As the summer months approach motorbike owners are being warned of the perils of driving during the up coming weeks.
A new campaign has been launched by the government to help educate and ultimately save bike owners skins on the roads, highlighting the fact that accidents usually increase around this time of year.
The influx of bike riders, dusting off their leathers from winter hibernation, can result in a dangerous cocktail with other vehicle owners.
Inspector Latto explained: "This campaign was developed to interact with local motorcyclists and those who visit the area each summer.
"Each year so many motorcyclists lose their lives on our rural roads. Very often the causes relate to poor rider control and inexperience."
Risk
It is estimated that 1.6 million motorbikes will return to the road in the spring, causing confusion for those drivers who have gotten used to driving without the potential blindside hazard.
Simon Douglas, AA Insurance director, said: “At this time of year the big danger to bikers is ‘road rust’ among drivers who have lost the habit of looking out for bikes. Bikes can be repaired or replaced, but bikers cannot.”
Motorbikes are just one of many things that could affect drivers during the onset of flowering blooms. As the clocks went forward on the weekend drivers who would like to avoid a claim on their car insurance policy should take heed of the hazardous nature of the roads in the mornings, as many motorists will be making their way to work in the dark.
So, it’s all the fault of car drivers then? Apparently so. According to recent research most accidents that occur between car and motorbike are the fault of the car driver.
Fault
Cllr Brian Wilcox, Cabinet Member (Highways and Transportation), said: “The drivers just do not see the rider. It could be the rider was in the blind spot for just a split second, but if the driver had just given a second glance they may well have seen the bike.’’
To counter this worrying trend various different counter measures have been raised in order to help bike riders. One such counter measure comes from The Institute of Advanced Motorists who have conducted a motorcycle test with the sole aim of making riding safer and easier and thus avoid any unnecessary motorcycle insurance claims.
The test helps increase riding experience whilst attempting to alert them earlier to potential hazards.
This test is supplemented with other helpful advice and tips, including a theory test style observation DVD, specifically designed to assist beginners or less confident riders.
Other organisations such as The Motorcycle Rider Training Association (MRTA) believe that they have a scheme can only be of benefit to a new rider and possibly secure cheaper insurance.
The test which will start in April will have a significant advantage in that potential drivers could pass their test more quickly and efficiently.
Unfortunately Bike riders are 34 times more likely to die in a car crash compared to a car driver, the right steps need to be taken at all times so the worst result can be avoided
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