"Riding a motorcycle no matter where you are is dangerous," Quote Wizard noted when it released its report. "The open exposure compared to the confines of a vehicle presents a greater risk of bodily harm. Safety features are better than ever but injuries and death are an ever-present risk."

“The big takeaway we saw on both sides of the ranking list was the southern, warmer states came out on top in terms of having the highest rate of motorcycle fatalities, whereas the colder weather states had the lowest,” said Adam Johnson of Quote Wizard, who compiled the study. “It’s what we figured it would be. The less time folks are outside on motorcycles, the less danger they’re in of having a fatal accident.”

That explains the general pecking order, but it doesn’t clarify why little old Montana, among all the northern tier states and Alaska, ranks so much better than any of them.

“Both statistics really surprised me, but as I dug into it a little bit I guess I was surprised a little less,” Lavin said.

Yes, he agreed, fewer months of good riding weather plays into the low fatality rate for motorcycles.