Nationally, 5,932 motorcyclists were killed in 2021. 161 of those occurred on South Carolina roadways. But motorcycle rides are still overrepresented in traffic fatalities. In South Carolina, our target is zero motorcycle fatalities on our roads.

• According to the South Carolina Collision Data, in 2019, there were 123 motorcyclist fatalities on South Carolina’s roadways, according to the 2019 Traffic Collision Fact Book.
• Preliminary figures for 2020 show a slight decrease in motorcyclist fatalities (116).
• Nationally, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,014 motorcyclists were killed in 2019.
• More information can be found in the Traffic Collision Fact Book.

Motorcycle Awareness

Motorists should understand the safety challenges faced by motorcyclists because it’s easy to overlook them due to their size and profile. So drivers, remember - your car can kill. Be on the lookout for motorcycles. Share the road safely with motorcyclists and other vulnerable roadway users.

• Look twice for motorcycles, especially at intersections.
• Always assume motorcycles are closer than they appear to be.
• Avoid turning in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
• Use your turn signals and check your blind spot before changing lanes.
• Don’t follow a motorcycle too closely.
• Give motorcyclists a full lane.
• Obey posted speed limits.
• Don’t drive distracted.

Highway safety is a two-way street, so let's work together to stay safe on the road. 

Motorcycle Awareness Graphics