While motorcyclists account for about 1% of all road users, they make up 21% of all those killed or seriously injured on motorways and A roads, according to the Road Safety Foundation.

Of all the different types of accident, the one that is most likely to lead to serious injury or death is a crash at a junction. Motorcyclists should therefore take particular care when approaching a junction. This includes roundabouts, which are especially hazardous for motorbike riders because:

• The low speeds make roundabouts difficult to manoeuvre for a motorbike
• Visually, there might be a lot happening at a roundabout, making motorcyclists harder to spot for other motorists
• Drivers sometimes don’t signal their intentions properly
• Drivers change lane unexpectedly
• White lane markings can become slippery when they are wet

Taken together, these factors mean that motorcyclists should always exercise caution at roundabouts, judge their speed properly and be prepared to take avoiding action.

Tips for motorcyclists

There are some steps that motorcyclists can take to protect themselves when entering roundabouts or junctions. For example:

• Increasing visibility – By wearing suitable high visibility riding gear riders can increase the chances of other motorists seeing them, as can taking up a central position on the road and utilizing daylight running lights (DLRs) especially in poor light and rainy weather.
• Being aware of the road surface – This is essential and riders should look out for any possible slip hazards such as manhole covers, white lines and tram lines, so they can adjust their speed and course accordingly, while still ensuring that they are in the correct lane.
• Know your route – Always be clear and prepared as to the direction you are going to take when approaching a roundabout. Signal clearly and correctly at the appropriate time so as to give other motorists the best possible chance of seeing you and being aware of your intentions.
• Other road users – Remember that pedestrians have priority on zebra crossings and can sometimes appear unexpectedly. Also remember that long vehicles may often need to take a different and longer course to enter a roundabout, while cyclists and horse riders often keep to the outside, even when they are turning right from a roundabout.

Contact Thompsons Today

If you are thinking about making a compensation claim for a motorcycle accident, give us a call on 0800 0891 331. One of the specialist lawyers in our road accident team will be happy to talk things through with you, free of charge and with no obligation.

Injured through no fault of your own? Call us on 0800 0891331 to see how much you could claim.