Motorcycles have a far higher rate of crippling and fatal accidents per unit distance than automobiles. According to the U. S. Highway Safety Authority, in 2004 15.0 cars out of 100,000 ended up in fatal crashes while the rate for motorcycles is 69.3 per 100,000 (a ratio of 4.6 to 1). The picture is worse when distance travelled are taken into account: in 2004 in the U.S., there were 0.4 motorcyclist fatalities per million miles compared to 0.012 passenger car occupant fatalities per million miles (a ratio of 33 to 1).

The two major causes of motorcycle accidents in the United States, i.e., (1) motorists pulling out or turning in front of motorcyclists and violating their rights-of-way and (2) motorcyclists running wide in turns and crashing, are made more likely when motorcyclists mix drinking with riding.11 Motorcyclists can do much to anticipate and avoid these crashes by getting proper training, increasing their conspicuity to other traffic, and separating alcohol and riding.

An MSF rider course for novicesThe United Kingdom has a number of organizations which are dedicated to improving motorcycle safety by providing advanced rider training over and above what is necessary to pass the basic motorcycle test. These include the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). Along with increased personal safety, riders with these advanced qualifications often benefit from reduced insurance costs.

Motorcycle Safety Education is offered throughout the United States by a number of organizations ranging from state agencies to non-profit organizations to corporations. The courses, designed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), include a Basic Rider Course, an Intermediate Rider Course and an Advanced Rider Course.

In some Australian jurisdictions, such as New South Wales,12 the Australian Capital Territory13 and the Northern Territory,14 it is compulsory to undertake a rider training course before being issued a Learners Licence.

In Canada, motorcycle rider training is compulsory in Quebec and Manitoba only, but all provinces and territories have Graduated Licensing programs which place restrictions on new drivers until they have gained more experience. Eligibility for a full motorcycle license or endorsement for completing a Motorcycle Safety course varies from province to province. The Canada Safety Council (CSC), a non-profit safety organization, offers the Gearing Up program across Canada and is endorsed by the Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council.15 Again, training course graduates often benefit with reduced insurance premiums.