News from the MRF:
October 22, 2021
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Transportation released an interactive website
with data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). FARS, which became operational
in 1975, containing data on a census of fatal traffic crashes within the 50 States,
the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. To be included in FARS, a crash must involve
a motor vehicle traveling on a traffic way customarily open to the public and must result
in the death of a vehicle occupant or a nonoccupant within 30 days of the crash.
Fatal crash data for motorcyclists and passengers from the years 2010 to 2019
is included on this website.
Users of the website can sort the information on fatalities by a variety
of categories, including:
State where the crash took place
Crash Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Month of Crash
Time of Crash
Helmet Usage
Alcohol Usage
Age and Sex of Victims
Weather Conditions
Single Vehicle v Multi Vehicle
While this information can be useful in understanding when, why and where crashes are taking
place, it’s important to note that this data includes not just traditional motorcycles but
also mopeds, scooters, minibikes, and pocket bikes.
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation believes crash avoidance is key component of rider safety.
There are zero fatalities in crashes that never happen.