2018 Motorcycle Riding Season
Preliminary Statistics
There have been 2 motorcyclists killed in 2 crashes so far in 2018. The preliminary motorcycle fatality total for 2017 was 52.
2018 Rider Deaths Statistics
- Helmet use
- 2 riders were not wearing a helmet.
- Single-vehicle crashes vs. Multi-vehicle crashes
- 0 of the crashes involved only the motorcycle
- 2of the crashes involved a motorcycle and another vehicle
- Motorcycle vs. deer
- N/A
- Passengers killed
- N/A
- Motorcycle License Endorsement
- 2of the operators had a valid motorcycle license endorsement or permit.
- 0 of the operators did not have a valid motorcycle license endorsement or permit.
- Negotiating a curve
- N/A
- Rider deaths by age:
- Under 20: 0
- 20’s: 0
- 30’s: 1
- 40’s: 1
- 50’s: 0
- 60’s: 0
- 70’s: 0
- 80’s: 0
- Rural vs. urban area
- 1 of the crashes happened in a rural area.
- 1of the crashes happened in an urban area.
Other statistics:
- The summer months (June, July, August) tend to be the time when there are the greater number of motorcycle fatalities.
- The record for the most motorcycle fatalities was set in 1980, when 121 motorcyclists were killed in 112 crashes.
- Motorcycle statistics from past years can be found in Crash Facts. The publications are posted online: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/reports-statistics/Pages/crash-facts.aspx
Safety messages:
- Public safety officials urge motorcyclists to wear protective gear, which includes a DOT-approved helmet and brightly-colored protective gear for visibility and protection.
- Riders should be prepared for inattentive drivers by staying focused on riding and keeping their speed in check.
- Riders should never drink and ride.
- Riders should always ride within their skillset, use good judgment and maintain a 2-second following distance.
- Riders should take a training course every couple years to dust off and improve their riding skills.
- There are courses available for advanced riders, not just beginners. Training is available April through September, with some courses running into October. Riders can find a training site and register online at motorcyclesafety.org
- Motorists can help prevent motorcycle deaths by looking twice for motorcycles before entering a roadway or changing lanes.
- Motorists should give riders room, check blind spots, pay attention and drive at safe speeds.Motorcycles are smaller, so their speed and distance is more difficult to judge.