POOR ROAD SURFACE A MAJOR SOURCE OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
06 September 2004 - Devitt Insurance Services Ltd

Devitt urges bikers to ride defensively to avoid road hazards

Almost half (45%) of motorcycle accidents are caused by oil and diesel on the road, and poor road surfaces, according to research by Devitt, one of the UK’s leading motorcycle insurance brokers.

Commenting, Graham Darrah, claims manager at Devitt said: “The message for bikers is clear. Safe riding isn’t just a case of being aware of other road users. Adopting a defensive riding style means expecting the worst when it comes to the state of the roads.”

According to the research, conducted online amongst 500 bikers, almost one in three (29%) has had an accident whilst motorcycling. Of those who had been involved in an accident, a third (32%) said it had been caused by another vehicle. However, aspects of the road surface itself were the most common reasons given for accidents, including:

• 28% of those who had been involved in an accident said it was caused by oil, diesel and other debris on the road;
• 17% by poor road surface
• 6% by manhole covers
• 3% by slippery road markings
• 3% were caused by traffic calming measures

In total, 53% of respondents rated the state of the UK’s roads as poor, with just 2% saying the roads were in very good condition. Overall, Greater London was rated the worst place in the UK to ride a motorbike, with Cornwall, Derbyshire and North Yorkshire coming out on top.

The majority (66%) of respondents said they ride between 100 and 500 miles a month (1,200 and 6,000 miles a year). A quarter (25%) ride for both business and pleasure, with 71% riding just for pleasure. The most popular types of bike ridden were commuter (23%) of respondents), super sport (22%), and tourer (15%). Just 6% of respondents were female.

Graham Darrah concludes: “This survey highlights the importance of being able to deal with poor road surfaces. This is exactly the type of skill that bikers can learn via Bikesafe – which is why Devitt is proud to support the programme.”

www.e-devitt.com

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