Safest States for Riding a Motorcycle in the US

Motorcycle riding offers a sense of freedom and adventure that only a few other activities can match. Over the years, many Americans have grown fond of riding bikes, especially for recreational purposes. However, riding a motorcycle is risky because of how bikes are built. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that a motorcyclist is 28 times more likely to die in a crash than a car driver.

Given the inherent risks, safety on the road is a key factor when most bikers pick a route for their next road trip. Some states are known to provide safer riding conditions, while others seem to be hotspots for motorbike fatalities. Below are the nine safest states for riding a motorbike in the US. However, before that, let's look at what makes a state safer for motorcycle riding.

Factors Determining Motorcycle Safety

Several key factors come into play when assessing the safety of riding a motorcycle in various states. These factors influence the likelihood of accidents, the severity of injuries, and the overall riding experience.

Accident rates

Accident rate is the frequency of motorcycle accidents in a particular area. States with lower accident rates are generally safer for motorcyclists. Various elements contribute to accident rates, including.

• Driver behavior: States where drivers are more cautious and respectful of motorcyclists have lower accident rates.
• Rider skill level: Higher rates of accidents are linked to inadequate rider training and experience.
• Road conditions: Poorly maintained roads with potholes, cracks, or debris increase the likelihood of accidents.

Fatality rates

While accident rates show how often motorcycle accidents happen, fatality rates indicate the severity of the crashes. States with lower fatality rates may have better emergency response systems, higher helmet usage, and more effective safety regulations. Factors affecting fatality rates include:

• Helmet usage: Helmets significantly reduce the risk of head injuries, which are a leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. States with mandatory helmet usage laws may have fewer fatalities, but other factors, such as emergency response, will also play a role.
• Emergency response: Quick and efficient emergency services can reduce the time it takes to provide critical care to injured riders. This, plus access to high-quality medical facilities and trauma care, can make a crucial difference in the survival of accident victims.

Helmet laws

The right motorcycle helmet is vital motorcycle gear. It is the only protection your head has in case of an accident. Unfortunately, Helmet laws vary significantly across the US. Only 17 states have universal Helmet Laws requiring all riders to wear helmets.

Twenty-nine states require helmets for specific riders (those under 18 years or with limited riding experience), while Illinois, New Hampshire, and Iowa don't have Helmet laws. States with strict helmet laws usually have lower fatalities and fewer severe injuries.

Road quality and infrastructure

Potholes, cracks, and lack of clear, visible road signs, lane markings, and guardrails will increase the rate of accidents in a state. Well-maintained roads with clear road signs and lighting provide safer riding conditions, resulting in lower accident rates.

Weather conditions

Weather conditions greatly influence motorcycle safety. Adverse weather creates hazardous riding conditions and increases the risk of accidents. States with extreme seasonal changes, such as heavy snow in winter or frequent rain, pose greater risks. States with mild, predictable weather are safer for riding.

Traffic density

The higher the number of vehicles on the road, the higher the likelihood of accidents due to proximity. In fact, seven in every ten motorcycle fatalities occur in urban areas. States with high traffic congestion usually have higher accident rates.

Safest States for riding a motorcycle in the US

Some states perform extremely well in maintaining the best standards for two-wheelers and road safety. According to recent statistics, here are the nine safest states for riding a motorcycle.

Wyoming

Wyoming is a safe state for riding a motorcycle. It recorded 19 motorcycle fatalities in 2020. Although the helmet law is not compulsory for adults, the good condition of the roads and less congestion on most roads contribute to overall safety. The wide-open spaces and long stretches of highway provide motorcyclists with plenty of room to ride safely.

The motorcycling community in Wyoming is close-knit and supportive. Numerous clubs and groups organize rides, safety workshops, and community events. The roads are also very scenic, particularly the Beartooth Highway, Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, and the Grand Teton National Park.

Vermont

Vermont recorded the fewest fatalities in 2020 after ten motorcyclists died. This, plus its beautiful scenery, is a compelling reason to ride in Vermont. The state boasts low fatality and accident rates, attributed to the universal helmet law, low traffic congestion compared to other states, and an active motorcycle culture. The best motorcycle routes in Vermont are Molly Stark Byway and Mad River Trail.

Idaho

The state of Idaho dictates that you can only carry a passenger on your motorcycle if you have a permanent attached passenger seat and footrests, and all riders under 18 must wear a helmet. These are just some laws that make this state safer for motorcycle riding.

In 2020, it had 27 motorcycle fatalities, which was 13% of the total fatalities. Idaho is also safer for motorcyclists because of its low traffic density, well-maintained roads, and responsible riding culture, especially in urban areas.

Some of the best roads for riding in Idaho are the Lolo Pass and the Devil's Tail. However, riding is seasonal because of the harsh winter. Moreover, you must be very careful when riding in the mountain areas.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire has low traffic density, a responsible riding culture, good roads, especially in urban areas, and a supportive motorcycle community. These factors contribute to New Hampshire being one of the safest states to ride a motorcycle in the US.

Riders are treated to well-maintained roads with scenic views across the state. The only issue is that New Hampshire has no mandatory helmet law, but the motorcycle community encourages all riders to use DOT-certified helmets. New Hampshire recorded 25 fatalities in 2020. The best motorcycle routes in New Hampshire include Kancamagus Highway and Sunapee Loop Scenic Drive.

Minnesota

Minnesota stands out as a safe state for motorcycle riding due to its strong focus on rider education and helmet use. All motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear DOT-approved helmets. In addition, the state has lower traffic density in rural areas, and the roads are well maintained. In 2020, Minnesota recorded 66 deaths resulting from motorcycle crashes, representing 17% of all fatalities.

If you plan to ride in Minnesota, you must ensure you and your passenger have helmets. Then, you can enjoy the best riding routes, such as North Shore Scenic Drive, Bluff Country Scenic Byway, and Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway.

New Mexico

In 2020, New Mexico lost 46 people in motorcycle accidents. This number represents 12% of the total fatalities in the state that year. While this number is higher than some states on this list, New Mexico is still one of the safest states to ride a motorcycle in the US. Helmet use is not mandatory, but all under-18 riders must wear DOT-approved helmets.

Major highways are well maintained, but some rural roads are not in the best condition. However, you must be cautious in urban areas because of higher traffic volume. The best roads for riding in New Mexico include the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway and the Turquoise Trail Scenic Byway.

Montana

Montana boasts some of the country's lowest accident and fatality rates for motorcyclists. The state recorded 29 motorcycle fatalities in 2020. Although helmet use is not mandatory for adults, the state has lower traffic density, and roads are in good condition in urban areas.

Montana roads are very scenic, and you will occasionally encounter wildlife. However, you must be cautious when using rural roads, as they are less developed.

Washington

Thanks to its stunning landscapes and decent riding season, Washington is one of the best and safest states to ride a motorcycle. There is much to see and do, from the majestic Cascade Mountains to the scenic coastline and the San Juan Islands.

Washington has a strict helmet law requiring all riders and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets and a well-established motorcycle safety program. In 2020, Washington lost 91 people in motorcycle crashes. This number could be higher than the fatalities in most states because Washington has a higher traffic volume in urban areas like Seattle.

North Dakota

North Dakota boasts some of the lowest motorcycle accidents and fatality rates in the US. In 2020, the state recorded 17 deaths of motorcyclists. While helmet use is not mandatory, the roads are less congested. Moreover, the North Dakota Department of Transportation promotes motorcycle safety through public awareness campaigns and safety programs.

North Dakota is generally a motorcycle enthusiast paradise. The long, straight stretches of roads are ideal for all levels of riders. Some of the best routes for riding are the Theodore Roosevelt National Park Loop, the Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway, and the Enchanted Highway.

Summing it up

Motorcycle riding is inherently risky. However, the states on this list offer safer conditions, while others, like Texas, Mississippi, and Florida, are the most dangerous.

Nonetheless, you must understand that your safety on the road is determined by more factors than just how safe a state is. For this reason, you must obey all traffic laws, ride sober, stay visible, maintain your bike, and wear protective gear. Furthermore, as auto insurance is required by law in nearly every state, motorcycle insurance is a must-have for riders in the US.