Texas Ranks 7th in U.S. for Nighttime Motorcycle Speeding Deaths

EAST TEXAS (TXAN 24) – A new study has ranked Texas among the nation’s deadliest states for motorcycle speeding crashes after dark.

Research from the Blakeley Law Firm analyzed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data from 2019 to 2023 and found that Texas had the seventh-highest rate of fatal nighttime motorcycle speeding crashes in the United States.

Texas recorded an average of 2.46 deaths per 100,000 residents—about 33% higher than the national average of 1.85. That translates to more than 730 fatal motorcycle crashes each year in the Lone Star State. The study notes 2022 as the worst year in the five-year span, with 810 crashes, compared to 537 in 2019.

“These high rates of fatal nighttime motorcycle crashes put motorcyclists at significant risk,” a spokesperson for the Blakeley Law Firm said. “Addressing nighttime motorcycle safety requires targeted interventions, including enhanced visibility requirements, education programs, and stricter evening speed enforcement.”

East Texas roadways have seen similar concerns. TxDOT has warned that speeding combined with low visibility makes motorcyclists especially vulnerable at night. Local law enforcement has also stepped up holiday and weekend patrols in an effort to curb the trend.

The study underscores the urgent need for drivers and riders alike to take precautions. Experts recommend reflective gear, slower speeds, and increased awareness on rural and urban roads after dark.

Source: Blakeley Law Firm, NHTSA