Why? They're still human. Apparently.
I'd like to think their training would instill awareness....
The problem with other road users is that people don't allow for them.
Incidentally in 2017 fatalities rose markedly against 2016, and this year looks the same. Be interesting to see how Smart motorways fare in the fatality by road type analysis...
Probably jack all. I don't think, ignoring the disruption during modification (or cynically, how they drag it out to keep the fruitful 50mph cameras live), they reduce road safety. In fact, probably the opposite. The M42 has had Smart status for several years, and it works well.
I'm probably from the last generation that road motorbikes (ignoring the resurgance of middle aged men getting one as part of their mid life crisis), and that guarantees a raised level of awareness - those that lack it don't survive. Owning a bike I do genuinely believe makes you a better, more defensive driver in general.
So as more people leave school, slap a new(ish) tin can on their credit card, and drive it around with too many distractions inside to worry whats happening outside, its inevitable that serious accidents will increase..... .....and speed limits decrease.