What Is the Average Speed of a Fatal Motorcycle Crash?

Motorcycles offer a sense of freedom on the road, but that freedom often comes with serious risk. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are roughly 28 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of passenger vehicles. One question we’re often asked is: At what speed do most fatal motorcycle crashes occur?

The Truth About Speed and Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

Contrary to popular belief, fatal motorcycle crashes do not always happen at extremely high speeds. While speed is certainly a major factor in crash severity, the average speed of a fatal motorcycle collision may be lower than many assume.

Studies and crash data indicate that:

• The average speed at the time of a fatal motorcycle crash is approximately 55 mph.

• Many fatal accidents happen on non-interstate roads, where posted speed limits range from 40 to 60 mph.

• A significant number of fatal crashes occur not due to high speed alone, but because of other drivers failing to see the motorcyclist, unsafe lane changes, or left-turn collisions.

This means that even at speeds considered "normal" for highway or suburban road travel, a motorcycle crash can be deadly — especially when another driver is negligent.

Why Motorcyclists Are So Vulnerable

Unlike drivers of passenger vehicles, motorcyclists have no external protection. There is no metal frame, no airbags, and no seatbelts. Even with a helmet and full protective gear, the human body is exposed to direct impact in the event of a collision.

This vulnerability means that:

• A crash at 30–40 mph can still be fatal, depending on the point of impact and whether the rider is ejected.

• The combined speed of the motorcycle and another vehicle can significantly increase the force of a crash.

• Head trauma, chest injuries, and internal bleeding are among the leading causes of death in these accidents.

What This Means for Motorcycle Accident Victims

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident — especially one resulting in severe injury or death — it's essential to understand that speed alone does not determine fault or outcome. In many cases, the motorcyclist was traveling at or below the speed limit when a careless driver made a sudden, dangerous move.

As a California personal injury law firm that represents motorcycle accident victims, we at Phillips & Associates know how insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the rider, citing speed as a primary factor. But crash reconstructions, witness testimony, and surveillance footage often tell a different story — one where the rider was operating safely and lawfully before being struck.

How We Can Help

At Phillips & Associates, we fight to ensure that injured motorcyclists and their families receive full and fair compensation. This includes recovery for:

• Medical bills

• Lost income and future earnings

• Pain and suffering

• Funeral and burial expenses (in wrongful death cases)

We understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face, and we know how to build strong cases based on facts — not assumptions about speed or rider behavior. Contact us at (818) 348-9515 for a free consultation today.