Riding a motorcycle brings a sense of freedom that few other forms of travel can match. But for riders who’ve felt the wind on an open highway, that same freedom comes with real risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2023, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes, the highest number recorded since federal tracking began in 1975. In that reporting year, motorcyclists accounted for roughly 15 percent of all traffic fatalities, despite representing a much smaller share of vehicles on the road

For riders and their loved ones, it’s not enough to know that riding can be dangerous. What matters most is where those dangers are most pronounced and what contributes to the risks on those roads.

Why Some Highways Are More Dangerous Than Others

Federal crash data shows that a majority of fatal motorcycle crashes occur on non-interstate major roads, not freeways. In recent reporting, 56 percent of motorcycle fatalities happened on non-interstate roads, while only about 12 percent occurred on interstates and freeways (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). This highlights that danger is not limited to obvious high-speed corridors.

Still, several major highways consistently appear in analyses of motorcycle fatalities due to traffic volume, design, and environmental conditions.

The Most Risky Roads for Motorcycle Riders

A closer look at America’s most dangerous highways for motorcyclists reveals the stretches of road where fatal crashes happen most often. Data from recent years highlights these high-risk routes, helping riders stay informed and cautious.

I-80 (California)

Running east-west from San Francisco to the Rockies, this major corridor sees a blend of heavy truck traffic, rapidly changing terrain, and frequent weather shifts, all of which contribute to its reputation as a risky stretch for riders.

I-75 (Georgia)

Particularly around the Atlanta metro area, I-75 features choke points and heavy commuter traffic where motorcycles can be hard for drivers to see, and crashes often occur in stop-and-go conditions.

U.S.-50 (Nevada/California)

Known as one of the most isolated stretches in the lower 48 states, long, high-speed segments with limited services can mean delays in help after a crash, a reality that increases the risk of fatal outcomes.

I-70 (Colorado to Missouri)

From mountain passes to urban fringes, riders on I-70 must navigate changing slopes, unpredictable wind, and dense traffic around major cities.

U.S.-301 (Florida/Maryland)

Unlike the other examples above, U.S.-301 is not a high-speed interstate, but its intersections and merging zones create conflicts between vehicles and motorcycles, and those conflict points are often where serious injuries occur.

In a broader perspective, more localized data show that certain states consistently host the highest numbers of fatal motorcycle crashes, which often overlap with high-risk corridors: Florida, Texas, and California are repeatedly at the top of the list for total fatalities.

Common Factors That Increase Highway Risk

Understanding which highways are most dangerous is only part of the story. If you ride, it’s important to know why these roads are so risky:

• Speed Differences: Higher vehicle speeds increase the force of impact and decrease the time riders and drivers have to react. This disparity is especially dangerous when fast-moving cars do not see a slower or less visible motorcycle ahead of them.
• Limited Shoulder or Escape Space: Many high-traffic highways lack wide shoulders or safe pull-off areas. If a rider must swerve to avoid debris, a narrow shoulder can leave little room for error.
• Traffic Mix: Interstates and major highways blend cars, trucks, and sometimes motorcycles traveling at different speeds. Trucks’ large blind spots and car drivers’ difficulty seeing smaller bikes make these interactions especially dangerous.
• Weather and Visibility: Sudden storms, sun glare, and nighttime riding can hide hazards until it’s too late. Weather shifts are especially rapid in mountainous or desert regions found along highways like I-70 and U.S.-50.

Even experienced riders can be caught off guard, so understanding these hazards is essential for every journey.

Safety Isn’t Only About Where You Ride

Road design is only part of the equation. Rider behavior and driver behavior significantly influence outcomes.

In recent federal reporting, 41 percent of motorcyclists killed in single-vehicle crashes were alcohol impaired (NHTSA). Other contributing factors include speeding, lack of protective gear, and driver inattention.

Studies also show that many motorcycle crashes involve a driver who simply failed to notice the rider before impact (National Transportation Safety Board). On busy highways, distraction magnifies that risk.

Final Thoughts

For motorcyclists, road choice matters, but so does awareness, preparation, and defense. Highways like I-80, I-75, and U.S.-50 emerge in data as especially risky due to traffic mix, speed, and environment. At the same time, non-interstate major roads carry the greatest share of fatal crashes overall, revealing that danger isn’t limited to “scary” freeways but can be found on the roads riders use most often.

Knowing where risk concentrates is the first step toward reducing it, and for riders and advocates alike, that knowledge should fuel safer infrastructure, smarter policy, and sharper individual decision-making every time the engine starts.