The number of motorcyclists killed on American roads rose in the most recent full year for which data is available, and fatalities among the youngest riders spiked sharply.

Motorcyclist deaths rose 1% in 2023 to more than 6,300, or 15% of all traffic deaths, while fatalities among riders ages 15 to 20 jumped 44% to 505, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.

Overall vehicle crashes involving teenage drivers spike in the summer months, according to a separate report AAA released this week. The motor club federation says that more than 13,000 traffic fatalities between 2019 and 2023 involved a teen driver, and over 30% of the deaths happened between the Memorial Day and Labor Day holidays.

In motorcyclist road deaths, drunk driving also plays a sizable role, according to NHTSA data. The number of alcohol-impaired motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes fell 6% to about 1,700 in 2023, the federal agency said. But 41% of riders killed in single-vehicle crashes were impaired.

The agency established a Motorcyclist Advisory Council last summer to help guide it on road safety issues for riders due their rising fatality numbers, with the goal of developing new policies and strategies.

“Far too many motorcyclists are still being killed or injured in traffic crashes across America,” said NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser in a press release on the 2023 fatalities. “These tragedies are preventable, and it is essential that both riders and drivers pay close attention to their driving habits and to each other while out on the roads.” 

Motorcyclist deaths stand out among U.S. traffic fatalities. In 2023, there were 31 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, compared to one passenger-car occupant fatality, the agency said.