AAA: Motorcyclists Account for Nearly Half of All Animal-Related Crash Fatalities

Washington, D.C. (October 22, 2026)– For motorists, hitting a deer can mean costly vehicle damage. For motorcyclists, it can be fatal.

New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that motorcyclists account for nearly half (47%) of all fatalities in animal-related crashes, even though passenger vehicles are involved in most of these collisions.

Many motorcyclists in our area are enjoying the beautiful, fall weather. However, animal-related crashes peak in October and November, and AAA is urging motorists and riders to reduce speed and remain vigilant, especially at dawn and dusk when wildlife activity is highest.

Animal-related crashes result in an estimated 353,800 police-reported crashes, nearly 49,725 injuries, and 277 deaths annually in the United States according to the study.

The research also found that animal-related motorcycle crashes are most common during the summer riding season, peaking in July. Nearly 80% of motorcyclist fatalities involved a direct impact with an animal, compared with just 19% of fatalities among occupants of passenger vehicles.

“For a motorcyclist, an unexpected encounter with wildlife can be catastrophic,” said Ragina Ali, Public and Government Affairs Manager for AAA Club Alliance and a member of the Latin American Motorcycle Association (LAMA Baltimore). “Riders lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, and even a relatively small animal can trigger a serious crash. Slowing down, scanning roadsides for movement, and remaining alert at night and during peak wildlife activity can provide the valuable seconds needed to react safely.”

When and Where Animal-Related Crashes Are Most Likely to Occur

Researchers identified several recurring factors:

•Dark conditions: Approximately 70% occur in darkness, dawn, or dusk.

•Rural roads: Most crashes occur on rural roadways.

•Higher speeds: Most occur on roads with speed limits of 45 mph or higher.

•Fall peak: Animal-related crashes are most common in October and November.

Safety Tips for Motorcyclists

AAA recommends riders:

•Slow down on rural roads and in areas where wildlife may be present.

•Be especially vigilant at dawn, dusk, and night, when animals are most active and visibility is reduced.

•Scan the roadside for movement near wooded areas, fields, and ditches.

•Use high beams when appropriate and switch to low beams when approaching other traffic.

•Avoid sudden swerving, which can lead to a loss of control.

•Ride within your sight distance so you have sufficient time to identify hazards and respond safely.

The AAA Foundation study analyzed national crash data from 2020 through 2024 and highlights the severe consequences riders can face when wildlife suddenly enters the roadway.

About the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a nonprofit research and education organization dedicated to identifying traffic safety problems, fostering research to find solutions, and sharing information that helps prevent crashes, injuries, and fatalities.