Motorbike Safety

Motorbike riders often report that they feel more ‘at risk’ on the roads than drivers of other motor vehicles.

Official statistics show that this feeling is a reality for motorcyclists: motorbike riders suffer more injury and fatalities than any other road user, including cyclists. Taking a closer look at official statistics  on motorbike safety can highlight where the dangers are, and how to avoid a being involved in a motorbike accident.

The following statistics are based on US, Australian and UK Department for Transport figures, and also academic studies, such as the Hurt Report.

How likely am I to be injured?

Data from the US government shows that:

  • Approximately 80% of reported motorcycle crashes cause injury or death to the rider. For car drivers this is only 20%.
  • Although motorbikes account for only 2% of US road traffic – bike riders make up over 5% of yearly road deaths.
  • In 2004, figures from the UK Department for Transport showed that, compared to cars, motorbike riders are 16 times more likely to suffer a serious injury on the roads.

How common are motorbike fatalities?

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau carried out a national survey to investigate motorcycle safety and the causes of bike accidents. They found that:

  • In the last decade, motorbike fatalities have increased more than for other drivers.
  • Motor bike riders are 30 times more likely to be killed on the road than any other driver.
  • For bikers under forty years old, this statistic is even more alarming. Riders in this age group are 36 times more likely to die on the roads than drivers of other vehicles.

Causes of motorbike claim injuries

The Hurt Report is the most ambitious recent study of motorbike accidents. The report discovered the types of accidents that were killing bikers. The Hurt Report found that:

  • Nearly75% of all motorbike accidents involved motorbikes and other vehicles. Only 25% were single crashes with obstacles or pedestrians.
  • The ‘single vehicle’ accidents were largely caused by rider error. Over 60% of these were caused by poor road skills, bad judgement or by the effects of alcohol. Over breaking and speeding were found to be widespread problems.
  • Alcohol was found to be a common safety risk. The Hurt report found that: “Almost half of the fatal accidents show alcohol involvement.”
  • Poor visibility is the most common reason for a collision with a car.
  • Drivers who wear high visibility gear- such as coloured jackets and fluorescent strips- have a ‘significantly’ improved chance of being seen by other vehicles. Visibility clothing dramatically reduces the chance of a motorbike claim.
  • Bike failure caused less than 3% of serious motorcycle accidents.
  • Weather is not a factor in 98% of motorcycle accidents.

As the statistics show, a motorbike claim can happen for many reasons; but many of these are as a result of negligence.

If you have been injured in a motorbike accident and feel you are not at fault, then you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Macks Solicitors are experienced in handling personal injury claims as a result of motorbike accidents. A motorbike claim could secure compensation to help you recover from your injuries. Making a claim with Macks solicitors will not cost you a penny, and you will keep 100% of your compensation. Call us today, or fill out our online claim form.

Fighting negligence has a knock on effect for the community, often leading to maintenance work and safer roads.