As the weather warms and more motorcycles take to the roads, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is joining forces with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to promote Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month this May. The initiative emphasizes that “Motorcyclists’ Safety Is Everyone’s Safety.”
Motorcycles are a favored mode of transportation, yet they pose significant risks for riders. In Connecticut alone, over 50 motorcyclists die in crashes annually. Preliminary data from 2023 indicates that there were 59 motorcycle-related fatalities in the state. On a national scale, 6,335 motorcyclists lost their lives in crashes in 2023, accounting for 15% of all traffic fatalities despite motorcycles being a small fraction of total traffic.
As of May 7, 2025, preliminary figures show nine motorcyclist fatalities have occurred in Connecticut this year. Garrett Eucalitto, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation, stated, “Motorcycle Safety Month is an important opportunity to educate both riders and drivers about the shared responsibility we all have on the road.” He added that with increased awareness and safer habits by both drivers and riders, these preventable tragedies can be reduced.
The statistics reveal that motorcyclists are significantly more vulnerable than passenger vehicle occupants. They are 22 times more likely to die in a crash and four times more likely to be injured per mile traveled. Factors contributing to these risks include speeding, alcohol impairment, and lack of helmet use.
Key data from NHTSA highlights that 36% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2023 were speeding. Additionally, 54% of those speeding-related fatalities involved riders aged between 21 and 24 years old. Furthermore, alcohol impairment was a factor for 41% of motorcycle riders killed in single-vehicle crashes.
To enhance safety on the roads, CTDOT provides several reminders for motor vehicle drivers: look twice before turning or changing lanes as motorcycles can be hard to spot; allow more following distance when behind a motorcycle; avoid distractions and always signal intentions early; never drive impaired by drugs or alcohol; and exercise extra caution at intersections where most multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes occur.
For motorcyclists themselves, CTDOT advises wearing a DOT-compliant helmet and full protective gear at all times; never riding while impaired or distracted; adhering to all traffic laws and speed limits; completing rider education and training courses; ensuring motorcycle licenses are valid; staying visible by wearing bright gear with reflective elements.
The call to action this May—and throughout the year—is for everyone on the road to protect every motorcyclist by staying alert, sober, and sharing the road responsibly.
For additional resources on motorcycle safety visit www.nhtsa.gov/motorcycle-safety.
