Idaho Motorcycle Fatal Crash Statistics
Idaho suffered the loss of 31 motorcycle riders in 2015 in traffic crashes. Unfortunately, this is the largest loss of riders in a single year since 2009 when 34 riders were killed. Though helmets are required for all riders under the age of 18, adults have the option of riding without. This lax law is evident by the number of unhelmeted riders who die every year in accidents, including 10 of the 31 that died in 2015.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that helmet use saved the lives of six Idaho riders in 2015. The agency estimates that an additional four lives could have been saved if all riders wore their helmets every time they traveled by bike.
Idaho has 44 counties, and only 15 of them reported any motorcycle rider deaths. Of those that did, each reported between 1 and 5 fatalities. Several counties reported absolutely no fatalities whatsoever, including pedestrians, motorcycles, cyclists, and vehicles.
Idaho did not have any specific age group that consistently ranked high in motorcycle fatalities. Each year for the past 5 years, a different age group reported the highest number or motorcycle deaths. In 2015, the age group consisting of 40 to 49-year olds had the highest amount with 11 deaths. Although no specific age group consecutively had the highest death total, the overall number of motorcycle fatalities has unfortunately increased.
In 2014, the highest number of motorcycles registered in the state was recorded at 66,191. According to data from the FHWA, Idaho had 37 deaths per 100,000 registered motorcycles. This is a decrease from 2013, and will hopefully continue as the data is reported for 2015.