Motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal drunk-driving crashes. In one recent Labor Day period, 39% of motorcycle riders who died were impaired. Compared to drivers of cars or trucks, motorcyclists had the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired operators in fatal crashes. The message is clear: riding under the influence is a major risk — to yourself and to others on the road.

Even small amounts of alcohol affect your ability to ride. At a blood alcohol level of 0.02, your vision and multitasking ability begin to decline. At 0.05, coordination and emergency response are compromised. And by 0.08, concentration, memory, and speed control are significantly impaired. Riding a motorcycle demands focus, balance, and fast reactions — alcohol undercuts all of that.

If you’re planning to drink, leave the bike behind. Don’t let friends ride drunk, and if you’re hosting, make sure guests have sober ways to get home. A DUI can cost around $10,000, but the real price could be someone’s life. Riding sober is the only safe choice.

Find more from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (USA, 2024)