Sun, sea and motorcycle crashes: why summer bikers should consider refresher lessons
Motorcycle safety article by Stephen Hammond, first appearing in The Sunday Times website, 21 July 2013.
The country is finally getting some warm weather: the barbeques and deck chairs have been dusted off and everyone wants to go out and enjoy the best of the British summer.
The weather is particularly good news for motorcyclists who spend the winter months being pelted with rain and snow. Motorcycling is fantastic fun and a great way to get out and see the beautiful British countryside. However, last weekend, the warmest of the year so far, also saw a spate of serious road traffic accidents, several involving motorcycles.
We know that motorcyclists are overrepresented in road casualty statistics - they account for 19% of all deaths on Britain’s roads in 2012 despite only making up 1% of traffic. This is clearly far too high and that is why motorcycling remains a focus for our long-running THINK! road safety campaigns, reminding drivers to look out for bikers at junctions, and giving tips to motorcyclists to let them know what they can do to stay safe.
Anyone getting back in a car or on a motorbike after a long gap might want to take some time to familiarise themselves with the road again before heading out on a long ride or drive. It is also well worth getting some refresher training before you head out on the open road. Even a few hours with an instructor can be a useful refresher and help to keep your safe, whether you’re travelling on 2 wheels or 4.
More information about the THINK! Biker campaign - including information about additional training is available on the THINK! website.
This article first appeared in The Sunday Times, 21 July 2013.