Motorcycling on Country Roads
There has been a large growth in the number of powered two-wheelers on Scotland's roads. However, riding on two wheels does increase the road user's vulnerability. A crash involving a motorbike is likely to be far more severe for the rider than for someone in a car. Each year, too many motorcycle riders and passengers are killed and seriously injured, but there is something both riders and drivers can do to reduce those figures.
Recent road accident statistics reveal that, in 2007, 1039 motorcycle casualties were reported on Scotland's roads. Of this number 364 were seriously injured, and 40 died. Motorcycle safety on country roads is a major concern that needs to be tackled, since 37 out of the 40 fatalities happened in non-built up areas.
Country roads are often treated like any other road by bikers, when in fact they are very different. Many motorcyclists like to go full throttle when on a country road, as the roads are often quieter and more open; however, country roads can be just as if not more, dangerous than urban roads. Tight bends, blind spots, slippery surfaces and wildlife are just some of the hazards that can cause motorcyclists to lose control of their bike and come off. The high number of deaths may also be related to the fact that many motorcyclists use country roads for recreational/weekend driving and might lack sufficient knowledge of the roads, or be unprepared for the different types of hazards that present themselves.
THE FACTS
- Motorcyclists contribute the third largest number of killed and injured casualties to the overall figures after car drivers and pedestrians
- The most at-risk are those aged under 21 and 36-55 year-olds
- Accidents on non built-up roads are most likely to occur at the weekend and in the summer months, reflecting recreational motorcycling
- Accidents on non built-up roads tend to be mostly the fault of the motorcyclist as a result of 'loss of control'
- Non built-up roads are faster roads and the outcome of any accident is more likely to result in a fatal or serious casualty
To reduce the risk of an accident, motorcyclists should:
- Ride in appropriate and hi-vis clothing with daytime running lights, but never assume that you have been seen by other road users, especially in busy traffic
- Enter corners slowly, and gently accelerate through the bend
- Take extra training, especially if you are a new rider or returning to biking after a period away
- See riding as a continuous learning process; take some advanced training with RoSPA, the IAM or contact the police about the Bikesafe programme
- One small mistake could have a dramatic impact on your whole family
Drivers can also help:
- Think bike and don't cut corners
- Give bikers plenty of room
- Never do 'U-turns' unless you have checked for motorcycles
- Never pull out of junctions without looking for motorcycles
- Never turn right without specifically checking for overtaking motorcycles
Comments
I think tv adverts showing cars at a junction and telling car owners to think bike is a waste of money.The advert should be aimed at the biker saying what will you do if this car at the junction pulls out, after all its the biker that gets hurt most of the time.
I started motorcycling in the 70s I was a RAC training scheme instructor, this was the only training scheme available at the time. I dressed with red jacket and white helmet like a police motorcyclist and I think it got me seen too. Visability is so important.
Biking is very pleasureable but you cant rely on others to keep safe your life is in your own hands.
Alan Laurie
There are many reasons why motorcyclists crash and speed is only one of them. I don't think motorcyclists need reminding of the fact that if they hit something solid they will come off second best.As a motorcyclist I always ride "defensively" trying to anticipate hazards etc but it is not always possible to anticipate the farmer who leaves mud on the road, the trucker who spills diesel on the road or the car driver who pulls out without looking...
I know that there are "bikers" who drive like idiots but it is not appropriate to assume that because a motorbike is someones preferred mode of transport that they must be irresponsible and think they are invincible...
bobsyeruncle
There are many reasons why motorcyclists crash and speed is only one of them. I don't think motorcyclists need reminding of the fact that if they hit something solid they will come off second best.As a motorcyclist I always ride "defensively" trying to anticipate hazards etc but it is not always possible to anticipate the farmer who leaves mud on the road, the trucker who spills diesel on the road or the car driver who pulls out without looking...
I know that there are "bikers" who drive like idiots but it is not appropriate to assume that because a motorbike is someones preferred mode of transport that they must be irresponsible and think they are invincible...
bobsyeruncle
Motor Cyclists think that they are invincible when they are on their bikes at this time of year and need to remember that they are more likely to get hurt than the driver of the vehicle they run into!They need to slow down and anticipate that with the amount of tourists we have on our roads they are full of people who may not know where they are going or be as aware of where bikes can come from on this side of the road.
Slowing down and anticipating other motorists actions even more at this time of year might help them save their own lives.
Peter