As pedestrian and motorcyclist deaths remain a growing concern across the United States, new research highlights a clear divide between states that are improving road safety and those that continue to struggle. A five-year analysis of federal crash data shows that Massachusetts leads the nation in protecting its most vulnerable road users, recording the lowest combined pedestrian and motorcyclist fatality rate in the country.
The study places Rhode Island and New York close behind, forming a Northeast cluster with the safest road conditions for pedestrians and motorcyclists. In sharp contrast, states such as Mississippi continue to post fatality rates several times higher, underscoring how infrastructure, enforcement, and policy choices can dramatically influence survival on America’s roads.
Drawing on crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), the research compares pedestrian and motorcyclist fatalities per 100,000 residents between 2019 and 2023, ranking the 10 states with the lowest combined risk.
- Massachusetts’ pedestrian and motorcyclist crash rate of 6.16 per 100,000 residents is the lowest in the U.S. – the safest state for road users.
- Rhode Island ranks second with a pedestrian and motorcyclist crash rate of 6.38 per 100,000 residents, followed by New York (third) with a rate of 6.55 per 100,000 residents.
- On the other hand, Mississippi recorded the highest pedestrian and motorcyclist crash rates in the U.S., with a total fatality rate of 25.23 per 100,000 residents.
A new study reveals that Massachusetts is the safest state for both pedestrian and motorcyclist safety.
The research conducted by a personal injury law firm, Kuzyk Law, analyzed state-level pedestrian and motorcyclist crash data between 2019 and 2023, sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) FARS database. The five-year average pedestrian and motorcyclist crash counts were adjusted per 100,000 residents to identify the top 10 safest states.
Massachusetts ranks first, recording the lowest total fatality rate of 6.16 per 100,000 residents, which is 55.4% lower than the national average of 13.81. Between 2019 and 2023, the Bay State had a population of 6,971,662 and recorded an average of 73 pedestrian crashes and 356 motorcyclist crashes annually.
Rhode Island ranks second, with a total fatality rate of 6.38 per 100,000 residents, 53.8% below the national average of 13.81. The Ocean State’s population of 1,088,222 experienced an average of 10 pedestrian crashes and 60 motorcyclist crashes each year between 2019 and 2023.
New York ranks third, recording a total fatality rate of 6.55 per 100,000 residents, 52.6% lower than the national average of 13.81. Between 2019 and 2023, the Empire State’s population of 19,728,510 averaged 277 pedestrian crashes and 1,016 motorcyclist crashes annually.
Minnesota ranks fourth, with a total fatality rate of 7.59 per 100,000 residents, 45.0% below the national average of 13.81. Among its 5,702,540 residents, there was an average of 44 pedestrian crashes and 388 motorcyclist crashes per year between 2019 and 2023.
New Jersey ranks fifth, recording a total fatality rate of 8.40 per 100,000 residents, 39.2% below the national average of 13.81. Between 2019 and 2023, the Garden State’s population of 9,194,850 averaged 182 pedestrian crashes and 591 motorcyclist crashes annually.
Looking at the study, Mark Anderson, attorney at Kuzyk Law, commented,
“The data underscores that Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York have consistently maintained the lowest crash rates for both pedestrians and motorcyclists.
“These figures highlight the tangible benefits of comprehensive traffic safety programs, well-designed infrastructure, and rigorous statewide enforcement policies in safeguarding vulnerable road users.”
What Motorcyclists in High-Risk States Should Know
Experts urge riders in high-fatality states to take extra precautions, especially on weekends, warm months, and rural highways:
- Prioritize Protective Gear: Always wear DOT-approved helmets, armored jackets, gloves, and boots. Proper gear dramatically reduces the risk of serious or fatal injuries.
- Ride Defensively and Stay Visible: Use reflective clothing, keep headlights on, and avoid lingering in drivers’ blind spots.
- Avoid High-Risk Conditions: Night riding, excessive speeds, and poorly lit rural highways increase crash likelihood.
- Exercise Caution at Intersections: Failure to yield is a leading cause of motorcycle collisions; slow down, scan all directions, and anticipate drivers’ actions.
- Never Ride Impaired or Distracted: Alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and mobile phone use significantly compromise reaction time and situational awareness.
- Report Dangerous Driving: Alert authorities or local programs to aggressive driving, unsafe lane changes, or reckless behavior that endangers riders and pedestrians alike.
Hawaii (6th) recorded the lowest total fatality rate of 8.55 per 100,000 residents, New Hampshire (7th) recorded 8.91, Utah (8th) 9.14, Connecticut (9th) 9.55, and Washington (10th) 9.62 per 100,000 residents.
Table of Extended Results:
| Top 10 U.S. States Safest for Pedestrians and Motorcyclists | ||
| State | Total Fatality Rate per 100,000 Residents | Rank |
| Massachusetts | 6.16 | 1 |
| Rhode Island | 6.38 | 2 |
| New York | 6.55 | 3 |
| Minnesota | 7.59 | 4 |
| New Jersey | 8.40 | 5 |
| Hawaii | 8.55 | 6 |
| New Hampshire | 8.91 | 7 |
| Utah | 9.14 | 8 |
| Connecticut | 9.55 | 9 |
| Washington | 9.62 | 10 |
The study was conducted by Kuzyk Law, a law firm specializing in representation for car accidents, premises liability, wrongful death, bike, pedestrian, and catastrophic injury claims. With over four decades of experience and a track record serving 100,000+ clients, they offer free consultations and no upfront fees.
Methodology
The research analyzed pedestrian and motorcyclist crash data between 2019 and 2023, sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) FARS database. The average annual crash counts and state population figures were used to calculate fatality rates per 100,000 residents. These rates were then compared to identify the top 10 states with the lowest combined fatality risk for pedestrians and motorcyclists.
