- The study, using 2022 NHTSA data, found 173 motorcycle fatalities and 3,158 crashes in Michigan, with numbers slightly decreasing in 2023.
- Michigan law allows riders over 21 with specific insurance and experience to ride without helmets, potentially contributing to the state’s ranking.
A Georgia law firm’s analysis of motorcycle crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that Michigan ranks among the 10 most dangerous states for those riding on two wheels.
Michigan ranks 10th overall for the number of deaths, according to a recent study by the Jones & Swanson law firm. The firm relied on 2022 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to reach its conclusions.
The NHTSA data shows that in 2022 Michigan has 173 motorcycle fatalities and 3,158 crashes. Those numbers dropped in 2023 when there were 3,056 motorcycle crashes and 165 fatalities, according to Michigan’s 2023 Traffic Crash Reporting data, the latest available.
In comparison, Florida ranked No. 1 with 668 motorcycle fatalities in 2022, California had 525 fatalities and Texas had 475, Jones & Swanson said.
“According to the data, riders accounted for 95% of the fatalities in 2022, while passengers accounted for just 5%, the Marietta, Georgia, law firm said. “Another insight we gained from analyzing this data is that bike accidents occurred equally during the day and night. While staying alert while riding at night is important, this data underscores the need for vigilance at all hours.”
Here’s what to know about motorcycle crash data.
What were the major findings from crash study?
The study analyzed motorcyclists crashed and deaths in 2022 in U.S. states to learn more about the growing public safety concern and raise awareness, these are their main findings:
- Be vigilant at all hours: bike accidents occurred equally during the day and night.
- All cars need to be aware: single-vehicle crashes accounted for 38% of motorcycle fatalities, while 62% involved multiple vehicles.
- There is a demographic: individuals aged 21-59 made up 77% of fatal accident victims in 2022, with the 21-39 age group being particularly vulnerable at 43%.
- It is seasonal: 37% of fatalities occurred during the summer months, compared to just 10% in winter.
Which state reported the most motorcyclists deaths?
“Florida remains the most dangerous state for motorcyclists, not due to chance, but because of policy failures,” the firm said. “Weak helmet laws, lenient DUI enforcement, and long-ignored crash hotspots are needlessly endangering riders. Without urgent reforms, these deaths will continue to climb.”
Already in 2025, there have been 843 motorcycle crashed and 44 deaths, Florida’s Crash Dashboard shows. For 2024, the state reported 9,422 motorcycle crashes and 579 fatalities.
California ranked second in deaths, and Texas third. The three states collectively accounted for over 30% of all motorcycle accident deaths nationwide, the law firm said.
The firm did not provide data on the states with the fewest crashes or deaths.
What are the motorcycle helmet laws in Michigan?
In Michigan, motorcyclists do not have to wear a helmet if they adhere to several criteria, including:
- They are at least 21 years old.
- Have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits and insurance in effect.
- Have held a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years or has passed an approved motorcycle safety course.
For passengers on motorcycles, they are required to wear a helmet unless they are at least 21 years old and also have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits and insurance in effect.
Where is the most dangerous intersection?
Michigan’s most dangerous intersection for all drivers in 2023 was 11 Mile Road/Interstate 696 and Van Dyke Avenue, Michigan Auto Law in Farmington Hills said.
In 2023, there were 218 crashes and 52 injuries at the site. Crashes increased 69.9% over the last five years, from 129 in 2019 to 218 in 2023, the firm said.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
