Beware! Bikers

Every year hundreds of motorcyclists are killed or injured on Staffordshires roads. A recent audit reported that motorcyclists account for 26% of those killed or seriously injured on our roads. They are 45 times more likely to be killed than a car driver.

As a motorist you can help to lower this toll. Take a few moments to read the tips on this page and become more biker aware.

Motorcyclists Ride Differently

Motorcycles differ from cars and other traffic in several important ways. For a start, they can make quicker progress, especially through stationary or slow moving traffic.

It might be frustrating for you to see motorcycles weaving through traffic queues when you are stuck. But even if you think they are riding dangerously, a hostile reaction from you wil make a bad situation worse.

Check your mirrors regularly and give motorcycles room.

Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than drivers and cannot avoid hazards as quickly, especially in wet or greasy conditions. An accident which might not hurt the car driver can kill or seriously injure a motorcyclist.

Think Bike.....

At Junctions

When coming out from a side road, be careful if there are parked cars or large vehicles obstructing your view of a motorcyclist - 'Think Bike, Look Twice'.
Before turning left, make sure a motorcyclist isn't on your inside, and before turning right, make sure a motorcyclist isn't on your outside.
Give motorcyclists room at roundabouts.
Don't squeeze motorcyclists' space at traffic lights. It can make them accelerate faster to get a lane.

When Overtaking

Give motorcyclists as much room as you would a car. They might need to avoid a pothole, a manhole cover, loose surfacing or other hazard.
Don't overtake when you can't give enough room, for example, where the road narrows.
Don't overtake when approaching a junction.

When Parked

After parking, check for motorcyclists before opening you door, and get passengers behind you to do the same.
When pulling away from the kerb, look out for motorbikes. They have a narrower profile than other vehicles, which can make them harder to see.

Generally

If you drive too close it can intimidate an inexperienced motorcyclist; they might make a mistake.
When travelling on motorways or dual carriageways a motorcyclist might be in the lane you want to move into. Look out, are they already there or approaching quickly.
You may presume that heavy goods vehicles and buses are more likely to be the cause of diesel spillages on the highway, but all road users have a responsibility to avoid spilling diesel or petrol.

Don't have an injury to another road user on your conscience - LOOK OUT FOR MOTORCYCLISTS

Last Modified: 21/05/2008 13:44:57
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