Category: Safety & Compensation

1. 6 tips for motorcyclists to stay safe on the roads

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 9th Jan 2024

   Riding a motorcycle will offer you a unique experience that feels unlike any other.

   Although driving a bike comes with the benefits of easier parking, speed and low fuel costs, it also has an increased risk associated with it. Motorcycles are more exposed to accidents, and statistics show that each year, a high number of motorcycle riders are seriously injured or killed. For example, in 2020, the number of motorcyclists killed reached 4,308 in Great Britain. 
   

    

    

    

    

   Image source - Image by Freepik 

    

    

   article supplied

2. Motorcycle Rider Development and Safety

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 13th Mar 2023

   All motorcyclists believe they are a good rider but, in 2021, 20% of all road fatalities in the UK involved a motorcyclist. (Source: Gov.uk)

   So why is this happening? The fatal five reasons for deaths on the road are:

   1. Not wearing a seatbelt (of course not applicable to motorcyclists, but still important to note)

   2. Riding whilst under the influence of drink or drugs

   3. Careless or dangerous riding

   4. Excess speed

   5. Using a mobile phone (even handsfree)

   As a motorcyclist there are a number of things we need to do and check in order to prevent any accidents on the road, particularly fatal accidents.

   Before setting out on a ride, always ensure your personal protective equipment (PPE) and bike are ready for the ride. This includes ensuring your helmet fits properly, is fastened securely and make sure the visor is kept clean.

   All biker clothing needs to fit properly; make sure you fasten the zips, even in hot weather, and wear season appropriate clothing. In terms of your motorcycle, check your tyres, the fluids (leaks and levels) and any wear and tear on the machine itself.

   Safe bike control

   When out riding, ensure safe bike control, particularly when approaching hazards. Position yourself on the best part of the road (without compromising your safety). Adjust your speed according to the road and ensure you’re in the correct gear for the speed, only applying acceleration when appropriate. Don’t use your gears as brakes as this can upset the balance of the bike and either slow you too much (too low a gear) or not slow you enough (too high a gear).

   Hazards on the road

   Before you change lane, position or speed, you need to know what is happening in front where you can’t see and also to the sides and to the rear of you. We always need to be actively looking for warnings. Continually assess your route, the view and hazards may be constantly changing. Match your speed to the hazard; consider what you can’t see, not just what you can. Travel at a speed that you can stop safely on your own side of the road. Ride in the position that allows you to negotiate hazards safely and look for the best bit of the road surface where you would like to be.

   When can it go wrong?

   1. Poor overtaking

   Poor overtaking can lead to accidents such as if the rider hasn’t considered that a car may pull out and cross the path of the bike or the car is about to turn right. Good overtaking occurs when you move your position so you can see ahead. If it is clear, accelerate, consider a headlamp warning, and accelerate past the car, gradually regaining position in your lane.

   2. Insufficient observations

   Poor observations or riding too fast can also lead to having insufficient time to react. By increasing the speed of your bike, you are effectively reducing the amount of time and distance you have to react and respond to events you are travelling into.

   In summary, we need to do the following:

   · Motorcycle Safety Checks – Do we do them enough?

   · Consider your style of riding – Are we safe and smooth?

   · Observation techniques – Do we actively try and see everything?

   · Hazard perception – To react to it, you must be aware of it.

   · The safest method of filtering – Do we have to be in such a rush?

   · Going for the overtake – Is it on? Can we make it safely? · Rider training – a decision only you can make; use BikeSafe, RoSPA or IAM.
   
   · If it goes wrong – get specialist legal advice with Potter Rees Dolan, a Hugh James Business.

    

   

3. Motorbike Injuries By Dr Rob Patterson

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 4th Jan 2023

   Whilst motorbikes provide one of the most cost effective and exciting means of transport on our roads today, they are not without draw backs.

   Their compact size mean they are less noticeable and their lack of protection is evident to all, especially to those who have been involved in an accident and sustained motorbike injuries. Wearing bright and protective clothing can help to modify these motorbike injury factors in order to make riding as safe as possible. 

   However, it is fact that accidents do and will unfortunately continue to occur. Motorbikes make up around 1% of UK traffic but motorbike injuries consist of 9% of all road casualties. They comprise 19% of those killed or seriously injured on the UKs roads and over 7% of those slightly injured, making bikers the most vunerable UK road user. Sadly as biking becomes more popular, this motorcycle injury percentage is slowly increasing. The most common motorcycle accident is when the driver of another vehicle fails to look properly.

   In 47% of motorbike accidents with a car, the driver of the car was at fault for not looking properly. This statistic increases to over 68% at junctions. Motorcyclists themselves as a group of road users are least likely not to look properly, being at fault for this in only 16% of accidents.  

   Insurance injury claims on the part of bikers count for less that 1% of claims and their claim freqency is almost two thirds less that that of car drivers. However, when loss of earnings, motorbike injuries and medical costs are factored in, the personal cost of an accident may be much more than just the bike and clothing that needs replacing.  

   Common motorbike injuries include whiplash, ‘road rash’ and upper and lower limb fractures. These motorbike injuries are seldom minor and often require hospital treatment and operations.  Most commonly, hospitals operate on bikers who have sustained lower limb, upper limb and neck injuries.   

   Dr Rob Patterson   M.B. Ch.B.  D.R.C.O.G.

    

    

    

    

    

   article supplied 2013

4. What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident (UK)

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 21st Sep 2022

   No one ever wants to be involved in a motorcycle accident but sometimes they can happen in the blink of an eye and just can’t be avoided. These unfortunate incidents can be frustrating, emotional and lead to severe injury or disability. It is vital that you know what to do immediately after the incident has occurred as this can have a significant influence on  how such an event will impact you.

   This guide explains what you should do after the incident to make sure that you are safe and to ensure you get the help that you need.

   Immediately after the incident

   First things first, get yourself to safety even if that means that you leave your bike behind. If the road is clear and you can move on your own, then the top priority is to get yourself to an area safer than the middle of the road. Pedestrians and other motorists can approach a downed rider which can create a bigger hazard in the road and could potentially be another accident waiting to happen.

   Check yourself for injuries. You are going to experience a surge of adrenaline which can mask even serious and life changing injuries.

   It's important that you do not move your motorcycle, firstly to try and avoid any further injuries to yourself but also so as not to compromise evidence and impede any police investigation.

   Call the Emergency Services

   You should call or be asking someone to call the emergency services as soon as is safely possible. Many people ‘freeze’ or go into some level of physical and emotional shock after an accident. If you need someone to call the emergency services for you be sure to signal to them and be clear in what you are telling them to do.

   This should ideally go hand in hand with not removing your gear after the accident. Most motorcyclists will try and remove their helmets immediately after the accident, but this can cause more serious injury to the head, neck or spine.

   Whilst waiting for the Emergency Services

   Try to remain calm. Motorcycle accidents can be emotionally and physically traumatic, but it is in your best interests to remain as calm as possible. Losing your temper can lead to rash decisions. Keeping a clear head allows you to think more clearly, so be sure to take a few deep breaths and try to take stock of the situation as best as you can.

   Try to recall what has just happened. You can then accurately convey this information to the police and paramedics when they arrive.  Information such as this can help them to determine the nature and extent of your injuries and provide you with efficient and effective treatment.

   Exchanging motoring details

   In accordance with motoring laws, if you are able then you should speak with the other driver and obtain their details – name, insurer, reg number and provide your own. You can save these in the notes function on your mobile phone. You should also note down the details of any passengers or witnesses to the incident.

   The law defines a reportable road traffic collision as a collision involving a mechanically-propelled vehicle on a road or other public area which causes:

   • injury or damage to anybody - other than the driver of that vehicle
   • injury or damage to an animal - other than one being carried on that vehicle (an animal is classed as a horse, cattle, ass, mule, sheep, pig, goat or dog. You may also report collisions or incidents involving deer, but this is not a legal requirement.)
   • damage to a vehicle - other than the vehicle which caused the collision
   • damage to property built on, attached to, growing in, or otherwise forming part of the land where the road is 

   What should I record?

   Knowing what to make note of after a motorcycle accident can be confusing, especially if you feel disoriented and stressed. Its important to gather as much evidence about what has happened as you can for insurance and legal purposes.

   With modern mobile phones being so good, if possible, you should take as many photos and videos of the scene as you can. These should include everything from your motorcycle in the road, the car or vehicle that hit you, the road layout an any specific features, skid marks if any and even road signs. Another good idea is to talk into the camera whilst you are videoing the scene and the vehicles involved. It helps to create a timeline of the incident which will be useful for the police, insurers and lawyers if required. 

   Finally, do not apologise or admit responsibility for the accident. Your insurers almost certainly insist upon this in your contract of insurance. Instead, if you can, do find out details of any other drivers and witnesses. Tell them that this will be sorted out by your insurers and give details if you can. Whilst it's very important to be honest, you do need to protect yourself from liability later on if the incident was not your fault.

    

   
   Article supplied by Potter Rees Dolan Solicitors 

    

   

    

5. Tips for New Motorcycle Riders: How to Stay Safe

   Posted on 10:00am Tuesday 6th Sep 2022

   Motorcycle riders need to be extra careful on the road. Did you know that in 2015, there were 5,010 motorcycle riders killed in traffic accidents in the United States? That’s a staggering statistic.   

   Image Source

   But don’t let it scare you away from enjoying the wind in your hair and the freedom that comes with riding a motorcycle. 

   Just follow these safety tips for new motorcycle riders, and you’ll be sure to stay safe on the road.

   1. Get trained and licensed
   
   Before you even think about hopping on a motorcycle, make sure you are properly trained and licensed. In many states, you need to take a formal motorcycle training course and pass a written exam and on-cycle skills test before you can get your license. 

   2. Wear the right gear
   
   One of the most important safety tips for new motorcycle riders is to always wear the proper gear, including a DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, protective clothing, and sturdy boots. 

   3. Get familiar with your bike
   
   Before you head out on the open road, get to know your motorcycle and how it works. Review the owner’s manual and become familiar with the controls. Practice starting up the engine, shifting gears, braking, and turning. 

   4. Start out slow
   
   Once you’ve got the hang of your motorcycle, take it easy at first and avoid busy streets or highways. Stick to quiet side roads where you can build up your confidence and skills before tackling busier areas. 

   5. Be visible
   
   Make sure you are highly visible to other drivers, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. Wear bright clothing, and equip your motorcycle with reflective tape and proper lighting. 

   6. Use caution when passing

   Use extreme caution when passing other vehicles, and always signal before you change lanes. Make sure you have plenty of space and time to complete the maneuver before returning to your lane. 

   7. Watch for road hazards
   
   Be on the lookout for common road hazards such as potholes, gravel, oil slicks, puddles, and debris. These can all cause a motorcycle to lose control, so avoid them if possible or proceed with caution if you must ride over them. 

   8. Be aware of other drivers
   
   One of the most important safety tips for motorcycle riders is to be aware of the other drivers around you and anticipate their actions. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles, so other drivers may not see you or may misjudge your speed or distance. Always give yourself enough space to react if another driver makes a mistake. 

   9. Ride sober
   
   Never drink alcohol or take drugs before riding a motorcycle. Not only is it illegal in many states, but it will impair your judgment, slow your reaction time, and make it more difficult to operate your bike safely. 

   10. Take breaks on long trips
   
   If you’re going on a long trip, take breaks every few hours to rest and stretch your legs. This will help you stay alert and focused on the road. 

   5 Things you should never do on a motorcycle
   
   Now that you know some basic safety tips for motorcycle riders, let’s take a look at five things you should never do on a motorcycle.

   1. Don’t ride without a helmet
   
   Never, ever ride without a helmet. It’s not only illegal in many states, but it’s also incredibly dangerous. A helmet is the best way to protect your head in the event of a crash, and it could save your life. 

   2. Don’t ride without insurance
   
   Another thing you should never do is ride without insurance. If you are involved in an accident, motorcycle insurance will help pay for damages, injuries, and other costs associated with the accident. 

   3. Don’t speed
   
   Speeding is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents, so it’s important to always obey the speed limit and never ride faster than you are comfortable with. 

   4. Don’t tailgate
   
   Tailgating, or following too closely behind another vehicle, is dangerous for any driver, but it can be especially hazardous for motorcycle riders. If the car in front of you suddenly stops, you could rear-end them or be thrown from your bike. 

   5. Don’t lane split
   
   Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, is illegal in most states and can be extremely dangerous. If a car suddenly changes lanes, you could be hit or pinned between the two vehicles. 

   By following these safety tips and avoiding these dangerous behaviors, you can help keep yourself safe while riding a motorcycle. Remember, motorcycle accidents can happen even when riders are being careful, so always stay alert and ride defensively.

    

    

    

   article supplied