Minnesota motorcycle deaths up 43% since 2019

(ABC 6 News) – According to recent data, motorcycle riding is more deadly than ever before.

The team of analysts at QuoteWizard by Lendingtree, found that motorcycle fatalities have increased by 43% in Minnesota since 2019 – the 7th highest increase nationwide.

There were 5,579 motorcycle fatalities nationwide in 2020 – the highest number ever recorded. The rise in fatalities also seems to be getting worse. Preliminary estimates indicate motorcycle deaths will pass 6,000 a year once 2021 totals are tabulated.

The data found that motorcycle fatalities are heavily influenced by three factors: alcohol, climate and helmet use.

Warmer, southern states with weather conducive to riding have the highest rates of motorcycle fatalities. Mississippi is the most dangerous state for motorcycle riders.

Alcohol was involved in 32% of motorcycle fatalities in 2020. In some cases, the person killed was below the legal limit, however, 26% of fatalities involved someone who was legally intoxicated, and in 15% of cases, the person killed had a blood alcohol content (BAC) level nearly twice the legal limit.

Recent studies show that wearing a DOT-approved helmet reduces the risk of head injury by 69% and the risk of death by 42%. Despite these facts, many states don’t require helmets, and helmet use has declined by four percentage points nationwide.

Key findings for Minnesota:

• 66 motorcycle riders were killed in 2020
• Fatality rate of 3 deaths per 10K registered motorcycle owners
• Helmet use has declined from 54% of riders to 45%
  

There is no helmet law in Minnesota, unless the operator is under 18 years old or is operating with a permit.

Iowa is one of three states that has no laws regarding motorcycle helmet use.

Read the methodology and full report HERE.