Research has consistently shown that motorcyclists are more likely to suffer from severe injuries as a result of a road accident compared to other motorists.

According to the Department for Transport, 10 per cent of all accidents involve motorcyclists, despite motorcyclists accounting for just 1 per cent of road traffic.

With the summer approaching, the numbers of cyclists and motorcyclists travelling along Britain's roads is expected to increase.

As a result, the number of accidents involving cyclists and motorcyclists could be likely to grow in line with the increasing figures.

To make matters worse, with the increased number of potholes posing an additional danger to road users and motorcyclists in particular, the number of road accidents involving motorcyclists could soar significantly.

Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe, said: "The contact patch between a motorcycle tyre and the road is smaller than a car tyre's contact patch, meaning that optimal grip is critical.

"Bikers rely more on the condition of the roads than car drivers, as any uneven surfaces can be felt directly by the rider when steering and cornering. A deflection caused by a pothole could easily result in the biker losing control of the bike and falling onto the road."

Motorcyclists should therefore ensure they take adequate safety measures, such as wearing a secure helmet before setting off on their journeys.

The helmet

Because motorcyclists are at more risk of suffering from severe personal damage in the event of an accident, it is important that they wear a good helmet.

After falling off his bike as the result of a large pothole, one man narrowly escaped suffering from severe injuries to his skull, or even death, thanks to his helmet.

The 45 year old had been riding his bike home from work when he travelled over a pothole which was covered in water. The pothole caused him to catapult off his bike over the handlebars and into the road.

He suffered from facial injuries which included a number of fractures such as a cracked jaw and a broken nose and may require further surgery in the future.

He claimed that a large piece of his helmet had been taken off as a result of the impact.

He said: "All I can remember is my face hitting the ground. There was a big chunk taken out of my cycle helmet. If I hadn't been wearing it, I dread to think what would have happened."

Furthermore, not only can potholes be deadly, they can also be costly.

The insurance

Potholes can cause severe damage to parts of the vehicle such as tyre damage.

Mr Jackson advised motorcyclists to seek professional advice from their local tyre dealer if their tyres have been damaged or if they are concerned that they will be damaged as a result of driving over potholes.

He said: "Any motorcyclists who are concerned about potential damage to their tyres caused by potholes or poor road surfaces should visit their local tyre dealer for professional advice."

Tyre damage, or any other damage to the vehicle results in increased cost.

It is therefore vital to have bike insurance and to check if your policy covers pothole damage.