Motorcyclists have the highest risk of suffering death or
serious injury compared to other road users in the UK. They are
twice as likely as cyclists, and sixteen times more likely than
car drivers, to be killed or sustain serious injury when out on
the roads.
There are around 30,000 injuries sustained each year as a result
of motorcycle accidents, including 6000 serious personal
injuries and 550 fatalities. To reduce these numbers, there
needs to be better prevention of accidents (primary safety), and
better safety knowledge to minimise the injuries sustained
(secondary safety).
There are four elements to motorcycle accident and injury
prevention:
1. The motorcycle
2. The road conditions
3. Other road users
4. The motorcyclist
1. The motorcycle Before setting out, carry out a check on the
motorcycle. Make sure that the front and back brakes are both
working properly, that the lights are clean and that the tyres
are not damaged. 3% of motorcycle accidents can be attributed to
motorcycle problems, and the majority of these are tyre-related
and avoidable.
2. The road conditions The road conditions are cited as the
cause of 15% of motorcycle accidents, with slippery roads due to
rain or ice being the greatest reason, so be sure to take the
conditions into consideration when riding. Pot holes and
defective road surfaces also are the cause of many accidents, so
be observant for any such imperfections in the road.
3. Other road users Other road users, car drivers most
frequently, are estimated to be the cause of between 50% and 60%
of motorcycle accidents. Here are some tips to help avoid
accidents with other road users:
- Try to anticipate the actions of the other road users, and
alter positioning in the road and speed accordingly.
- Use the "lifesaver glance" (looking over the right shoulder)
before executing any manoeuvres.
- Use headlights day and night. Yellow headlights have been
shown to emit 15% less light, so it is probably best to avoid
these.
- Be alert to the constantly changing road situation. It is
important to avoid riding when tired, as reactions and awareness
will be greatly reduced. A tired motorcyclist is extremely
vulnerable, no matter how many years' riding experience they
have.
4. The motorcyclist To help prevent accidents, wear bright,
solid colours when riding. Breaking up colours is tantamount to
camouflage and that is the last thing that a motorcyclist wants
when trying to be visible to other road users. If possible,
avoid wearing black and white, and try to wear clothes that are
fluorescent in the day and reflective at night.
A motorcyclist should also wear clothes that will keep him warm.
In RIDE magazine (Dec 2003) it was said that a cold rider is as
much as a danger as a drunk rider, so keep safe and wrap up.
Wearing clothing that will also minimise injury is absolutely
essential. The two types of injury that motorcyclists suffer are
impact injuries and abrasions. Impact injuries can be lessened
by wearing padding on the parts of the body that are likely to
make contact with the ground first, such as elbows and knees.
Leather is the best material to minimise abrasions. The most
frequent serious injury that is suffered in a motorcycle
accident is a leg injury, which makes up 39% of all motorcycling
injuries, so leg protection is vital. However, head injuries
cause 80% of motorcycle fatalities and so investing in a good
helmet is worth every penny. The best prevention for head
injuries is a full face helmet that conforms to British Standard
6658 or European CE 22-05.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that was not
your fault, you may be eligible for compensation. We can help
you make a personal injury claim against another driver who
caused an accident or a Council that failed to ensure the good
condition of the road surface.
For free, impartial legal advice on making a motorcycle accident
claim, either go to
www.youclaim.co.uk or call us on 0800 10 757
95. YouClaim have helped thousands of people make successful
compensation claims after being involved in road accidents that
were not their fault.
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