Hon Dr Nick Smith
Minister for ACC
17 November 2009
Media Statement
Motorcycle accident record cannot be ignored
ACC minister Nick Smith responded to today’s motorcycle protest over proposed ACC levy increases by highlighting the
significant increase in fatalities and claims from motorcycle accidents.
“Forty six motorcyclists died last year in accidents, the highest number in a decade and nearly one a week,” Dr Smith
said.
“The number of motorcycle accident claims rose from 871 in 1998 to 5044 in 2008, a greater increase than any area of
claims. Over the past decade the road toll has dropped by 27% from 501 to 366 while the motorcycle toll has increased
21%.These accident statistics cannot be ignored by the Government or motorcycle fraternity.
“These increases cannot be explained away by the increase in motorcycle numbers. In 1998 there was an accident claim for
every 69 bikes whereas today there is a claim for every 19 bikes.
“I acknowledge today’s protest and the concern of motorcyclists on the scale of the levy increases being proposed by
ACC’s Board. My hope is that we might turn this negative debate over levies into a positive dialogue with Government
over how we can improve motorcycle safety.
“The scale of ACC’s financial problems means levy increases across the board are inevitable but it is unlikely the
Government will agree to the scale of increases being proposed by the ACC Board.
“ACC has received a record 2750 submissions on its levy proposals – up from 54 last year. More than 90% of the
submissions are from motorcyclists. The Board will carefully consider the submissions before making recommendations to
the Government.
“An option I am exploring with motorcycle clubs is a portion of the levy going into road safety programmes targeted at
injury prevention. We need to work together on reversing the awful trend in motorcycle fatalities and injuries.”
Attached: Motorcycle accident statistics 1998-2008
Calendar Year/Number of motorcycles/Claims accepted for injuries/Claims for fatal injuries/Number of motorcycles per
claim
1998/60,458/871/38/69
1999/59,390/684/26/87
2000/58,566/1,072/29/55
2001/57,836/1,757/36/33
2002/57,454/1,636/31/35
2003/56,047/2,433/32/23
2004/58,659/2,670/33/22
2005/63,756/3,659/34/17
2006/75,171/4,265/38/18
2007/85,356/5,013/38/17
2008/96,952/5,044/46/19
ENDS