GEM junction advice: look - then look again for motorbikes

We're encouraging drivers to take extra care at junctions, in an attempt to reduce collisions with motorcyclists.

Summertime sees many roads becoming busier with weekend riders. But making that extra check for riders at every junction, on every journey, we will be greatly reducing the risk, and doing our bit for road safety.

In 2021, 310 motorcyclists were killed in Great Britain, 5,264 were reported to be seriously injured and more than 10,000 slightly injured. Many of these incidents took place at or near junctions, where drivers failed to see an approaching motorcyclist before starting a manoeuvre.

GEM chief executive Neil Worth said: “Around 30 motorcyclists are killed or injured every day at junctions, usually because of a driver observation error which some years ago picked up the nickname ‘SMIDSY’ – sorry mate, I didn’t see you.

“As human beings we’re not very good at identifying motorcyclists because they occupy such a small part of our field of vision. What’s more, if we’re not expecting to see one, then the chance of spotting one coming towards us is further reduced, and the risk of a collision is greatly increased.

“So that crucial second glance before pulling out may well reveal other hazards we missed when we looked first time and saw nothing – either because of naturally-occurring blind spot issues or because we were not expecting to see anything.

“So before pulling out of junctions, look carefully all around. Make a specific check for motorcyclists coming towards you. They’re not always easy to spot – but if you’re expecting them to be there, then you’re far more likely to see them in good time… and prevent a potentially serious collision.”

Avoid SMIDSY: three tips for drivers

· Before pulling out at any junction, expect a motorcyclist – maybe more than one – to be coming towards you.

· Have a really good look, and don’t pull out unless you are 100% sure there’s nothing coming.

· Keep both hands on the wheel and look directly at an approaching rider. This can help show that you’re not putting the car in gear to move off.

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GEM Motoring Assist is a members’ motoring and road safety organisation in the UK. Our aim is to keep our members on the move… whether that’s through our breakdown recovery service or our motoring and road safety expertise.

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