make it a point to not only have fun, but to never ride while impaired. Motorcycle riders are overrepresented in deadly drunk driving crashes. In 2019, motorcyclists once again had the highest percentage of drunk operators compared to operators of other vehicles, […]
The third Monday in June is Ride to Work Day, a day that celebrates the excitement of motorcycle riding. The bike can be a part of your commute, a fun solo activity, or a chance to join together with others. Whatever the case, ensuring that safety comes first is imperative. Read the fact sheet here […]
Motorcycle personal protective equipment (PPE), an important traffic safety countermeasure, can include a safety-certified helmet, impact- and skid-resistant jackets and pants, motorcycle gloves, and sturdy, over-ankle boots. NHTSA, State highway safety offices (SHSO), and motorcycle safety groups conduct programs to encourage motorcyclists to use protective gear, especially helmets, but the impact of these programs is […]
This pdf document outlines previous and potential traffic safety measures on the Federal level in the following areas. Encouraging Safer Driving Behavior Vehicle Safety Improvements Roadway Safety Improvements Commercial Transportation Safety Options for Congress State of Traffic Safety in America Driving is one of the riskiest activities the average American engages in. Deaths and serious […]
