Massachusetts Motorcycle Crashes: Why the Severity Rate Demands Immediate Action The moment metal meets pavement, a motorcyclist’s life changes forever. With 71 motorcycle operator fatalities across Massachusetts in 2024—a staggering 22% increase from the previous year—the reality is that riders face extraordinary risks every time they take to the road. Unlike car accidents where occupants have protective barriers, airbags, and seatbelts, motorcycle crashes expose riders to direct impact with the road, other vehicles, and fixed objects. The vulnerability is stark: