Motorcycle and Scooter Safety

Safety is paramount whatever vehicle you’re driving, but if you’re a motorbike rider you face additional dangers. So get clued up before you hit the road.

Motorcycle riders have their own unique hazards to face. The car driver is at risk from his or her own careless driving as well as that of other people, but is at least cocooned in a protective metal casing.

The motorcyclist has no such protection, and should always bear in mind that they are especially vulnerable to the car driver’s blind spots – and the fact that some drivers just don’t consider bikes. People open doors clumsily when you’re approaching them, they fail to allow you space when you’re indicating right and some regard you as a nuisance rather than as a legitimate road user. But it’s up to you not to react badly – anger will cloud your judgement for the rest of your journey.

This is why the criteria for motorbike riders are so stringent. Once you’ve passed your test you’re effectively ‘on probation’ for two years as you become accustomed to your new vehicle. Should you pick up six points on your licence during this period you will become a learner again and will need to re-apply for your provisional license, take both practical and theory tests again and truly start as a beginner.

The main thing to bear in mind once you’re on the road is that simply to survive you have to be better than the car drivers around you. The Government’s Think! Campaign highlights these points for motorcycle riders:

• You need to be able to anticipate what other motorists are about to do
• You must be alert and observant
• You must ride at a speed that enables you to slow down in advance of trouble
• Watch your position; the middle of the lane is the best place as car drivers are more likely to see you
• Watch for hazards while overtaking
• Check for hazards over your shoulder before manoeuvring.

The colour of your helmet is important – black may be stylish but bright colours will be seen. The safest clothing will carry the CE mark and it needs to be fluorescent during the day and reflective at night to give you the best chance of being seen. Weatherproofing isn’t an optional extra for comfort, it’s an aid to concentration.

Remember also that you are vulnerable to thieves. A Thatcham approved padlock and chain will help secure your vehicle and be visible to would-be thieves.

Even the safest rider can’t prevent breakdown problems though, and this is why we advise getting a quote from Direct Line for breakdown cover. Call us on 0845 246 8702 to get a quote today.

While unfortunately we do not insure bikes, we can recommend our sister company Devitt, who can give you a competitive quote instantly online.