THE 3 Deadly Mistakes That Kill Motorcycle Riders – Are You Making Them?

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Want to stay alive on your motorcycle? These 3 deadly mistakes are totally in your control—and avoiding them can drastically reduce your risk of a fatal crash. This isn't opinion or guesswork; these are hard facts backed by statistics. Yet, despite being common sense, too many riders continue to make these same fatal choices. In this video, we’ll break down the numbers and show you how simple changes in your riding habits can dramatically improve your chances of survival. Share this with a fellow rider who needs to hear it. Watch now and learn how to stay safe on two wheels.

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This week on MCrider, we’re diving into three critical rider mistakes that are completely within your control. Based on statistical analysis, avoiding these mistakes can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in a fatal motorcycle accident.

These are not just opinions or random safety tips; they are proven facts. If followed, they will lower your odds of dying in a motorcycle crash.

Some might say these are common sense. But if they’re so obvious, why do so many riders continue to die due to these exact factors?

If you already practice these safety measures—great! But don't stop there. Share this video with fellow riders via Facebook, email, forums, or anywhere motorcyclists gather. Riders die daily because of these three mistakes, and together, we can spread awareness and save lives.

To make it even easier to share, I’ve created a simple shortcut: MCrider.com/3. Just type this link into any online post or conversation, and it will take riders directly to this video.

1. Riding Impaired

The first deadly mistake is simple to understand, yet still claims thousands of lives every year. 28% of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve alcohol, and 43% of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve riders who had alcohol in their system.

How Much is Too Much?

In 2021, 28% of riders who died in a motorcycle crash had a BAC of .08 or higher. For the average male, four beers in two hours can put you at a .08 BAC. For smaller individuals, it takes even less.

Some might argue, “I only have a beer or two; I’m fine.” But here’s the kicker—43% of all motorcycle fatalities involved riders with some level of alcohol in their system. Almost half of all riders who died had been drinking.

The most at-risk group? Middle-aged riders (ages 45-49)—the very riders who should know better.

If you want to reduce your risk of dying on a motorcycle, start here: Don’t drink and ride. Period.

2. Speeding

The second fatal mistake? Speeding.

Motorcycle riders are 33% more likely to die due to speeding, compared to a 22% increase for car drivers.

Who’s Most at Risk?

Younger riders (ages 21-24) are the most likely to speed—and the most likely to die because of it.
Speeding reduces reaction time and makes it harder for other drivers to see and react to you.
Excessive speed increases the risk of single-vehicle crashes and exponentially increases impact force in any accident.

The risk jumps dramatically at 10 MPH over the speed limit. Riders within 10 MPH of the speed limit have a slight increase in risk, but those exceeding it by more than 10 MPH face a much higher likelihood of fatal crashes.

Some riders justify speeding by saying they’re skilled enough to handle it. While that might be true on a track, the street is a different story. On public roads, conditions are unpredictable—other drivers, wild animals, debris, and countless road hazards can change in an instant.

Even when riding at the speed limit, unexpected hazards can make crashes unavoidable. Speeding only amplifies these risks.

3. Riding Without a Helmet

The final mistake? Riding without a helmet.

What the Numbers Say:

67% of riders in the U.S. wear helmets regularly.
In states with helmet laws, 84% of riders wear helmets.
In states without helmet laws, only 54% wear helmets.
Helmets are 37% effective at reducing motorcycle fatalities.
Helmets reduce serious head injuries by 67%.

Wearing a helmet isn’t just about survival—it’s about protecting your brain from life-altering injuries.

I’ve never been accused of being the smartest guy in the room, but I’m smart enough to protect the brain cells I do have. Wear a helmet. It could save your life.

How to Reduce Your Risk of a Fatal Crash

By following these three simple rules, you significantly decrease your chances of dying in a motorcycle crash:

Ride sober – Reduce your risk by 68%.
Don’t grossly exceed the speed limit – Reduce your risk by 33%.
Wear a helmet – Reduce your risk of death and serious brain injury by 67%.

Is it common sense? Maybe. But if it’s so obvious, why do so many riders continue to ignore these facts?

Share This With Fellow Riders

Let’s work together to spread this message and save lives. Share this video, send riders to MCrider.com/3, and let’s make the roads safer for motorcyclists everywhere.

Till next week… Ride safe!