The most unfortunate stats for any motorcycle rider are the numbers of accidents on two wheels. Here are some details you won’t like reading:

Motorcyclists as total percentage of traffic: 1%
Motorcyclists as total percentage of fatalities: 19%

Number of motorcyclist deaths in 2006: 379
Number of motorcyclist serious injuries in 2006: 2,103

We hope you agree that, unlike the performance stats for that superbike you’ve got your eye on, these figures are nothing worth boasting about.

But here’s a more welcome figure. The THINK! Road Safety Campaign is aiming for a 40% reduction in deaths and serious injuries by 2010.

And as a result, they can recommend some modifications to your road-going set up. Here are those canny adjustments in full:

• Wear an approved motorcycle helmet
  Colour: white or at least bright.
  Requirements: undamaged, securely fitting
• Wear protective clothing
  Colour: fluorescent (day), reflective (night).
  Look for: Good quality, CE seal of approval.
  Fine conditions: leathers offer unbeatable protection from grazing.
  Wet conditions: weatherproof armoured clothing keeps you dry and focussed
• Check your visor
  Watch out for: dirt, scratches.
  Note: avoid tinted visor or goggles at night

The final component you might want to enhance in time for the next journey is YOU. Tighten up your technique, especially at T-junctions.

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SAFE RIDING: KNOW THE RISKS

Courtesy of THINK!