MRF Advocates For Stronger Rider Data Collection In Federal Crash-Avoidance Survey
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is pleased to announce that its recommendations have been incorporated into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) latest survey on motorcycle crash avoidance technology. The modifications, published in the Federal Register (Docket No. 2025‑07448), enhance the survey’s ability to capture rider demographics and behaviors, key factors for improving motorcycle safety policy.
“Engine size, years riding, annual mileage and safety training history are fundamental to understanding rider risk and behavior—but were missing from the original questionnaire,” said MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard. “We are pleased that NHTSA includes these elements in the proposed survey.”
The four factors mentioned above will now be included in the NHTSA survey that originally only asked about the type and number of motorcycles owned, as well as the geographic location, age and crash history of those responding to the survey.
“Collecting this data is a win for motorcyclists,” said Willard. “By tracking experience, exposure, and training—beyond mere crash counts—this study moves beyond safer crash outcomes toward true crash avoidance.” The MRF has long said that a crash that never happens is better than a safer crash.
All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. Motorcycle Riders Foundation. All rights reserved.