Category: Safety & Compensation

1. Rain rain go away! Driving Advice from IAM RoadSmart on driving safely in the wet

   Posted on 11:00am Friday 16th Sep 2016

   With torrential downpours this morning, here are some tips from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards Richard Gladman about how you can stay safe when travelling in wet weather.

   • Be sure to check your local weather forecast beforehand so you can plan your journey accordingly. If you have no choice but to travel, use main roads where possible which are less likely to get flooded.

   • Don’t forget to check your windscreen wiper blades and lights are working properly. You’ll need to use your dipped headlights if visibility is significantly reduced so give them a check too.

   • On flooded roads, think before driving through deep water, don’t stop in standing water and drive through the highest section of the road slowly. If there is any doubt don’t enter it. Once you have managed to drive through check your brakes and dry them out as quickly as possible – a light touch of the brakes whilst still moving should do the trick.

   • Roads will be more slippery than usual in wet weather – be sure to give yourself more time to react when approaching a hazard. Increase your following gap to at least four seconds from the moving traffic in front.

   • Keep your eyes peeled on the road at all times as spray from other vehicles can suddenly reduce your visibility. Remember it affects others too, so anticipate their actions and be prepared.

   Richard said: “If your tyres begin to lose traction, ease off the accelerator, avoid braking and allow the speed to naturally decrease until you have full control of your car again.

   “Driving in wet weather can be challenging, and with delays and increased concentration needed it can be more tiring too. By allowing increased time to stop and extending your following distance you can remain safe.”

2. VMCC Scottish Veteran Events‏

   Posted on 1:00pm Thursday 11th Aug 2016

   Events for veteran motorcycles are very rare but the VMCC in Scotland is organising a long weekend of runs for these early motorcycles. The weekend starts with the “Early Motor Bicycle Run” at the Museum of Flight, East Fortune, East Lothian, on Saturday 8 October organised by Clyde Valley Section of the VMCC. The run is designed to suit the modest performance of pre-1914 machines hence the choice of the flat terrain of East Lothian. Later machines may be considered if their design post 1914 remained largely unchanged. Details from John Macmillan on 01555 662760 or [email protected] .

   The weekend continues with the Glendaruel Veteran Run on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll which is the venue for runs specifically for pre-1915 motorcycles on Sunday 9 and Monday 10 October, 2016 being organised by Highland Section. The routes will be easy going in Cowal and there will be a ferry trip to the Isle of Bute and a run round the Island. Details from Paul Morley on 01369 820287 or [email protected] 

   A number of entrants are attending from Holland riding 1902-08 motorcycles and an open invitation is extended to VMCC members and non-members to join in the fun. Expect to see rare early Marques such as Bradbury, Excelsior, Rex, Williamson and The Pebok. The two events are linked with the aim of providing a unique riding experience on the quiet back roads of rural Scotland with spectacular scenery.

3. Introducing Trethowans LLP - Motorbike Accident Lawyers

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 4th Aug 2016

   Trethowans have a team of lawyers experienced in handling motorcycle claims, ready to help you should you have been on the wrong end of a motorcycle accident.

   If you have been injured as a result of someone driving into you or have come off due to a pothole or other road defect, just give them a call to see if they can help. They understand that you will have many concerns as well as your injury, not least your motorcycle and equipment, on top of any lost earnings and treatment costs. 
   
   For information on making a no win no fee claim simply visit the website here www.trethowans.com or give them a no obligation call to see if they can help.

   where: Operates nationally in England and Wales, with a head office in Salisbury, along with offices in Hedge End, Southampton and Poole.
   tel: 02380 820465
   website: www.trethowans.com
   e-mail: James Gleisner - [email protected]
   
   

   

4. As the sun comes out, so do the motorbike riders!

   Posted on 5:00pm Wednesday 25th May 2016

   As the weather gets warmer and the roads drier, so the time of year approaches where the leathers are dusted off, a new shine put on the helmet and the motorbike is dusted off ready for another year of glorious riding in the sun.

   With it though comes the inherent danger posed when on the road with only two wheels. Whether it is the latest sports Yamaha R1, a tourer like the KTM 1290 Super Duke or a classic such as the BSA A7, no doubt at one time or another a bike rider has come across the car driver who either doesn’t see them, or worse, sees them and does all they can to make things difficult.

   Often collisions can be avoided by a rider’s own awareness but there is only so much that can be done by a rider to protect themselves. For the unlucky ones injuries can be severe.  Serious injuries to the head and limbs, permanent disability or, unfortunately, death,  are all far more likely for those who ride a motorbike than for those who are driving a car. Statistics from Think! suggest that motorcyclists are around 38 times more likely to be killed than those driving a car and MCN suggests that recent years have seen over 5,000 serious accidents per year with around 330 of those riders being killed per year (statistics for 2013 and 2014).

   If you are injured as a result of a motorcycle accident then contact the specialist personal injury team at Trethowans who will be able to advise you as to how to bring a claim.

   Author: James Gleisner, Trethowans LLP

5. Motorcycle Speed Accident - Scenarios

   Posted on 10:00am Monday 23rd May 2016

   Motorcyclists are at a much greater risk of death or serious injury than other road users. Despite forming only 1% of road traffic in the UK, motorcyclists account for 18% of road deaths and serious injuries. It is a sad yet true fact that 1 in 4 Motorcyclists will be involved in an accident and of those only 1 in 5 will be at fault.*

   It will be of no surprise that the most common reason for a motorcycle accident, is the failure of a motorist to see the motorcyclist, with 66% of all motorcycles involved in accidents being reported as 'at a junction' ** . When there was no other involvement the rate was at 23%. The main reasons being f ailing to look properly, loss of control, carelessness or in a hurry and even peer pressure when riding in a group.

   Motorcycle riders and passengers have the right to complain for a large amount of these accidents.

   Speed Accident Scenarios include:

   Car driver was executing a 3 point turn. A speeding motorcyclist came around the bend and is faced with the car blocking his side of the carriageway.
   A motorcyclist is involved in a collision with a car on a country road. The accident occurs on a 90 degree blind bend. The car was on the wrong side of the road, but the motorcyclist approached the bend at excessive speed denying him the opportunity to control his machine and take evasive action.

   Other areas for following up a claim include:

   Spillage of diesel
   Debris and mud
   Missing grid covers
   Potholes

   
   See the Legal section for specialist Solicitors who can deal with your claims for compensation arising from your unfortunate Motorcycle accident, rather than be dealt with by solicitors who are used to dealing with the buying and selling of property, and not dealing with serious road accidents, especially ones involving Motorcycles.

   * Taken from the DfT Compendium of Motorcycling Statistics: 2008 Edition

   ** Taken from IHIE Guidelines for Motorcycling