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Illinois State Police respond to
numerous fatal motorcycle crash as summer kicks off
[July 02, 2025]
SPRINGFIELD – As summer gets into
full swing, the Illinois State Police (ISP) is reminding the public
about the importance of motorcycle safety for everyone on the road.
In just the past week, ISP alone responded to four motorcycle
fatalities.
Summer is historically when the highest number of motorcycle crashes
and fatalities occur. A National Highway Transportation and Safety
Administration (NHTSA) assessment shows from 2013-2022, 47% of
motorcycle fatalities occur during the summer months. According to
NHTSA, motorcycles account for less than 3% of all registered
vehicles, but comprise an estimated 12% of all traffic fatalities.
To date in 2025, there have been 44 motorcycle fatalities in
Illinois according to Illinois Department of Transportation data.
Speed and driving while impaired
are two of the main causes of motorcycles fatalities and injuries.
According to NHTSA, 59% of motorcycle fatalities involved impaired
driving and 40% of serious injures involved speeding.
Important Safety Reminders for Motorcyclists:
Wear a helmet
Wear protective gear like eye protection, a sturdy jacket, pants,
boots, gloves
Make yourself visible by wearing high-visibilities colors and retro
reflective materials
Don’t ride impaired – alcohol or drugs
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Important
Safety Reminders for Drivers:
Always be on the lookout for motorcyclists, especially your
blind spot. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see in traffic
compared to cars and other vehicles,
Keep a safe distance from the motorcycle in front of you. They
can slow by downshifting instead of using their brakes.
Motorcyclists may change positions in their lane to avoid debris
in the road.
ISP encourages new riders to follow the IDOT Ride S.M.A.R.T.
guidelines, which emphasize sober riding, offers free license
waiver courses to get your motorcycle endorsement, and
highlights the importance of wearing proper safety gear,
including helmet, eye protection, gloves, jacket, pants, and
boots.
For those more experienced riders, IDOT also offers the
Advanced Rider Course (ARC) to increase skills and
confidence.
[Illinois State Police]
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