Watch out for Motorcyclists
Motorcyclist Injuries
Every year thousands of people are killed or seriously injured on our roads. Motorcyclists suffer disproportionately. They represent less than 1% of road traffic but account for 18% of deaths and serious injuries. They are 40 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 motorcycle aware.
Don't have an injury to another road user on your conscience - LOOK OUT FOR MOTORCYCLISTS.
Motorcyclists Ride Differently
Motorcycles differ from cars and other traffic in several important ways. For a start, they can make quicker progress, especially through slow moving traffic. That's one of the reasons people buy them.
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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 will make a bad situation worse. |
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Check your mirrors regularly and give motorcycles room. |
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Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than drivers and cannot avoid hazards as quickly, especially in wet or greasy conditions. An accident which might not hurt you can kill or seriously injure a motorcyclist. |
Here are some situations for you to be aware of so that you do not inadvertently put a motorcyclist at risk:
At Junctions:
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When coming out from a side road, be careful if there are parked cars or large vehicles obstructing your view of a motorcyclist. |
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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. |
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Give motorcyclists room at roundabouts. |
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Don't squeeze motorcyclists' space at traffic lights. It can make them accelerate faster to get a lane. |
When Overtaking:
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Give motorcyclists as much room as you would a car. They might need it to avoid - a pothole, a manhole cover, a loose surface. |
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Don't overtake when you can't give enough room - for example, where the road narrows. |
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Don't overtake when approaching a junction. |
When Parked:
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After parking, check for motorcyclists before opening your door, and get passengers behind you to do the same. |
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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. |
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Other common situations - if you drive too close it can intimidate an inexperienced motorcyclist. They might make a mistake. A motorcyclist might be in the lane you want to move into. Look out. Are they already there or approaching quickly? |
- Last Updated: 23/11/2009
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