Department Of Transport Aims To Cut Accident Rate For Riders
The government has launched a new push to make drivers more aware of the risks faced by motorcyclists on the road, using a hard-hitting radio campaign.Road safety minister Robert Goodwill has announced the start of the 'Didn't See' campaign, which will run for four weeks, in conjunction with THINK! It is hoped the campaign will prompt drivers to take more care at junctions, where 30 riders are killed or injured every week.
The department noted research by THINK! has found drivers tend to assume most motorbike accidents are the fault of the riders for breaking the speed limit.
However, the reality is that nearly half of all incidents that cause the rider to die or be seriously injured occur at junctions, where drivers frequently fail to carry out adequate observations. This means motorists often emerge at junctions without seeing a motorbike coming - with terrible results.
Mr Goodwill noted: "Every day more than 30 motorcycle riders die or are injured in accidents at road junctions. Often, though not always, this is because a driver has pulled out in front of a rider.
He added: "If all drivers and riders took a bit more care at junctions we could bring this figure down significantly."
Mr Goodwill noted that while motorcycle riders make up only one per cent of traffic, they account for 19 per cent of fatalities and are 55 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in an accident than a car driver.
THINK! figures stated 331 motorcyclists were killed and 4,866 seriously injured in road collisions in Great Britain in 2013. However, this tally has fallen since 2008, when there 493 deaths and 5,556 serious injuries.
The charity's advice to drivers does not just include taking care at junctions, but also checking for bikes when changing lanes or turning in the road, maintaining a safe distance when behind a rider and being aware that motorcyclists may pass on the left or the right.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a motorbike accident, you may be able to claim compensation. See our Road Traffic Accident Claims page for more information
Expert Opinion
Collisions involving motorcycles can have devastating consequences for all involved, as well as their friends, family and local communities. We welcome the government’s initiative to help all road users understand the dangers faced by motorcyclists. <br/> <br/>“We often work with individuals who have been seriously injured and the families of those killed in serious road traffic collisions and see the life-changing impact these incidents can have. It is vital that campaigns such as this are implemented to boost road safety and cut down the number of serious accidents involving motorcyclists.” Neil Whiteley - Partner