Riders in the UK are involved in a high number of motorbike accidents in relation to how many of them are actually on the road.

There are lots of initiatives around to improve rider safety, including the long-running Think Bike! campaign, and Get a Grip.

Motorcyclists are just 1% of total road traffic, but account for 19% of all road user deaths, and approximately three-quarters of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured in collisions involve a car.

Advanced training is beneficial, but the University of Nottingham Centre for Motorcycle Ergonomics & Rider Human Factors Department has created a motorcycle simulator to look in detail at riders' attitudes, behaviours and skills in relation to their level of experience.

This has highlighted that experience alone doesn't make for a safer rider, and in some instances on the test, experienced riders behaved like novices. It also highlights that advanced training develops better skills, such as good road positioning, good hazard perception, and generally safer riding skills.

However, no matter how well equipped you are, you're still vulnerable.

So does the answer lie in technology? 

The EU is trying to make advanced braking systems (ABS) mandatory on all powered two wheelers. If the proposal gets approval it's likely to be fully implemented in 2017. It will no doubt have a significant impact on road safety, allowing riders to stop more safely and with a reduced stopping distance.

Other technology is advancing quickly, and the Motor Industry Research Association has been testing the Saferider system, which includes:

• frontal collision warning
• speed limit warning
• curve warning
• intersection support
• lane change support

Saferider will also include navigation and route guidance, weather information, traffic information and a black spot warning system, all deployed through various channels, including a display, a vibrating seat, a haptic (touch sensitive) handle and feedback throttle, and a smart helmet. 

The helmet system monitors the blind spots around the rider and a motor is put in the cheek pad of the rider's helmet which vibrates if they fail to notice an object. There's also a collision detection system to warn of imminent impact, allowing the rider to take appropriate action. 

The systems have already been tested on track, and there are suggestions that the technology will find its way onto within two years. 

Access Legal from Shoosmiths associate Simon Richards said: "I know there are a lot of bikers who aren't interested in having lots of tech on their bikes for one reason or another, but when there are so many killed each year we must look to improve safety on the roads.

"There are so many technology advances in the market now, that we'll hopefully see a parallel reduction in the number of motorbike accidents."

For further information regarding motorbike accidents, visit our page.

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