Sorry if it's been posted before but it made interesting reading...........
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT UK Motorcycle accident claims often give rise to substantial claims for damages due to the fact that bike riders are one of the most vulnerable classes of road user, and the number killed or seriously injured continues to rise year by year.
The prime cause of motorcycle accidents relates to the negligent actions of other road users particularly car drivers who tend to be inattentive towards motorcyclists and fail to anticipate their presence or actions.
One particular source of very serious accidents relates to car drivers emerging from a junction into the path of a rider. Most motorcycle accidents occur on urban roads at low speeds however 60% of all fatalities occur on country roads.
Some accidents are as a result of a defect in the highway. These defects could be the result of faulty road design, disrepair, inadequate maintenance, or failure to remove a road hazard.
In the event of an accident a claim can be made against a local or national highway authority for defective road repair or inadequate design.
It is often difficult to establish that the responsible party either knew of the road defect or should have reasonably known about the defect however our solicitors succeed on many such motorcycle accident cases every year.
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT FACTS
Approximately three quarters of motorbike accidents involve collision with another vehicle. Approximately a quarter of motorbike accidents did not involve any other driver. Vehicle failure accounts for less than 5% of motorbike accidents, and most of those were as a result a blowout. About two thirds of single vehicle accidents are caused by rider error. Highway defects are responsible for less than 5% of accidents. Two thirds of multiple vehicle accidents are caused by the driver of the other vehicle failing to accord right of way. The main cause of motorbike accidents is as a result of the motorist failing to see the motorbike. Most accidents occur with the motorbike proceeding straight when a car makes a left turn in front of the oncoming motorcycle. Junctions are the most likely place for an accident, with the other vehicle failing to accord right-of-way or ignoring traffic signals. Weather is a factor in less than 5% of motorbike accidents. Most accidents involve a short trip and the accident is likely to happen in a very short time close to the trip origin. Most motorcycle accident riders are aged between 16 and 24 years with female riders significantly over represented. The view of the motorbike is obstructed in about half of the multiple vehicle accidents. Accident involvement is significantly reduced by the use of motorcycle headlamps and the wearing of high visibility clothing. Fuel system leaks and spills were present in most accidents representing a fire hazard. Large displacement motorbikes are associated with more severe injuries. Motorbikes equipped with fairings and windshields are under represented in accidents because they are more conspicuous. Severity of injury increases with alcohol involvement, speed and motorbike size.
I think you will find the latest stats show 30-49 as the riskiest group, and those with over 500cc capacity. Also, road conditions are not just crap surfaces - poor signage is another large contributor to single vehicle accidents.
still - half involve a collision at junctions...say no more
29-Jun-2004, 15:09 
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