Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Graduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Caroline Deck, Graduate student Ana Cruz Beltrami, Graduate student Riley Curran, Graduate student Crystal Cutler, Graduate student
Lead Presenter's Name
Caroline Deck
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Alex Chaparro
Abstract
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from 2019 to 2023 there was a 26% increase of motorcycle crash deaths. In 2023, motorcycle crashes accounted for 15.5% of all crash fatalities in the United States, despite accounting for 3% of registered vehicles. This literature review investigates the contributing factors to the increasing motorcycle fatality rates. In this review, rider characteristics, vehicle factors, roadway environments, and policy are examined for contributions to increased risk. Previous literature has primarily focused on behavioral and demographic factors when investigating this problem. However, evidence suggests that the conditions affecting crash severity and survivability have systematically worsened. These changes are driven by the increasing prevalence of larger, heavier passenger vehicles; the expansion of the vehicle modification market, particularly the use of suspension lift kits without safety testing or recalibration of advanced driver assistance systems; deteriorating infrastructure and roadway conditions; and inconsistent policies governing helmet use, vehicle modification, and lane filtering. Together, these factors indicate that rising motorcycle fatalities are not solely the result of rider behavior or demographic shifts, but rather reflect broader systemic changes that increase both crash risk and injury severity. Addressing this trend will require interventions that extend beyond individual behavior to include vehicle design, infrastructure improvements, and regulatory policy.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Why are Motorcyclist Fatalities Increasing?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from 2019 to 2023 there was a 26% increase of motorcycle crash deaths. In 2023, motorcycle crashes accounted for 15.5% of all crash fatalities in the United States, despite accounting for 3% of registered vehicles. This literature review investigates the contributing factors to the increasing motorcycle fatality rates. In this review, rider characteristics, vehicle factors, roadway environments, and policy are examined for contributions to increased risk. Previous literature has primarily focused on behavioral and demographic factors when investigating this problem. However, evidence suggests that the conditions affecting crash severity and survivability have systematically worsened. These changes are driven by the increasing prevalence of larger, heavier passenger vehicles; the expansion of the vehicle modification market, particularly the use of suspension lift kits without safety testing or recalibration of advanced driver assistance systems; deteriorating infrastructure and roadway conditions; and inconsistent policies governing helmet use, vehicle modification, and lane filtering. Together, these factors indicate that rising motorcycle fatalities are not solely the result of rider behavior or demographic shifts, but rather reflect broader systemic changes that increase both crash risk and injury severity. Addressing this trend will require interventions that extend beyond individual behavior to include vehicle design, infrastructure improvements, and regulatory policy.