| If you have a collision with another vehicle when riding a bike, scooter or moped, it may not be your fault - but you will almost certainly come off worst.
The following tips should help you stay safer on your bike or scooter:
Assume drivers can't see you
Ride as though you and your machine are totally invisible to drivers - and never assume drivers can see you. The odds are they can't (or won't) - so concentrate, think ahead and always have an 'out' for dangerous traffic situations. Wearing hi-viz clothing will also improve your chances of being seen.
Maintain safe spacing
Leave plenty of space in front, behind and to the sides of other vehicles. Be an island - stay away from traffic as much as possible. This improves your visibility - and gives you more time to react to situations.
Anticipate trouble
Anticipate potentially troublesome situations like junctions - and know what to do when you see them. Analyse what others are doing and, if in doubt, hang back - don't get in their way. Always make sure you're ready to avoid a bad outcome.
Always wear protective clothing
Protective clothing can minimise the extent of your injuries in a crash - especially serious grazes, cuts and burns caused by skidding along the road surface.
Watch out for bends and hills
Take extra care when taking a bend that you cannot see around - a parked car, patch of gravel or diesel spill may be just around the corner. Similarly, be cautious when riding over the brow of a hill - you have no forewarning of what awaits you.
Be aware of right turners
Be aware of motorists turning right in front of you - they are a major cause of death among powered two wheel riders. Slow down before you approach a junction, have an escape route planned - and stay visible. Don't travel too close to the car in front. Position your bike so the right turner can see it - eye contact is not enough.
Take further rider training
No matter how experienced or careful you are, more training will improve the way in which you ride - and increase your chances of riding safely, and thus avoiding a crash or collision.
Maintain your machine
Regular maintenance will help keep your machine safe and roadworthy. Keep records of when you replace tyres, chains, cables, brakes etc and inspect them regularly - you don't want equipment failure to contribute to a long stay in hospital - or worse.
Further information about safe riding
Bikesafe
For more safety top tips go to: www.bikesafe.co.uk Ridesafe
How to avoid the five most common motorcycle accidents. Download PDF |
