Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. Whilst motorbikes can move at comparable speeds to cars, motorbike riders have minimal physical protection making them more susceptible to severe or fatal injuries in the event of an accident. According to the UK Department for Transport, motorcyclists account for around 20% of road fatalities despite making up less than 1% of total road traffic.
By taking appropriate precautions, wearing the right gear, and following safe riding practices, motorcyclists can significantly reduce their risk of accidents. But accidents can still happen, so knowing what to do in such situations and understanding your legal rights is essential.
In this guide, we’ll cover essential motorcycle safety tips to help you stay safe on the road, what to do if you’re involved in an accident, and how to claim compensation if someone else was at fault.
Preparing for a safe ride
Staying safe on a motorcycle starts before you even hit the road. Taking the right precautions can help reduce the risk of accidents and keep you protected if something goes wrong. To make sure you ride safely, consider:
Taking a motorcycle safety course
One of the best ways to improve your riding skills and your motorcycle safety awareness is by completing a motorcycle training course. In the UK, riders must complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) before riding on public roads, but further training is available. Advanced riding courses, such as those offered by the IAM RoadSmart or the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), teach hazard awareness and emergency handling techniques, making you a safer rider on the road.
Check your motorcycle before riding
A well-maintained motorcycle is less likely to suffer mechanical failures that could lead to an accident. Before each ride, do a quick safety check:
- Brakes: Make sure they’re responsive and not worn down.
- Tyres: Check for adequate tread depth and proper inflation.
- Lights: Confirm that your headlights, indicators, and brake lights are working.
- Oil and fluid levels: Keep your engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant at recommended levels.
- Mirrors and handlebars: Make sure they’re properly adjusted for maximum visibility and control.
Wear the right protective gear
Wearing the right motorcycle gear can make the difference between minor and severe injuries in an accident. The most important piece of gear is a helmet, which is legally required in the UK and must meet British safety standards (BS 6658:1985 or ECE 22.05).
Additional protective clothing you should wear includes:
- Leather or abrasion-resistant textile jackets and trousers: Providing protection from road rash and impact injuries.
- Gloves: Protecting your hands from injury and improving your grip.
- Sturdy boots: Helping to protect your feet and ankles.
- High-visibility vests: To increase visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
- Eye protection: You’ll need a visor, glasses, or goggles if you’re using an open-face helmet.
Check the weather before riding
Adverse weather conditions, like rain, ice, fog and strong winds, can increase the risk of accidents. Check the weather forecast before you head out, as the weather might look fine as you leave, but it can change quickly. If riding in poor conditions, reduce your speed, account for increased stopping distances, remain cautious, and don’t take unnecessary risks.
Essential motorcycle riding safety tips
As well as making sure you’re prepared when you’re out on the road, follow these UK motorcycle safety tips:
Be aware of potential hazards
Road conditions can change quickly, and certain hazards pose a higher risk for motorcyclists than for other drivers. Be extra cautious around:
- Gravel, potholes, oil spills, and wet leaves: These can cause you to skid or otherwise lose control.
- Junctions and roundabouts: These are both common accident hotspots where drivers often fail to see motorcycles.
- Blind spots: Be aware that drivers have blind spots, and always assume that other drivers may not see you.
Keep a safe distance and use clear signals
Try to maintain at least a two-second gap from the vehicle in front of you in dry conditions, and increase that gap to four seconds in wet or icy weather.
Use your indicators early to clearly signal your intentions, even if you don’t see anyone else on the road around you. There may be other road users you’re not aware of that will react to your signals.
Stay visible at all times
Motorcycles are smaller and harder to spot than other vehicles, so it’s vital to stay visible:
- Keep your headlights on, even during the day.
- Wear bright or reflective gear to stand out.
- Position yourself where you are easily visible to drivers, especially at junctions and roundabouts.
- Avoid weaving through traffic or lingering in blind spots.
- Expect the unexpected and assume drivers haven’t seen you.
Motorcycle safety for other road users
Motorcyclists are harder to see than cars, so other road users must remain vigilant:
- Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or turning.
- Give motorcyclists extra space, especially in wet conditions.
- Avoid distractions such as using a mobile phone, which can reduce reaction times and awareness.
By sharing responsibility for road safety, both motorcyclists and other drivers can help prevent accidents.
What to do after a motorcycle accident?
Even if you take every precaution, accidents can still happen. If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident you should:
- Check for injuries – Assess yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
- Move to safety – If it’s safe to do so, move yourself and your motorcycle out of the way of traffic to prevent further accidents.
- Call 999 – Report the accident to the emergency services if medical attention is needed or if there’s significant damage or debris on the road.
- Exchange details – Collect the names, contact information, and insurance details of all drivers involved. If there are witnesses, ask for their details as well.
- Document the scene – Take clear photos of the accident site, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Seek legal advice before accepting an insurance settlement – Insurers may offer a quick settlement, but speaking to a legal expert first can help ensure you receive fair compensation.
Can you claim compensation for a motorcycle accident?
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident and another driver was at fault, you may be entitled to compensation. A successful claim can help cover medical expenses, including hospital treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. It can also compensate for lost earnings if your injury has forced you to take time off work or has affected your future earning potential.
Additionally, compensation may cover the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle, as well as any other financial losses linked to the accident. Beyond financial damages, you can also claim for pain and suffering, which accounts for the physical and emotional impact of your injuries. If you’re unsure whether you have a valid claim, speaking to a specialist solicitor can help you understand your options and guide you through the process.
How can Injury Lawyers 4u help?
We have a long history of helping our clients make successful motorcycle accident compensation claims. We can offer expert legal advice for motorcycle accidents, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. With our no-win, no-fee agreement, you’ll only pay us if your claim is successful.
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident and wish to see compensation, please get in touch with us for a free consultation. Call us on 0333 400 4445 or fill in a contact form and we’ll get back to you right away.