As the weather gets warmer, more motorcyclist hit the roads in Connecticut. But that also increases the potential for danger.
There have been nine motorcycle fatalities in the state through May 7, including a 19-year-old who died as a result of a crash in Bristol on May 2 and a man died in Wallingford as a result of a fatal motorcycle crash on May 3, according to the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
Over the last 10 years, there have been more than 500 fatalities and 12,600 serious crashes involving motorcycles in the Connecticut, according to the University of Connecticut's Connecticut Crash Data Repository. During that 10-year-span, the months with the most crashes in Connecticut are June with over 2,000 crashes, May (1,700) July (1,900), August (1,800) and September (1,700).
UConn's Connecticut Crash Data Repository shows there were 518 fatalities from January 2015 to May 1, 2025. The data also shows that, yearly, 184 to 252 crashes involving motorcycles that have resulted in serious injuries or death. The biggest year for serious crashes was in 2016 with 252. The deadliest year in that 10-year span was 2021 with 61 fatalities.
Howard Fuller, an instructor for the Connecticut Rider Education Program at Tunxis Community College, said attitudes are different on the roads these days with distracted and disrespectful driving toward others.
"For the most part we are trying to share the road with you guys," Fuller said. "We ask that you not drive distracted. It's a privilege to drive. Whether in a car or a motorcycle, I think people lose sight of that. I think if the privilege got taken away, maybe some of this stuff would start being different."
Fuller said drivers should always look twice and drive with extra caution for motorcycles on curves and in intersections when motorcycles can be tougher to see.
Fuller said he also talks about his students about limiting the risks while riding.
"We talk about riding the motorcycle in prime condition and making sure everything is functional," Fuller said. "We also need good mental awareness and not get on a motorcycle after a fight or when you are mad. You can't drive angry. Our mood sets the tone for how we are going to ride."
Tracy Noble, a spokesperson for AAA Club Alliance, said the number of motorcyclists killed continues to be troubling.
"We had our first taste of nice spring weather last week, and motorcycles will be on our roadways throughout the summer," Noble said. "We have to remember they are on the road and have every right to be on the roads. But motorcycles also need to adhere to the rules of the road, including the speed limits and driving sober."
Noble said drivers need to share the road and be on the lookout for motorcycles that can be tougher to spot.
"Motorcycles can come up in a flash and you won't be able to see them like a normal vehicle," Noble said. "Focus and paying attention can go a long way. Allow plenty of space following when following a motorcycle because they don't have the same protection. In Connecticut, helmets are optional and if there is a crash the last thing you want to do is strike them so give them extra space."
"If you have a motorcycle weaving through traffic don't engage," she added. "You are always in control of your own decisions and just let them go."
Noble cited a National Safety Council study showing the trends of motorcycle deaths growing nationally.
"Although motorcycles make up only 3% of all registered vehicles and 0.7% of all vehicle miles traveled in the United States, motorcyclists accounted for 14.6% of all traffic fatalities and 3.5% of all injuries in 2022," the National Safety Council said.
Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, showed 6,335 motorcyclists were killed nationwide in 2023, which accounted for 15% of all traffic fatalities. The motorcyclist fatality rate was nearly 28 times higher than the passenger car occupant fatality rate in traffic crashes across the country in 2023. Nationwide, motorcycle fatalities have increased 44% for ages 15 to 20, with 505 in 2023 and 350 in 2022, according to the NHTSA.
"Far too many motorcyclists are still being killed or injured in traffic crashes across America. These tragedies are preventable, and it is essential that both riders and drivers pay close attention to their driving habits and to each other while out on the roads," NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser said in a statement. "This month and year-round we want everyone to remember that motorcyclists' safety is everyone's safety."
Wearing a DOT-compliant helmet while riding is especially important for preventing motorcyclist fatalities, according to the NHTSA. In 2023, 51% of motorcyclists were killed in states without universal helmet laws as compared to 10% in states with universal helmet laws.
By law, helmets are optional for Connecticut riders 18 and older. Noble said helmet use has increased nationally by 74% in 2023.
"The importance of motorcyclists and their passengers wearing a helmet cannot be overstated," said Noble. "Like those who don't wear seat belts, motorcyclists and their passengers who don't wear helmets are much more likely to be killed or suffer serious injuries in the event of a crash."
"I believe in freedom of choice," Fuller said in regard to helmets. "We have that option in this state. For safety reasons, common sense would lend itself to wearing a helmet. But if you get run over by an 18-wheeler and all of your bones are broken and you are paralyzed but you have a well-preserved brain -- I can see both sides of it. But a silly little bump from behind and your head without a helmet hits the car in front of you and you suffer a brain injury.
"I believe in individual choice and it's up to the rider," he added. "I think once a rider has an incident and survives it, they probably learn their lesson. But there are some hot days out here and people don't want to put on their gear and to me it's all about personal choice."
The NHTSA suggests wearing high-visibility protective gear and DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets along with observing all traffic laws and obeying the speed limit, driving and riding alcohol- and drug-free, avoiding distractions while driving or riding, yielding to motorcyclists, especially when drivers are turning at intersections, and completing a motorcycle rider education and training course.
Alex Mario, an attorney with the Carter Mario Law Firm and daughter of the firm's founder, Carter Mario, grew up riding on the back of her father's motorcycle. She said that there is not enough awareness about driving safety, especially with those who are on motorcycles.
"My dad has driven his motorcycle his whole life," Alex Mario said. "He stopped riding his motorcycle as frequently as he did. He goes to areas where he knows there aren't going to be as many cars on the road because of how much distracted driving is a part of our lives nowadays."
Alex Mario cited distracting driving as one of the biggest dangers on the road.
"The mentality in general for motorcyclists is people don't pay enough attention with other cars let alone motorcycles," Alex Mario said. "Motorcycles don't have the width or the double headlights, they are not as obvious to see them coming. If you've seen the safety PSA commercials about looking twice for motorcyclists. That is really something people should do more of. You also have motorcyclists that weave through cars and cars don't always love motorcyclists. I do think there's an opinion on both sides but overall, I think the motorcyclist thinks everyone needs to pay more attention because it is scary out there."
At the end of the day, Fuller said, everyone just wants to get home safely.
"There's lots of debate on how motorcycles ride and weave in and out of traffic -- those guys are out of their risk offset. Zooming around and passing people going 150 -- they are just thrill seekers," Fuller said. "But I would say to distracted drivers out there to open your eyes and be more respectful. We all have families we want to get home to and just want to enjoy our ride."