AAA study finds motorcyclists account for nearly half of animal crash deaths

Motorcyclists accounted for 47% of deaths in U.S. animal-related crashes from 2020 through 2024, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

The study estimated that animal-related incidents produce about 353,800 police-reported crashes, 49,725 injuries and 277 deaths annually. Most crashes involved passenger vehicles, but motorcyclists faced a disproportionately high share of deaths.

About 70% of the crashes occurred in darkness, at dawn or at dusk, and most occurred on rural roads with speed limits of at least 45 mph, the researchers reported. Animal-related motorcycle crashes are most common during the summer riding season, peaking in July, though overall, animal-related crashes are most common in October and November.

AAA advises riders to reduce speed, scan roadsides near woods and fields, use high beams when appropriate, and avoid sudden swerving.

Click here to read the full study.