Document Type
Statistical Report
Publication Date
4-2024
Keywords
Motorcycle Safety, Motorcycle Licensing, Graduated Driver Licensing, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycle Permits, Motorcycle Testing
Abstract
The historical overrepresentation of motorcyclists in fatal traffic crashes is a pervasive issue faced by motorcycle safety stakeholders across the U.S. There are a multitude of factors involved in motorcycle crash rates and injury outcomes, but it is generally accepted that motorcycle licensing is a crucial element of an effective rider safety program. To better understand the role of licensing in motorcycle safety, this study conducted a policy review to document the current state-of-practice for motorcycle licensing and training in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Despite the existence of national uniform guidelines, this study revealed a high level of inconsistency in motorcycle testing, training requirements, and permit structures between states. At an exploratory level, this study also analyzed key licensing elements against a normalized, average motorcycle fatality rate, ultimately finding that states with mandatory training for all riders had a higher-than-average normalized fatality rate, whereas states that required all riders to engage in a permit system had a lower-than- average rate. While no direct causation can be attributed to the observed differences in states’ motorcycle fatalities, the findings of this research point to areas for further investigation while highlighting the need for a more standardized national framework for motorcycle licensing.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.5038/VQHQ7918
Scholar Commons Citation
Lee, Chanyoung and Wright, Savana, "Evaluation of Motorcycle Licensing Standards and Requirements in the United States" (2024). CUTR Internal Grant Research Program. 4.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/cutr_igrp/4
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
