The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) does not typically investigate motorcycle crashes. However, the high number of motorcyclist deaths in the U.S. compelled the agency to study that mode of transportation in order to determine ways to prevent crashes and improve safety.

Motorcyclists have the highest risk of death of all motor vehicle users, representing 14 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2016 while accounting for less than one percent of all vehicle miles traveled.