2024 Illinois Motorcycle Accident Statistics
What the numbers reveal about the risks motorcyclists face on Illinois roads
In 2024, Illinois recorded 3,361 motorcycle crashes that killed 144 riders and injured 2,556 more. Motorcyclists make up a tiny share of traffic but a large share of the deaths, and the data shows why: most riders in crashes were doing nothing wrong.
Motorcyclists Face Disproportionate Risk
Motorcycle crashes account for just 1.1% of all Illinois crashes, but motorcycle fatalities represent 12.2% of all traffic deaths. This makes motorcyclists roughly 11 times more likely to die in a crash compared to their share of total crashes.
Motorcycles are a fraction of crashes, but a large share of the deaths.
Motorcycle Maneuver at Time of Crash
The majority of motorcycles involved in crashes were going straight ahead (62.4%), indicating that many crashes are caused by other drivers failing to see or yield to motorcyclists.
Year-Over-Year Trends
Compared to 2023, motorcyclist fatalities decreased while injuries increased.
People Killed and Injured in Motorcycle Crashes by Type of Road
Most rider fatalities happen on urban roads, and minor arterial and other principal arterial roads are the deadliest types for motorcyclists.
Urban roads account for the large majority of Illinois rider fatalities.
Urban Road Breakdown
| Road Type ↕ | Killed ↕ | A-Injuries ↕ | Injuries ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeway & Expressway/Toll | 0 | 6 | 17 |
| Interstate/Toll | 10 | 52 | 174 |
| Local Road or Street | 15 | 79 | 293 |
| Major Collector | 7 | 82 | 251 |
| Minor Arterial | 26 | 136 | 453 |
| Minor Collector | 0 | 10 | 28 |
| Other Principal Arterial/Toll | 53 | 197 | 559 |
Rural Road Breakdown
| Road Type ↕ | Killed ↕ | A-Injuries ↕ | Injuries ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeway & Expressway | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Interstate/Toll | 1 | 10 | 24 |
| Local Road or Street | 3 | 37 | 73 |
| Major Collector | 13 | 79 | 147 |
| Minor Arterial | 7 | 52 | 102 |
| Minor Collector | 2 | 12 | 20 |
| Other Principal Arterial | 12 | 28 | 53 |
| Unknown | 0 | 178 | 585 |
There were 4 additional injuries, including 1 A-injury, that occurred at unknown locations.
Alcohol and Motorcycle Fatalities
Motorcycle operators accounted for 11.5% of all traffic fatalities in 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Motorcycle crashes represent just 1.1% of all Illinois crashes but account for 12.2% of all traffic deaths.
- 144 motorcyclists were killed in 2024, a 14.3% decrease from 168 in 2023.
- However, motorcyclist injuries increased by 7.7% from 2023 to 2,556 in 2024.
- 62.4% of motorcycles in crashes were traveling straight ahead, suggesting many crashes are caused by other drivers.
- 928 motorcyclists suffered incapacitating (A-level) injuries requiring hospitalization.
- Urban roads accounted for 74.5% of motorcyclist fatalities (111 of 149 total).
- Minor arterial roads and other principal arterial roads are the deadliest road types for motorcyclists.
- 30.6% of motorcycle operators tested for BAC after fatal crashes had a blood alcohol level of 0.01 or greater.
Injured in an Illinois Motorcycle Accident?
The attorneys at Nelson & Nelson have decades of experience representing riders across the Metro East and Southern Illinois, and have recovered six- and seven-figure results for motorcyclists. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact us for a free consultation.
Or call (618) 277-4000