As the weather continues to turn warmer, we will soon see roads coming to life with motorcycles humming alongside cars and trucks.

With that in mind, it is a good idea to learn about motorcycle safety, not only for motorcycle riders, but for all motorists on our roads.

On January 26, 2025, Sonja Bradley lost her grandson, Marion Bogan in a motorcycle accident at the corner of Wright St. & 4th Ave. 

While inattention is the leading cause of fatal motorcycle accidents, with 532 inattention- related incidents reported, Bogan’s death came as a result of not wearing a helmet. 

New data has revealed the states where motorcyclists are most at risk of getting into an accident and what is causing these fatalities.

The data show that Wyoming has the most fatal motorcycle crashes per 100,000 people, followed by Florida, South Carolina, Arkansas and Montana. New York ranked 48th with 4.39 fatal accidents per 100,000.

The research, carried out by Texas personal injury lawyers The Texas Law Dog, analyzed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data around fatal crashes involving motorcyclists per state from 2018 to 2022.

The second-most-reported cause was distraction due to an outside person, object or event, with 121 such incidents reported.

Some states are more vulnerable than others.

Wyoming experienced 79 fatal motorcycle crashes from 2018 to 2022, which equates to 13.53 fatal crashes per 100,000 people.

Florida experienced 2,838 fatal motorcycle crashes from 2018 to 2022, which equates to 12.55 fatal crashes per 100,000 people.

South Carolina experienced 662 fatal motorcycle crashes from 2018 to 2022, which equates to 12.32 fatal crashes per 100,000 people.

“Understanding the causes of motorcycle fatalities is important for developing effective safety measures,” the Texas Law Dog said.

“Inattention, whether due to distracted driving or other factors, continues to be the leading contributor to fatal crashes.

“This data shows the need for awareness and stronger enforcement of traffic laws to reduce distractions, as well as increased rider education to help prevent these accidents.”

Here are some other good safety tips:

• Wear high-quality riding gear designed to protect you during a fall.

• Inspect your motor- cycle before each ride and ensure all lights, the horn and the mirrors are working properly.

• Take a motorcycle safety course to improve your skills and knowledge.

• Familiarize yourself with the controls and read the owner’s manual.

• Stay visible: Wear bright, reflective clothing and use reflective decals on your motorcycle and helmet.

• Maintain a visible lane position, avoiding blind spots and surface hazards.

• Be aware of other vehicles and ride defensively.

• Follow traffic laws, signals and speed limits.

• Maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles.

• Regularly check your mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes.

• Watch for road hazards, debris and changing road conditions.

• Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Use hand signals and turn signals to communicate your intentions.

• All drivers must be aware of motorcycles and give them ample space, especially in adverse conditions.

• Do not tailgate motorcycles, as they can stop at shorter distances than cars.

• Be aware of motorcycle blind spots and ensure visibility.

Bradley said her grandson knew these tips and had been a dirtbike rider for nearly three years. However, he became so confident in his riding he felt like he no longer needed a helmet. 

“Helmets save lives,” she said. “Our whole lives changed that day and I don’t want any mother, grandmother,  or father to have to feel this way.” 

Bradley said to encourage the use of helmets, the family will be hosting a rally closer to Bogan’s birthday, where they will not only promote helmet safety, but overall ATV and motorcycle safety tips. 

“If you don’t want your child to forever be 21, wear a helmet,” she concluded.