According to the Centers for Disease Control’s Teen Driver Fact Sheet, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teens. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s Young Drivers Traffic Safety Facts data shows that 2,116 drivers aged 15 to 20 died in traffic crashes in 2021, an increase of 11 percent from 1,899 in 2020.

By their design, motorcycles are far less crash-worthy (i.e., resistant to the effects of collision) than closed vehicles. Motorcyclists and their passengers are more vulnerable to the hazards of weather and road conditions than drivers in closed vehicles. They are also less visible to other drivers and pedestrians and less stable than four-wheel vehicles. Additionally, motorcycle operation requires a different combination of physical and mental skills than those used in driving cars and trucks.

The cost of auto insurance can be affected by the vehicle's cost and crashworthiness (the degree to which it can protect occupants from the effects of an accident) and by the driver's safety habits. Insurers support raising awareness about safe driving practices, such as seatbelt usage and avoiding driving while under the influence of alcohol. These initiatives reinforce public safety and help to reduce costs for policyholders and insurers.