Springfield, IL – As summer riding season ramps up across Illinois, state police are urging increased caution following a recent spike in deadly motorcycle crashes.
According to the Illinois State Police (ISP), troopers responded to four separate fatal motorcycle incidents in the past week alone. The agency is now emphasizing safety for both riders and drivers as motorcycle traffic intensifies during the summer months.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of all motorcycle fatalities occur between June and August. Though motorcycles represent less than 3% of registered vehicles, they account for about 12% of all traffic-related deaths nationwide. As of Monday, Illinois has reported 44 motorcycle fatalities so far in 2025, based on Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) data.
ISP officials cited speed and impaired driving as two leading causes of fatal and serious motorcycle crashes. NHTSA figures show that 59% of motorcycle deaths involve impaired drivers, and 40% of serious injuries involve speeding.
Motorcyclists are being urged to wear helmets and high-visibility protective gear, remain sober while riding, and take advantage of state training programs such as IDOT’s Ride S.M.A.R.T. initiative and the Advanced Rider Course.
Drivers are also reminded to check blind spots, maintain safe distances, and stay alert to motorcycles’ lane shifts and sudden stops, which may occur without brake lights due to downshifting.
“Motorcycle safety is a shared responsibility,” ISP stated in its release. “We want all riders and drivers to make it home safely.”
For more information on rider training and safety programs, visit IDOT’s official website or contact the ISP Public Information Office.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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