When drivers fail to properly look out for bikers…
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Start Your Claim NowWe can no longer deny it: summer is over and winter is definitely coming.
The sun is rising later and setting earlier, and soon enough, we’ll be commuting to work in darkness…
As the days get greyer and wetter, visibility will be further reduced on the roads. For motorcyclists in particular, reduced visibility means the risk of a collision is likely increased, and with many drivers already failing to properly look out for bikers, it means worrying times for bikers on the roads in winter.
Motorcyclists are already at a significant disadvantage on the roads. Statistically speaking, they’re some 40 times more likely to die on the road when compared to other motorists. Although bikers only make up a very small proportion of vehicles on the road, they account for as many as 21% of deaths from collisions.
Motorcycles are obviously much less visible compared to regular cars and trucks. Being narrow in design, other road users often find it much harder to spot them. Coupled with typical British weather, spotting a motorcycle can be a difficult chore that’s often neglected. However, the dangers of not checking far outweigh taking a little bit more time and care to identify them.
Mirror checks are vital to for drivers to ensure they’re fully aware of their surroundings to ensure they don’t pull out in front of another road user. Simple quick glances to the rear and side mirrors may not be enough to recognise a motorcycle on the roads.
THINK! advice suggests the following:
| Take longer to look for motorcyclists, especially at junctions |
| Keep your distance from motorcyclists. If you get too close, you have less time to react if something goes wrong. Your vehicle may also reduce their visibility for other drivers |
| Check for motorcyclists when changing lanes |
| Check for motorcyclists when turning. Other vehicles may be blocking your view of a motorcyclist who may also be turning |
| Check for motorcyclists when parking. All passengers should make sure there are no oncoming vehicles before opening the car door |
Here at the Motorbike Injury Lawyers, many of our clients suffer serious injuries after a collision with another motorist because they didn’t see them. In many cases, the driver didn’t see the motorcyclist when pulling out of a junction.
Junctions are incredibly dangerous for motorcyclists… The issue of course is that cars have way more protection than a biker does. So, when a biker is struck hard from a vehicle pulling out from a junction they’ll likely suffer even more injury when they collide with the tarmac.
Even though drivers may not encounter them often, they must never forget to check for motorcyclists on every journey; no matter how big or small.
Checking mirrors and blind spots is key, and taking extra time at junctions is an absolute must. Drivers should never assume that just because they can’t see bikers, they aren’t there.
Motorcyclists can be hidden from view by other vehicles and the darkening winter weather makes them even harder to spot – take your time; look out for bikers this wintertime!
