Despite some of the negative motorcycle injury data portrayed in the media, motorbike riding remains a popular mode of transport and leisure activity. The majority of safe riders enjoy the free spirit and the excitement of the open road on a bike. However, riders are vulnerable, mainly because they do not have the protection of an outer layer of metal like most other road vehicles.
Bike accident statistics reveal that despite only making up 1% of road traffic, motorbike fatalities account for 21% of road user accidents. However, 2010 motorcycle figures showed that fatalities are down year on year.
High performance bikes
Motorbikes can be very powerful machines with high performance being marketed as the main appeal. These bikes are often classed as ‘superbikes’ and are prevalent in 25% of fatal motorcycle accidents per year. Also, motorbike sales statistics reveal that there is a correlation between motorbike sales and motorbike accidents.
Further bike accident statistics are highlighted in a 2011 report by the Department of Transport Statistics. It shows that the casualty rate per billion miles was 26 for a car driver, 542 for a pedestrian and 1868 for a motorcycle rider.
In an attempt to oppose the trend of poor bike accident statistics, a number of campaigns have been run. One initiative is the THINK! Motorcycling awareness campaign which works towards developing the relationship between motorcyclists and car drivers.
The premise behind it is to remind other vehicle drivers that motorcyclists are not always spotted on the road as easily as cars, for example. Further statistics reveal that car drivers who have a family relation who is a motorbike rider have more empathy and awareness of motorbike riders on the road.
Bike accident statistics also show there is a higher chance of receiving a head injury if you are involved in a motorbike accident. The THINK! campaign also encourages the wearing of a helmet for motorbike riders and pillion passengers at all times.
If you have suffered a motorbike injury through no fault of your own then please contact Motorcycle Injury Lawyers to begin the claims process. We have a team of specialised injury lawyers who will work hard to get you 100% of the compensation you deserve.
Disclaimer
Jefferies Solicitors accepts no responsibility for the figures which feature in this article. The content is based on information on bike accident statistics available at the time of publishing.
Sources
http://www.dft.gov.uk/topics/road-safety/rider-safety
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2011/jan/14/mortality-statistics-causes-death-england-wales-2009