
Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents On Rural Roads
The threat is real, motorcycle accidents on rural roads are common. All riders are at risk, particularly those riding powerful machines, those riding smaller machines with weaker ability and those who ride without thinking about their journey.
Thrilling and exciting
Riding a motorcycle on rural roads can be a thrilling and liberating experience. The open road is where most riders want to be, they have the beautiful scenery to take in, they get a real sense of freedom that car drivers don’t feel and it can be truly exhilarating.
However, it can also be very dangerous, and unfortunately, motorcycle accidents on rural roads are a common occurrence in the UK. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key reasons why motorcycle accidents happen on rural roads and why taking further training can help improve your skills and prevent you from being involved in an accident.
Also adding in the factor and problem that car drivers fail to see motorcyclists is when the majority of accidents occur. A rider should ask themselves what they can do to prevent being at a higher risk.
Lack of Experience and Training
Another key factor that contributes to motorcycle accidents on rural roads is a lack of experience and training. Many riders may feel confident on urban roads, but rural roads require a different set of skills and techniques.
Without the proper training and experience, riders may struggle to anticipate hazards and navigate tricky road conditions. This lack of skill and experience can lead to accidents that could have been avoided with proper training.
New riders are more at risk
New riders contribute to incidents because they lack experience and skill. They have a distinct lack of knowledge and ability. New riders who are not already road users and are going on the road for the first time on a motorcycle are at a much higher risk
Because the majority of learner riders do not get taught to ride on the open road, they are more vulnerable because of the lack of exposure on these types of road. If a learner rider goes out riding with full licence holders, the routes are generally more onerous and too much for new learner riders on L Plates.
Speeding
Speeding is a common cause of motorcycle accidents on rural roads. Riders may be tempted to increase their speed on open roads because they have more views or empty roads. But this can be dangerous, especially on rural roads where the conditions can change quickly.
Riders who are travelling at high speeds may be unable to react quickly enough to avoid hazards. This is because the motorcycle’s speed is faster than their brain can act. Riders must also factor into their plan that cars may join the main road from a side road and be travelling very slowly around the next corner!
Statistics – Speed and a lack of view don’t mix
According to a report by the UK Department for Transport, in 2019, 53% of fatal motorcycle accidents occurred on rural roads, compared to just 27% on urban roads. Unfortunately these figures have a very similar trend for other years too.
Hidden dangers with more greenery
This is a huge difference and one that must make riders open their eyes to the inherent dangers that exist. They are mainly hidden because riding in the summer means the foliage has grown and restricts view, the road becomes narrower in places with overgrowth. Speed and limited views do not mix well.
Furthermore, 60% of serious injuries to motorcyclists occurred on rural roads. These statistics demonstrate the importance of understanding the risks associated with riding on rural roads and taking steps to reduce those risks.
Taking Further Training
To reduce the risks associated with riding on rural roads, it’s essential for riders to seek out further training and education. Learner riders who hold a CBT certificate have usually only done 2 hours of riding on the road. These novice riders must actively seek more guidance for the type of riding they want to do.
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New riders are more at risk
New riders want to be out on their bikes and gain experience but they usually ride with more experienced riders who want to travel longer distances. Open road riding is where riders have the most fun, but long journeys for new learner riders are very difficult. Their bikes lack power and they also lack riding ability.
This means they become tired and lose concentration on longer journeys. They also get fatigue as they are sitting in a certain position for long periods of time on a smaller machine. Body aching and tired mental capacity really does make a new rider more vulnerable.
Full licence holders
For those riding bigger machines, advanced training courses can teach riders the skills they need to anticipate hazards, navigate tricky road conditions and safely handle their motorcycle at higher speeds.
By taking further training, riders can increase their confidence, reduce their risk of accidents, and enjoy a safer and more fulfilling riding experience.
Road conditions
One of the reasons for motorcycle accidents on rural roads is the road conditions themselves. Rural roads tend to be narrower and windier than urban roads, with less signage and fewer safety features.
This can make it difficult to anticipate hazards, such as sharp turns or blind corners. Especially if they are not well sign posted and the rider does not know the road.
Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly.
Lose view – lose speed
Additionally, rural roads are more likely to have poor surface conditions, such as potholes, loose gravel, or wet leaves, which can cause a loss of traction and lead to accidents.
This is why riders should not blindly ride too fast for the situation ahead. An easy thing to do is when you lose view, you should lose speed!
Conclusion
Riding a motorcycle on rural roads can be a fantastic experience, but it comes with significant risks. With narrow and winding roads, poor road conditions and limited safety features, it’s essential for riders to understand the risks associated with rural riding.
All riders should top up their skills regularly and take steps to reduce those risks. A good way to approach this is by taking the same methodical steps as getting the bike MOT’d every year. Riders need the same approach to their skills.
Having them looked at keeps you in good order for the next phase of your journey. By seeking further training, riders can improve their skills, gain confidence, and reduce their risk of accidents on rural roads.
So, if you’re a rider, take the necessary action to ensure you’re fully prepared for the challenges of riding on rural roads. Ride safe and Keep it on the Black Stuff…