Stay safe this summer

Whatever your size of bike, wheeling it out of the garage or storage this summer is going to fill you with adrenaline and the desire to get on board and head off on unknown roads for as yet untold adventures.

Unfortunately, the majority of motorcycle accidents happen between the months of April and September as the ‘fair weather’ bikers take to the roads after a number of months of not riding.

It’s important to stay safe at all times, whatever the weather, but if you don’t ride 12 months of the year, it’s vital to really think about your riding and the actions of those around you. If you are involved in a collision, remember that no win no fee road accident claims companies such as ExpressMotorbike Solicitors are there to help you get back on your feet again.

Emergency stop

Some days, the roads are great. Everyone drives safely, everyone drives with courtesy. Many days though, this isn’t the case, and you may find yourself needing to dodge other vehicles on a regular basis.

When you’re in a car, and there’s a need to act to get out of a dangerous situation, it’s a case of move the steering wheel at speed and apply anti-lock brakes. On a motorbike though, it’s a very different situation and you need to be experienced enough to find the right balance – in a split second between the amount you brake and how you need to steer to avoid a crash, a slide or you head over the handlebars.

As every situation is going to be different, you need to take time to practice braking and steering to keep yourself refreshed as to what to do. Obviously you’ll need to be somewhere like an empty car park, but the more you repeat the correct procedure, the more your body and mind will automatically take over the control required in a panic situation.

Look, look and look again

Many motorcycle accidents which involve passenger vehicles are caused because the car or van driver didn’t see the biker. As many of two-thirds of accidents are caused when a car driver caused a collision because it drove out in front of the motorbike at a junction.

Junctions are dangerous and a passenger vehicle driving straight into an oncoming motorcycle as a common occurrence means that the two-wheel driver needs to be extra wary of those who are also on the road and to make extra  allowances for any potential mistakes which  may be just about to happen.

When you approach a junction, slow down and really scan all areas of the road. If you can see other vehicles from oncoming directions which you suspect make be considering turning, slow down more and be ready to make and evasive manoeuvre.  The best thing to remember is that if you act as though other drivers won’t see you then you’ll be riding defensively and much more ready for anything which may take place.

Ditch the flip flops

Anyone who is even considering getting on a bike wearing open shoes of any kind and a top with short sleeves should stop and imagine what will happen to their skin if they come off their bike.

Hitting the tarmac with bare skin is the same as soft cheese on a grater. The road surface is designed to grip and will damage anything softer which hits it.

Wearing the correct gear can really reduce or perhaps even prevent injury if you come off your bike and even if the weather is warm, you need to protect yourself.

Wear boots designed for bikers which will stop pipe burns from the exhaust. Keep your hands covered with extra thick gloves and wear high-quality clothing over your arms and legs.

Even the best riding equipment can’t help in a really bad crash, but it could mean the difference between going home with a few cuts and bruises and spending days, if not weeks in hospital.