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Personal injury solicitor Tim Blackwell, who specialises in motorcycling accidents and is a trustee of DocBike, a motorcycling charity that aims to eliminate fatalities and reduce serious injuries, is urging motorists to look out for bikers this spring.
Now that the new season is here, there are likely to be more motorcyclists on UK roads, leading to an increased risk of motorbike crashes.
According to Government research, around 10 motorcyclists are killed or seriously injured at road junctions every day. And bikers are roughly 52 times more likely to be killed in a road traffic accident than car occupants per mile ridden.
The number of biker injuries and fatalities is decreasing. However, according to statistics, from 2015 to 2020, an average of 6 motorcyclists died, and 115 were seriously injured per week, proving motorcyclists’ vulnerability on UK roads.
Tim Blackwell says:
“It’s great news that the overall numbers of bikers being seriously injured or killed are falling. However, motorcyclists are still at risk on our roads.
“DocBike recently reported that springtime is the most dangerous time for motorcycle collisions, with a peak in severe injuries and fatalities as motorcyclists make their way back onto the roads after their winter break.
“The charity explains this may be because motorcyclists are ‘rusty’ after not riding much over the winter. It may also be the case that other road users are not used to seeing bikes out on the roads. However, more likely, it’s a combination of both.
“A common factor in many motorcycling accidents is drivers ‘failing to look properly.’ Drivers can sometimes struggle to see smaller objects, such as motorbikes, travelling towards them at speed, putting bikers at risk when cars or other vehicles pull out unexpectedly. That’s why drivers must remember to stop at junctions, take a bit longer to look out for motorbikes, and always ‘think bike’ before they overtake.”
Tips to prevent motorcycling accidents
Of course, bikers also have a responsibility to ride responsibly and suit the road conditions. While motorcyclists cannot future-proof themselves from being involved in an accident or control the actions of others, they can be extra vigilant. Here are some tips:
- If you are getting on your motorbike for the first time this year, take some time to check it over before riding it.
- Ride at your own pace and accept that it may take a little time before your skill level is back to where it was last summer.
- Be prepared for other road users who might not be used to seeing motorcyclists out on the roads, pulling across your path – even if you have the right of way.
- Wear high-visibility clothing.
- Reduce speed when moving through bends.
- Beware April showers – take particular care when the weather makes a turn for the worse
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycling accident that wasn’t your fault, our specialist team of personal injury solicitors can help you receive the best medical treatment and rehabilitation and secure maximum compensation so that you get the justice you deserve.
For expert legal advice on making a motorcycle accident claim, call Novum Law on 0800 884 0777, email info@novumlaw.com or complete our online enquiry form.
