Motorcyclists have been warned to “expect the unexpected” when driving on Suffolk roads as new figures reveal the number of fatal collisions that have happened in the county.

Between January 2011 and September 14 this year, 34 motorcyclists have died in Suffolk as a result of a crash – and only two of the victims were female.

Since Suffolk Constabulary released the statistics following a Freedom of Information request, another male motorcyclist was involved in a collision with a car near Barton Mills on October 2. US Air Force Airman 1st Class Darren Phillips, 20, was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge where he later died as a result of his injuries.

This takes the total number of motorcyclists killed on Suffolk roads this year to six - the same number that occurred in 2014.

In 2013, the figure reached a four-year high with nine deaths; there were six in 2012 and eight in 2011.

Chief Inspector Chris Spinks, head of roads policing in Norfolk and Suffolk, said: “My advice is to drive and ride defensively; expect the unexpected. When approaching hazards, such as junctions or crossings, motorists and motorcyclists should adjust their speed, allowing them time to react to any unforeseen situations.

“There are always other factors to consider including other road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, levels of traffic and weather conditions. Excess speed or lack of attention can result in serious or fatal collisions and we want to do all we can to raise awareness of measures that can be taken to prevent these.”

In September last year, the family of Norfolk motorcyclist David Holmes gave permission to police to release a video taken from a headcam showing the moment Mr Holmes collided with a car and was killed on the A47 at Honingham in June 2013. The video has been viewed by more than 17 million people worldwide and includes emotional footage of Mr Holmes’ mother Brenda warning motorists to slow down.

The 38-year-old had been travelling at about 97mph at the time of the collision. While he was travelling above the speed limit, the driver of the car admitted to police in an interview that he had not seen Mr Holmes, nor a car behind the motorcycle, before the collision.

David’s Story was released by Norfolk Constabulary as a hard-hitting safety campaign in the hope that it would shock drivers into taking more care on the roads.

Suffolk Constabulary recommends additional training for motorcyclists through Safe Rider workshops.

For more information, visit: www.suffolk.police.uk/safetyadvice/roadsafety.aspx