Motorcycle deaths in Styria match all of last year’s total

Sixteen motorcyclists have died on roads in Styria this summer, matching the total for the whole of 2025, ORF reported. Experts cite overconfidence and a lack of riding experience as the main causes and recommend safety training and protective equipment.

Sunny weather and dry roads have drawn motorcyclists onto the roads. Peter Felber of the Kuratorium für Verkehrssicherheit, a road safety council, said last year had already seen the highest number of motorcycle crashes on record, and that this year appeared to be even worse.

Overconfidence and limited experience

Felber said overconfidence was often a factor, particularly among people who ride mainly at weekends. Riders may have little practice because they use their cars during the rest of the week, he said. The number of single-vehicle crashes in Styria has risen by 36 percent over the past five years.

Mario Wilfling, a driving safety instructor with ARBÖ, said excessive speed and insufficient safety distance were other frequent causes of crashes.

Protective equipment and prevention

A study by the Kuratorium für Verkehrssicherheit found that 31 percent of motorcyclists on rural roads do not wear suitable protective equipment. This can affect both the severity of injuries and the insurance-related consequences of a crash.

Road markings have been added to 20 left-hand bends to provide better orientation. Experts also recommend regular motorcycle safety training, noting that the risk of a crash is 37 times higher on a motorcycle than in a car. Motorcycles were involved in one-third of all fatal traffic crashes this year.