I don't know if it would make a difference or not with regards to fatalities, but it might allow rider's to enjoy it without getting scared out of it. I have seen a lot of guys who have gone out and purchased bikes that proved to be too much for their skills, and they have just moved on. Is it possible they might have stayed within the fold if they had started out differently, I am unsure, but it certainly makes me think.
I do believe it would be neat if we could get the cool, high revving small bikes like they have in Japan. I had a buddy bring over a ZZR400, or something like that from Japan a few years ago, and that thing was sweet.