Category: Safety & Compensation

1. Drive safely in the coming storms‏

   Posted on 8:00am Wednesday 22nd Feb 2017

   Road safety charity the IAM is offering tips from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger.

   Rodger said: "If the weather is really bad, consider whether you could postpone your journey until it settles down."

   Following severe weather warnings of storms over the coming weekend, the IAM is advising on how to drive in windy weather.

   • Plan your journey – is there a route with less exposure to the weather and less risk of fallen trees? Choose a sheltered route if you have the option.
   • Strong winds are not constant, they are usually gusty so ensure you hold the steering wheel firmly.
   • Overtaking high sided vehicles or driving past buildings can result in a sudden gust from the side as you clear.
   • Give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries and buses more room than usual. They get blown around by side winds easily. Even pedestrians can be blown about.
   • Watch trees and bushes on the roadside - their branches can show you how strong the wind is.  Look well ahead, that way you don’t need to take your eye off the road and you can see any windy patches before you get to them.
   • Go slow enough to cope with the gusts.  Wind can get under a car and reduce its handling and braking significantly.
   • Keep an eye on what is happening to other vehicles – where they are affected will give you a pre warning.
   • Go slowly enough to cope with the tree that has fallen right across the road, just round the bend where you can’t see it.
   • Be careful of debris, try and have space beside you in case you need to dodge it.

   www.iam.org.uk

    

   Article first posted 25th Oct 2013

2. Third Annual National Pothole Day Announced on 16th January 2017

   Posted on 10:00am Saturday 3rd Dec 2016

   The countdown begins to StreetRepairs.co.uk third annual #NationalPotholeDay
   
   StreetRepairs.co.uk announce its third annual National Pothole Day at a crucial time when more than 89% of reports made by the public on the Street Repairs website relate to potholes.
   
   The combination of the increasing financial burden from pothole damage to the motorist plus recent budget cuts to local authorities means awareness of Street Repair’s free service is more important than ever. 
   
   The service offers a way for the authorities to engage with road users to action any defects which are reported in real time.
   
   Mark Morrell (aka Mr-Pothole) StreetRepairs.co.uk press officer said, “Many millions of our followers and supporters have asked us to highlight the seriousness of this major problem, just take a look at our thunderclap campaign that tells you the strength of feeling from the pothole weary UK public. I use social media to produce mass awareness and continue to highlight this national issue. I can honestly say that the safety aspect alone from the Street Repairs website could save lives. No wonder public sentiment is very high in relation to this major issue.”
   
   The Street Repairs website was launched just over three years ago and in this time has experienced exponential growth due to its popularity with its users. Transparency and clarity is the cornerstone for the website as every report made is publically available via many social media channels including Twitter, Facebook and of course their own website.
   
   Local authorities have the ability to respond to the reporter via Street Repairs by simply logging in and making a reply. It also offers the reporter the opportunity to track their report and receive text alerts for updates.
   
   Mr Morrell continues, “This is a perfect opportunity for the general public to showcase what their roads and communities are really like. We would like as many people as possible to join our campaign by highlighting local issues quickly and easily”.
   
    
   www.streetrepairs.co.uk

3. Short film: Injured biker rides again - Life Beyond Injury (Martin Clohisey)

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 2nd Dec 2016

   Martin has always been into motorbikes, even as a child. On the way back from a motorbike touring holiday with his partner Karen, they were involved in a road traffic accident and Martin suffered a spinal cord injury.

   The film features Martin Clohisey, a biker who suffered a spinal injury whilst on his way home from a touring holiday.

   He has recently had a trike adapted so that despite being wheelchair dependant, he can now ride again. 

   See here to view the film

4. Biker, do you carry your ICE?

   Posted on 9:00am Tuesday 22nd Nov 2016

   In the UK there are up to 7,000 serious motorcycle accidents each year. It's a depressing thought.
   
   The hour after the accident is critical as to how well a biker will recover, but there is something simple that you can do to help yourself, just carry the following information:

   • Any current medication
   • Any relevant illnesses, including allergies
   • Any ongoing disability(-ies) suffered
   • Language spoken
   • Emergency contacts

   The Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists (SAM) have written about the advantages and disadvantages of different methods you can use. From a simple piece of paper to a scannable QR sticker, a biker can help emergency service staff to ensure the treatment given won't harm the casualty and who the biker wants contacted.

   If you carry ICE then encourage your biking mates to do the same. After all the life you are helping to save could be yourself or your best riding buddy.
   
   To find out more read the full article. 

   

5. An article on First Aid

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 25th Oct 2016

   As a biker, you've experienced the enjoyment and freedom that comes with riding a motorbike. Thinking about giving life saving medical treatment to a fallen biker is probably not the first thing you think about when riding your bike. But having a plan on how to deal with a Road Traffic Accident (RTA) involving a motorcyclist could help to administer first aid or even save a life.

   Let me introduce you to the 5 Point Plan (5PP).

   Point 1 - As a rider get trained in motorcycle first aid.  Motorcycle first aid training, terminology and environment is different than the normal first aid at work.  There are many organisations across the United Kingdom that cover this type of course. 

   Point 2 - Carry a First Aid Kit.  When you are dealing with a casualty that may have sustained a fracture or bleeding wound, not having a first aid kit at your disposal becomes very difficult when one has to improvise.  There is no excuse by not having room on your bike as there are many different types and sizes available to cover all motorcycles.

   Point 3 – Dealing with a Road Traffic Accident or Collision.

   If you arrive on scene or witness an RTA involving a motorcyclist there is a set procedure to follow.  This would be covered in a motorcycle first aid course however I will summarise the main points. 

   Ø  Safety – You are in a high risk environment look after yourself, your casualties and any bystanders.  Call for help 999 on landline, 999/112 on mobile.

   Ø  Check for immediate danger and protect the scene by using other motorbikes, cars or bystanders wearing hi visibility clothing.

   Ø  Check for casualties who need first aid assistance.  Follow current first aid protocols which is Danger, Airway, Breathing, Bleeding or CPR, Defibrillation, Evacuation) on all casualties.  Evacuation means being moved to hospital via ambulance to Emergency Medical Care (EMS).  Some casualties may have hidden or multiple injuries, prioritise and treat.

   Ø  If you suspect major injury ie: Neck, Spinal, Fracture – Do not move them but treat in the position found.  

   Point 4 – This is a contentious issue involving helmet removal.

   Ø  A motorcyclist who is breathing leave motorcycle helmet on and treat accordingly.

   Ø  A motorcyclist who is not breathing, you may need to remove his helmet.  However, it takes 2 people to remove a helmet and only carryout this procedure if you have had suitable training in helmet removal.

   Ø  If your casualty is not breathing normally and you feel that you do not have the confidence to remove the helmet then “CPR Only” may be the only option.  I would rather do something than nothing.

   There are many schemes in the UK which advises not to remove the helmet ie: the crash card that inserts inside the helmet which carries vital medical information for the ambulance personnel.  Some riders have a sticker on the helmet which states “Only to be removed by medical professionals”.  Whatever system you use, this goes back to having some training in motorcycle first aid.

   Point 5 – Don’t forget to “Reassure” the casualty or casualties. This sometimes is forgotten and to be honest, reassuring the casualty is all that is needed prior to the arrival of EMS.

   Remember the 5 Point Plan.  “Training, First aid kit,  Get help, Don’t remove the helmet unless absolutely necessary, Reassure”

   
   

    

   At the request of THE BIKER GUIDE - This article was written by KJ Training Solutions who deliver Motorcycle First Aid courses locally and nationally.  For further information contact [email protected]