Rachel Brown
November 19, 2018
All too often we hear about fatal motorcycle accidents and reckless riding. This can create an unfair perception that all motorcyclists ride dangerously and without any consideration for others.
Whilst you may well have witnessed such behaviour, it seems to be a case of a few motorcyclists misrepresenting the majority who ride safely. The same principle arguably applies to all types of road users including car drivers, cyclists, van drivers.
My husband is a motorcyclist (and in fact a cyclist, car driver and van driver too!) and loves taking his bike out. However, there is always a niggling feeling at the back of my mind when he goes out because I know that, statistically, motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable road users and roughly 38 times more likely to be killed in a road traffic accident than car occupants.
Take longer to look for bikes
Even with the correct protective clothing, helmet and boots, motorcyclists are much more likely to suffer a serious injury than a car driver. When an accident occurs between a car and motorcyclist, the car driver is often - but not always - at fault. Common scenarios are that the car driver: -
- Fails to notice an approaching motorcycle and pulls out from a side road
- Changes lanes in to the path of a motorcycle, causing a collision
According to the THINK! website, 30 motorcyclists are killed or injured every single day at junctions. Whilst making up just 1% of road users, they account for 19% of all road deaths. Motorcyclists can try and reduce the risks by: -
- Being alert
- Trying to anticipate the actions of others
- Making themselves more visible by wearing bright clothing.
Car drivers can help to minimise the risk of an accident by: -
- Taking longer to check that the road is clear at junction
- Keeping their distance
- Double checking for motorcycles before turning or changing lanes.
Think Bike - Look Twice
It is important to remember that motorcyclists have friends and family waiting for them to return safely after a ride out. Underneath that helmet is someone's daddy / mummy, son / daughter, partner and friend.
Knowing someone who rides has made me more aware of motorcycles, and a more considerate driver. We all have a responsibility to look out for each other when using the roads to try and reduce the number of accidents, particularly those involving serious injury.
If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident that was not your fault, contact Spencers Solicitors for advice on 08000 93 00 94 or complete our short online enquiry form.