The link between fatal motorcycle accidents and superbikes

Statistics from the Department of Transport reveal that, after several years of decline, the number of motorcyclists being killed on the UK's roads has started to rise again. In 2006, there was a 5% increase in motorcycle accident fatalities on Britain's roads, even though the number of motorcycling injuries in all fell by 6%.

Research into a similar trend in America suggests that this rise in deaths may be linked with the super powerful, high performance machines which have quickly grown in popularity over the past few years. In the US, motorcycle fatality rates now equal those from the 70s and 80s when safety equipment was a lot less effective and the road accidents were much more common.

Superbikes and motorbike fatalities
Data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been analysed to reveal that while just 10% of the motorbikes being sold off forecourts are superbikes, these powerful machines were involved in more than 25% of the fatal motorcycling accidents that occurred in 2005.

These figures demonstrate an association between superbikes and more serious road accidents. Unfortunately, figures concerning the number of those killed on superbikes aren't available in the UK, but there is a high likelihood that if investigated, there would be similar findings. On anecdotal evidence alone, both police and bikers seem to share this conclusion.

So why is it that motorcyclists are so much more likely to be killed when riding a superbike? After all, other bikes can travel at speeds in excess of 70mph; speeds which are likely to kill should the rider make a mistake or a hazard suddenly appear.

One possible reason behind the high fatality rate in superbike accidents is that those who can afford to ride these machines are the relatively inexperienced riders who have returned to biking in their 40s. These "born-again bikers" may not have been on a motorcycle for many years and risk the power of the new superbikes catching them unawares.

Helping you get compensation after a motorcycle accident
If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, YouClaim may well be able to help you make a successful compensation claim against the insurer of the other party.

Many people who are involved in motorcycle crashes suffer personal injuries which significantly affect their life, either temporarily or permanently. Our accident compensation solicitors are here to ensure that you get the personal injury compensation that your injuries warrant, as well as reimbursement for any costs or losses that have arisen.

There are never any costs or fees to pay with YouClaim. Our solicitors work on a no win, no fee basis and protect themselves by taking out an insurance policy at the beginning of the claim. This means that no matter what the outcome of your motorcycle claim, you don't have to pay a penny to anyone.

If you would like to find out more about claiming motorcycle accident compensation, telephone us now on 0800 10 757 95. Alternatively, you can also get in contact by requesting a call back or talking to us online via e-chat.