A new study by personal-injury law firm Nicolet Law gives Texas a motorcyclist risk score of 99 out of 100, placing it at the top of the list nationally for danger to riders.
The study ranked states based on deadly crashes per 100,000 motorcycles, speed-related fatalities, and number of riders killed vs. those involved in fatal crashes — metrics where Texas sits in worst-in-class territory.
Last year, the state recorded 581 motorcyclist deaths, slightly down from 599 in 2023, per Texas Department of Transportation data.
Texas also leads in speed-related motorcycle deaths (60 per 100,000) and involvement of riders in fatal crashes (148 per 100,000), according to the study’s breakdown.
Though Texas ranks sixth in the U.S. for registered motorcycles, its large road network, high speeds, and challenging traffic conditions amplify exposure and risk for motorcyclists.
For riders and drivers alike, the findings serve as a stark reminder: share the road responsibly, be especially alert at higher speeds, and never underestimate how fast things can go wrong when two wheels meet four.
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