Drivers urged to be aware of bikes as it gets warmer

DocBike, a charity which puts air ambulance critical care doctors and paramedics onto response motorcycles, is advising all drivers to look out for motorcyclists this weekend.

The message is particularly prevalent now because the charity says studies show that springtime is the most dangerous time for motorcycle collisions, with a peak in serious injuries and fatalities being seen as motorcyclists make their way back onto the roads after the winter break.

This could be due to a number of contributing factors, such as motorcyclists are a bit rusty after not riding much over the winter period, other road users are not used to seeing bikes out on the roads, or a combination of both.

Dr Ian Mew, intensive care consultant with DocBike and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance said: “The human brain isn’t designed to see small objects travelling towards it at speed, which puts

motorcyclists at risk when other vehicles pull out unexpectedly in front of them at junctions.

“If you combine this with other road users not being used to looking out for other motorcyclists after the winter period, we can understand why this is such a dangerous time for motorcyclists.

“But it’s not just about not being seen. Last year in Dorset, more motorcyclists were killed or critically injured due to losing control or whilst overtaking a line of traffic.

“On average, more than 200 motorcycle collisions occur every year in Dorset. Last year, 17 of these collisions were either very serious or fatal.”

With spring now in full swing and the county enjoying milder temperatures, and many motorcyclists taking to the roads for the first time this year, DocBike is concerned that there could be a spike in motorcycle collisions.
Motorists are urged to take some extra time to look out for motorcyclists and give them plenty of space and those that are getting on a bike are reminded to take some time to check it over before riding it.