As far as I know 50% of motorcycle fatalities of riders involve the rider using alcohol and another 25% of fatalities have no motorcycle endorsement. There are several things that have good statistical data re: accident/fatality reduction ride with light on (the law), a white or bright helmet and a bright but not white jacket. A bike with ABS reduces the risk of fatality by another 33%. You can't eliminate risk but you sure can do a lot to reduce it to a very respectable level. I personally use a carbon fiber helmet as I like the way it deforms to protect your brain verses the fiberglass which does not spread out the impact nearly as well. I have no data on that. Also don't like the snell criteria as the helmet must be stiffer to survive 2 hits in the same spot which means more energy to brain (not good). Obviously ATGATT goes with the above. YMMV
I am with you on the snell program as well.