At Nicolet Law, our Midwest motorcycle accident lawyers are dedicated to protecting injured riders. We sought to gain a deeper understanding of the risks motorcyclists face on the road. What we discovered is not too shocking: July is the deadliest month of the year for motorcyclists, and summer overall poses the highest risks.
Our study analyzed two key road and accident factors: the number of nationwide motorcyclist fatalities each month and the average inches of rainfall, with fatalities adjusted per 100 billion miles traveled. The “per 100 billion miles” metric refers to miles traveled, not physical distance across the U.S. This parameter is used to normalize the data, since travel volume varies with population across states.
Additional context was provided by looking at related factors such as speeding-related deaths and alcohol or drug involvement.
Our findings reveal when riders face the greatest dangers, and why certain months are deadlier than others.
Here is the summary of the findings:
| Crash Date (Month) | Avg. Fatalities per 100B mi | Avg. Speeding Fatalities per 100B mi | Avg. Alcohol/Drug Fatalities per 100B mi | Avg. Precipitation (in) | Motorcyclist Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July | 246 | 92 | 31 | 2.92 | 99 |
| August | 246 | 94 | 29 | 2.84 | 98 |
| June | 244 | 93 | 29 | 2.86 | 97 |
| September | 244 | 91 | 28 | 2.25 | 93 |
| May | 228 | 88 | 25 | 3.27 | 92 |
| April | 190 | 73 | 24 | 2.56 | 66 |
| October | 183 | 68 | 22 | 2.48 | 62 |
| March | 135 | 53 | 18 | 2.55 | 37 |
| November | 125 | 44 | 14 | 1.80 | 26 |
| February | 96 | 35 | 13 | 2.30 | 14 |
| December | 85 | 30 | 9 | 2.48 | 9 |
| January | 71 | 27 | 9 | 2.40 | 1 |
The Deadliest
Month: July
In July, an average of 246 riders lose their lives for every 100 billion miles traveled each year. That makes it the single most dangerous month of the year, earning a risk score of 99.
Crowded summer roads, holiday celebrations, and increased alcohol consumption all combine to create dangerous conditions. Add in 2.9 inches of rainfall, and slick streets become even more hazardous.
Free Case EvaluationThe Top Five Most Dangerous Months
We found that the five deadliest months for motorcyclists all cluster in spring and summer,
when traffic is heavier and weather conditions create additional risks.
246 fatalities per 100B miles
92 speeding-related deaths
31 alcohol/drug fatalities
2.92 inches of rain
246 fatalities per 100B miles
92 speeding-related deaths
31 alcohol/drug fatalities
2.84 inches of rain
244 fatalities per 100B miles
93 speeding-related deaths
29 alcohol/drug fatalities
2.86 inches of rain
244 fatalities per 100B miles
91 speeding-related deaths
28 alcohol/drug fatalities
2.25 inches of rain
228 fatalities per 100B miles
88 speeding-related deaths
25 alcohol/drug fatalities
3.27 inches of rain
Seasonal Patterns:
Summer Is the Most Dangerous
When we step back and look at the big picture, one truth stands out: summer is the deadliest season for motorcyclists.
The three deadliest months (June, July, August) all fall in summer.
Each of these months averages 24/7 fatal crashes.
Speeding, alcohol, and unpredictable weather amplify risks during the busiest riding season.
The Role of Weather
Rainfall plays a bigger role than many riders realize. Wet roads reduce traction, increase braking distances, and contribute to crashes.
- May is the wettest month, averaging 3.3 inches of rain.
- Spring and summer showers create slick conditions just as more riders return to the roads.
Why This Data Matters
We believe knowledge is power. By identifying the months with the highest risks, we can better warn riders and hopefully save lives.
Every time we represent a motorcyclist or their family, we see firsthand the devastating effects of these accidents. That’s why sharing this research matters—it isn’t just about statistics, it’s about protecting lives.
Free Case EvaluationWhat Riders Can Do
While we can’t control the weather or the actions of others, there are
steps we can take to stay safer on the road:
Avoid speeding, especially during peak summer months.
Ride defensively around holiday weekends and busy traffic.
Take extra precautions in rain and wet conditions.
Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Final Thoughts
The data is clear: motorcyclists face the greatest risks in the summer months, particularly in July. With more traffic, more alcohol, and more rain, the road becomes a dangerous place for riders.
At Nicolet Law, we’ve seen too many families devastated by these tragedies. By raising awareness, we hope riders will take extra precautions and drivers will be more mindful of sharing the road.
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