Motorcyclists are substantially over-represented in serious road injuries relative to distance travelled. Several factors account for most of the variation between riders.
The gear
A helmet meeting a recognised standard is the single largest factor in survival. Beyond that, protective clothing changes the outcome of the crashes people survive – abrasion injuries are severe and largely preventable.
Armoured jacket, gloves, boots covering the ankle, and trousers with protection. The common pattern is full gear on long rides and none on short ones, and short rides are where most crashes happen.
Training
Advanced rider training shows measurable effects on crash involvement. Emergency braking in particular is a skill that has to be practised, because the instinct under panic is wrong and there is no time to think.
The highest-risk situations
Junctions, where a driver turns across a rider’s path. This is the most common serious collision type and it is usually attributed to the driver not seeing the motorcycle.
The practical response is position and speed – riding where you are visible, covering the brakes approaching junctions, and assuming you have not been seen.
Rural bends taken too fast, which is the most common single-vehicle crash.
Visibility
Bright clothing and daytime running lights have evidence behind them, though the effect is smaller than often claimed. Road position does more.
The uncomfortable data
A meaningful share of fatal motorcycle crashes involve no other vehicle, excessive speed, or alcohol. Those are within the rider’s control entirely.