Motorcycle Crash Statistics: Sacramento in Context 

While county-level crash data for 2024–2025 is still being compiled, broader California trends provide insight into what Sacramento riders face: 

   

Statewide Motorcycle Fatalities 

In 2022, California recorded 634 motorcyclist deaths, which was a 3.8% increase over 2021, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Most fatal crashes occurred on weekends, with the highest number of crashes peaking on Sundays between 3:00 and 6:00 PM. 

 

Nationwide Motorcycle Fatalities 

According to UC Berkley’s Safe Transportation Research and Education Center, out of the 42,939 fatal accidents reported nationwide in 2021, 14%, or 5,932, were motorcyclists.   

   

Sacramento-Specific Incidents 

• A fatal crash on Interstate 80 near North Highlands in 2024 involved a motorcyclist who was struck by another vehicle. 
• Another rider died in Midtown Sacramento in 2024, as confirmed by the Sacramento County Coroner. 
• Two motorcyclists were hospitalized following a 2024 collision on Highway 50 in Folsom. 

   

Crash Severity 

TIMS data shows that 25.6% of serious motorcycle injuries in 2022 occurred during the late afternoon (3–6 PM), especially on high-speed roads. 

 

High-speed corridors, such as Highway 99, I-5, and Business 80, are especially hazardous during these hours due to increased congestion and aggressive driving behavior. 

   

Common Contributing Factors 

Motorcycle crashes in Sacramento are often the result of a combination of environmental and behavioral factors. Many of the factors we see are: 

   

• Speeding: According to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), approximately one-third of fatal motorcycle crashes statewide involve excessive speed, particularly on freeways such as Highway 99 and I-5. 
• Failure to Yield: According to data from the NHTSA, over 33% of motorcycle crashes occur at intersections, often when other drivers misjudge a motorcyclist's speed or fail to yield during left turns.   
• Impaired Riding: Time and time again, we see accidents involving somebody under the influence. According to 2023 NHTSA data, 41% of motorcyclists killed in single-vehicle crashes had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, with Sacramento-area incidents often occurring in the early evening. 
• Distracted Driving:  Texting, phone use, and in-vehicle distractions contribute to a high percentage of broadside and sideswipe crashes. Reporting from TIMS, 27% of serious motorcycle crashes in California were caused by distracted drivers who failed to see the motorcyclist.   
• Road Conditions:  Uneven pavement, potholes, and debris on Sacramento's arterial roads and highways create added risk, especially for less experienced riders. 
• Weather: Although Sacramento experiences relatively little rain, wet or foggy conditions can reduce traction and visibility, thereby heightening crash risks. 

   

Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Especially Dangerous 

Motorcycle crashes tend to be more deadly than car accidents due to several structural and behavioral factors. Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles offer no external protection, leaving riders fully exposed to the impact of the force. Even low-speed crashes can result in severe injuries or fatalities, particularly when the rider is thrown from the bike or collides with another vehicle or fixed object. 

   

Data from NHTSA shows that motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled compared to occupants of passenger cars. In California, a significant portion of fatal motorcycle accidents occur at intersections, where visibility issues, left-turn conflicts, and driver misjudgment are common. 

   

Other contributing factors include: 

• Lack of crash protection, such as airbags or reinforced frames. 
• Failure to yield by other drivers, especially during left turns. 
• Speeding is often combined with aggressive or distracted driving. 
• Impaired riding or driving, particularly during evening and weekend hours.   
• Inadequate use of protective gear, such as DOT-approved helmets and reflective clothing. 
• Environmental hazards, including potholes, slick pavement, or roadside debris. 
• Slower emergency response times, especially in areas on the outskirts of Sacramento County. 

   

At the Law Office of Brian P. Azemika, we believe informed riders are safer riders. That’s why we’re committed to raising awareness about the unique risks motorcyclists face, especially in high-traffic regions like Sacramento. Whether you're a daily commuter or a weekend rider, understanding these dangers can help prevent life-altering injuries and protect your legal rights if a crash occurs. 

   

Safety Recommendations for Sacramento Riders 

• Avoid High-Risk Areas:  Use caution when riding on Highway 99, I-5, and Business 80, especially during peak hours (3–6 PM) and at known crash-prone intersections. 
• Use Protective Gear: Wear DOT-approved helmets, abrasion-resistant jackets, gloves, and reflective gear to increase visibility and reduce injury severity. 
• Practice Defensive Riding: Assume that other drivers may not see you, especially at intersections, and avoid unsafe lane splitting in traffic. 
• Take Safety Courses: The California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) offers training and skill development courses, mandatory for riders under 21 but beneficial for all. 
• Check Road Conditions: Monitor routes for potholes, debris, and construction, especially in the downtown core or on suburban connector roads. 

 

Know the Dangers. Protect Your Rights. 

Motorcycle accidents in Sacramento continue to be a serious public safety concern, with crash data highlighting key risk zones, including Highway 99, I-5 interchanges, and downtown intersections. The statistics show that most serious injuries occur during peak traffic hours, especially in areas with high speeds, complex road layouts, or distracted driving. Riders face a higher likelihood of severe injury or death compared to car occupants due to limited protection, visibility challenges, and road hazards. 

   

Understanding these risks is crucial, not only for motorcyclists but for all road users. By staying informed and taking proactive safety measures, riders can reduce their chances of being involved in a serious collision. 

   

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, the Law Office of Brian P. Azemika is here to help. We are committed to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.