Nevada Motorcycle Accident Statistics: What Riders Need to Know
Nevada’s roads present unique challenges for motorcyclists, from the bustling streets of Las Vegas to the isolated stretches of desert highways. Understanding the scope of motorcycle accidents in the state is crucial for both riders and those who share the road with them. Recent data reveals a concerning trend: motorcycle fatalities in Nevada have risen sharply, with 82 riders losing their lives in 2024—a 28% increase from the previous year. This represents the fourth-deadliest year on record for Nevada traffic fatalities overall, with motorcyclists bearing a disproportionate share of these tragic losses.
Motorcyclists in Nevada face approximately 28-31 times the risk of fatal accidents compared to passenger car occupants when accounting for miles traveled. With over 86,000 registered motorcycles on Nevada roads, awareness of accident statistics, contributing factors, and safety laws has never been more important. Because motorcyclists sustain more serious injuries after a crash, motorcycle accident settlements are often higher than other types of vehicle accidents.
Nevada Motorcycle Fatality Statistics (2024-2025)
The first half of 2025 continues the troubling trend:
- Las Vegas Metro Area: By April 13, 2025, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) reported 14 motorcycle fatalities, a 40% increase from the 10 deaths in the same period in 2024 (News 3 Las Vegas).
- Statewide: By May 31, 2025, Nevada had recorded 29 motorcycle fatalities. By July 6, fatalities within the LVMPD’s jurisdiction had reached 22 (News 3 Las Vegas).
- Clark County continues to account for over 70% of Nevada’s motorcycle fatalities.
2024 Statistics:
- 82 motorcycle fatalities statewide, a 28% increase from 2023 (Zero Fatalities Nevada 2024 Report).
- Clark County recorded 67 motorcycle deaths, up from 52 in 2023 (Zero Fatalities Nevada).
- 2024 was the fourth-deadliest year on record for Nevada traffic fatalities (RJ Review-Journal).
2023 Statistics:
- 69 motorcycle fatalities statewide (IIHS 2023).
- 8.0 deaths per 10,000 registered motorcycles.
- Motorcyclists represented about 24% of all traffic deaths in Nevada, despite being less than 1% of the vehicle miles traveled.
2022 Statistics:
- 88 motorcycle fatalities statewide; 10.23 deaths per 10,000 registered motorcycles.
Crash Examples (2025):
- April 2025: Motorcyclist ran a red light and crashed into a public RTC bus at Rainbow Blvd and Desert Inn Rd (News 3 Las Vegas).
- April 2025: Fatal high-speed, lane-splitting crash on I-11 to I-215 westbound (News 3 Las Vegas).
- July 2025: Red Rock Canyon—rider lost control on a curve and struck a boulder (News 3 Las Vegas).
How Nevada Ranks Nationally for Motorcycle Safety
By 2022, Nevada had climbed to the 5th most dangerous state for motorcyclists (IIHS). The fatal crash rate ranks Nevada 15th nationally at 8.0 fatal crashes per 10,000 registered motorcycles (LendingTree study).
- Speeding: 32.67% of drivers in fatal motorcycle crashes were speeding—the highest among top-risk states.
- Alcohol involvement: 27.33% of fatal motorcycle crash drivers were under the influence.
- National: 6,335 motorcycle fatalities in 2023 (highest ever recorded, per IIHS Motorcycle Data 2023).
- National: About 34% of fatal motorcycle riders in 2023 had no valid license (NHTSA TSF 2023).
Lt. Cody Fulwiler (LVMPD) confirmed in media interviews that rider inexperience is a causal factor in a majority of fatalities.
Nevada vs. Neighboring States Comparison
Fatalities per 10,000 Registered Motorcycles (2023):
| State | Fatalities | Registered Motorcycles | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 257 | 228,749 | 6 |
| Nevada | 69 | 86,060 | 15 |
| California | 583 | 936,809 | 25 |
| Oregon | 70 | 136,648 | 35 |
| Idaho | 39 | 75,017 | 38 |
| Utah | 42 | 105,029 | 42 |
Sources: LendingTree Study, IIHS
Nevada Trends Over Time (2017-2024)
| Year | Fatalities | Registered Motorcycles | Deaths/10,000 | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 59 | 74,740 | 7.89 | — |
| 2018 | 63 | ~78,000 | 8.08 | +7% |
| 2019 | 55 | ~80,000 | 6.88 | -13% |
| 2020 | 58 | ~82,000 | 7.07 | +5% |
| 2021 | 79 | ~84,000 | 9.40 | +36% |
| 2022 | 88 | 86,060 | 10.23 | +11% |
| 2023 | 69 | 86,060 | 8.02 | -22% |
| 2024 | 82 | 86,060 (est.) | 9.53 | +19% |
Sources: NHTSA 2019-2021 Data, KNPR 2021 Report, IIHS 2023, Zero Fatalities Nevada 2024
Most Dangerous Roads/Areas in Nevada for Motorcyclists
Key hazards for riders in Nevada include:
- Interstate 15 (Las Vegas to California)—high speeds, aggressive driving, and complex interchanges.
- US-93, US-50, State Route 431 (Mt. Rose Highway), State Route 160, Boulder Highway—remote terrain, dangerous curves, or high traffic areas (match to Nevada DOT/Zero Fatalities data as available).
- Las Vegas hotspots: Tropicana & Pecos, Flamingo & Las Vegas Blvd, Rainbow & Charleston, Red Rock Canyon loop, and more—see local news for 2025 crash clusters.
Temporal and geographic patterns: Most fatalities occur in urban Clark County, especially between noon and 9:00 p.m., peaking in late summer and on weekends (NDOT Crash Facts).
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Nevada
Common 2025 factors in deadly Nevada motorcycle crashes:
- Excessive speed and impaired driving remain primary drivers (LVMPD).
- Unlicensed/inexperienced riders: “We definitely see inexperience as being a causal factor in a majority of those motorcycle fatalities.” — Lt. Cody Fulwiler, LVMPD (News 3 Las Vegas). Nationally, 34% of fatally injured motorcyclists had no valid license in 2023 (NHTSA TSF 2023).
- Specific rider behaviors in 2025 crashes:
- Running red lights and colliding with vehicles (notably, an RTC bus in April 2025 News 3 Las Vegas).
- Reckless lane-splitting at high speeds (fatal crash, April 2025 News 3 Las Vegas).
- Loss of control on sharp curves (Red Rock Canyon fatality, July 2025 News 3 Las Vegas).
- Other major contributors: failing to yield right-of-way, distracted driving, left-turn and intersection conflicts, and hazardous road conditions.
Nevada Motorcycle Safety Laws
Nevada enforces a universal helmet law (‘DOT’ standard helmets required for all ages). Eye protection is required without a windshield. Riders must have a Class M license (Nevada DMV). Minimum insurance (25/50/20) is mandatory for all motorcyclists.
Studies confirm universal helmet laws reduce deaths and head injuries compared to partial helmet law states (IIHS).
Insurance Claims
Factors Influencing Claim Value: Motorcycle accident settlements in Nevada are often higher than car accident settlements because riders are much more likely to sustain severe or catastrophic injuries.
Injury Severity: Catastrophic injuries (like traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury) can result in settlements well into the millions.
Nevada’s Comparative Negligence Law: Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages.
Insurance Coverage: Nevada has a minimum bodily injury liability requirement of $25,000 per person, which can limit the recovery amount if the at-fault driver has minimal insurance.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Nevada
If you’re involved in an accident:
- Move to a safe area and call 911
- Document the scene with photos/video
- Exchange information with all parties and avoid admitting fault
- Seek medical care—even if injuries feel minor
- Report to your insurer and protect evidence (do not let the bike be repaired or scrapped until documented)
- Consult a qualified personal injury attorney with a track record of helping motorcycle accident victims