Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users in the Americas, where powered two- and three-wheelers account for 25% of road traffic fatalities. Reliable data on risk factors is therefore essential to develop effective public policies, strengthen enforcement and design evidence-based awareness initiatives.

Funded by FIA Region IV through the Safe and Sustainable Mobility Grants Programme with support from the FIA Foundation, and conducted by 50 trained observers, including FIA Member Clubs, partners and local governments, the study aimed to identify key risk factors for motorcyclists in 10 capital cities in South and Central America: Buenos Aires (Argentina), La Paz (Bolivia), Bogotá (Colombia), San José (Costa Rica), Quito (Ecuador), Guatemala City (Guatemala), Tegucigalpa (Honduras), Montevideo (Uruguay), Lima (Peru) and Asunción (Paraguay).

With 37,894 motorcycles and 43,105 occupants observed between July and August 2025, the study represents one of the largest observational surveys carried out by the FIA in the Latin American region.

By analysing risk factors across 10 cities, the study identified consistent patterns, including helmet use, distracted riding and compliance with pedestrian crossings:

• Helmet use* - Nearly 90% of riders wear helmets, with the study assessing correct fastening and helmet condition. This figure falls to around 70% for passengers;
• Visibility - Fewer than 25% of riders wear reflective clothing and almost 40% ride without lights on;
• Distracted riding - Over 20% of individuals were observed using their mobile phone while riding;
• Respect for pedestrians - Almost 30% of riders were observed failing to respect pedestrian crossings, with nearly 20% not stopping at traffic lights.

The transport of children under 15 years of age on motorcycles was also observed. While the incidence was relatively low across the cities surveyed (less than 5%), helmet use within this age group is below 50%, highlighting the need to strengthen education and protection for young road users.

Additional findings include comparisons with commercial motorcyclists, such as couriers and delivery riders, who face higher risk exposure due to longer riding times and slightly lower compliance with traffic regulations.

Distracted riding and mobile phone use among commercial motorcyclists is nearly double that observed among non-commercial riders, underscoring the need for enhanced enforcement, training and sector-focused awareness campaigns.

Ricardo Morales Rubio, FIA Region IV President, said: “This study has provided us with clear evidence and consistent patterns to guide smarter road safety action. While helmet use among riders is encouraging, the gaps among passengers, children and commercial riders show there is still work to do. With stronger enforcement, education and collaboration with Member Clubs, we can better protect motorcyclists across the region.”

Throughout 2026, FIA Region IV and its Member Clubs plan to replicate the study beyond capital cities, moving into a second phase aimed at reducing capital-city bias and improving representativeness at national level, in order to provide a more comprehensive picture of motorcyclist road safety across the region.

* While helmet use was observed throughout the study, the survey assessed correct fastening and visible condition, but not certification status. Even if helmet use is high, head injury remains a risk for riders wearing low quality helmets.