Serious Motorcycle Crashes. Can you avoid becoming a statistic?

[@eddiejefferies3659]

April of this year saw a return of motorcycing for me, after an 18 year break. I purchased an r ninet Urban GS, which proved to be a very sensible purchase, and two months ago, progressed to a 2010 r1200rt, which I use to commute on, and also pleasure use with my wife. Before doing any of this, I began watching your YT channel, and the knowledge that I have gained from it, has been quite phenomenal. I don't think that I take a single ride without using the knowledge and experience that you freely give. I know with 100 percent certainty, that I am a far more proficient, confident, and safer rider because of having watched and put into practice, what you have taught and shown.

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

I tend to agree with all you’ve said. As an ADV instructor, the three or four top areas for developing riders, new or old, include bends, the need to lift vision more, carrying too much speed into hazards and complacency/human factors. Part of the need to lift vision is to spot opportunities early, make a plan and improve reaction time. Good observation is the cornerstone to the whole system of riding.

[@andyhewitt7588]

Thanks for an excellent video as always. I’m of the firm opinion that, with the possible exception of being shunted from behind, if I have an accident, it’s my fault. It really doesn’t matter if the other driver breaks the law or drives badly, I have to anticipate their actions and plan how to deal with the worst situation. Trying hard not to become a statistic 😀

[@juliusdavies2005]

As someone who has never ridden a bike, and at the age of 60 am taking my DAS in November, I really appreciate the thoughtfulness, analysis and introspection you bring to your videos. It has certainly helped change my perception of the risks/challenges ahead of me.

[@razzle1964]

I’m riding again, at 60, after a 38yr hiatus. It’s bloody good fun. Good luck to you, Julius. You’ll love it 😉✌️🤘

[@jmileshc]

I'd firmly recommend getting some enhanced and or advanced training too, it will help with confidence, and your safety. ;-)

[@neilsatchell7049]

I passed my DAS last year 16 days before my 60th. These videos helped me tremendously, I have since done safer rider with Norfolk police, hugger rider with Norfolk County Council, and some of the best training was with i2i motorcycle academy was recommended after I did my hugger course, so look them up or you tube i2i Tom is great and explained in great detail then you get to do it, just did my mc1& mc2, good luck with DAS enjoy.

[@Sankara561]

This afternoon I was driving the car and had a car pull out on me of a side road on the left to turn right - forcing a full emergency stop and missed them by literal inches (they even cut their turn, continuing to drive closer to me). Gormless look dead in my eye as they did it. I honestly believe it was solely because I'm a defensive biker that I had noticed they did not look in either direction before emerging - their approach to the T-junction was not excessively fast, they just didn't look or give any sign of preparing to give way - and so I started braking early. It was the closest I've been to an accident in 30+ years on the road. However, I can imagine on a bike I could have done nothing, same if it had been wet, or dark etc. There are some incidents you just cannot avoid.

[@jmileshc]

Education is KEY. The CBT, A2 nor DAS, as you allude to offer Advanced techniques or methods. As a father of an 18yr old soon to turn 19 who's been riding from 16 3/4, I'm terrified for them, I share your content with them of course. They have conducted the CBT twice, as it only lasts 2-years. I try to imbue Advanced rideing methods, but using such on a CBT or A2, A, DAS would lead to a fail. It seems to me again as you talk about, that there is a disconnect and a reformation of the training content and access to an A from CBT etc. is required. Better trained and educated riders and drivers, would greatly reduce incidents and make the roads a more pleasant and safer place to be. I think most folks though don't have a growth, wanting to learn and improve mindset, present company excepted. Thank you VERY much for your thoughts and content.

[@AW8UK]

"Two to tangle" is a phrase used by Kevin Williams....... Others may set up collisions but we can often reduce (or mitigate against) , collision risks. If our speed is at significant variance with other traffic then we arguably increase risk of catching some by surprise. Thanks 👍🏍

[@MGman100]

Wise words, particularly regarding junctions and overtakes. I see so many videos on KZbin where bikers overtake where there are junctions, driveways, etc, on the offside.

[@johnflavin1602]

Yes, junctions are deadly. Asking for trouble if you go past them at speed.

[@PaulMcConnell-p6v]

As usual sir, well presented & thought provoking vlog. Every vlog I watch I try to practice and I try to get one outstanding comment, from this vlog… ‘Never put your bike where your eyes have not been’. Should be the very first comment for every rider, new or old, before straddling a bike, whether for the first or one millionth time. It is also a magnificent comment for a t-shirt. Thank you, your vlogs inspire me to be a better rider

[@triumphbikerman]

Great videos, as a rider of 12 years, I’m finding these videos really enlightening and informative. I’m not a fast rider, just prefer to ride within my limits and try to anticipate any obstacles. Never going to be a brilliant or fast rider- but prefer to just tootle along.

[@andyhill3292]

Totally agree with you speed restrictions are not the cure.. more training and mindset on safety of manoeuvres is key.

[@carl4699]

Very nice indeed love your videos, very informative information 👍

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Thank you very much!

[@carsyoungtimerfreak1149]

Good points as usual, thank you. I agree that more and better education is very important. Yet I also believe that speed limits are important. In my country (The Netherlands) more and more country lanes have a 60 km/h speed limit. I see quite a few benefits: for many people this is too low, the limit is policed so they start avoiding those roads, less traffic means less issues. 60 km/h makes riding (and driving) more, for lack of a better word, relaxed. I do not mean that you have less focus or concentration, it just makes life easier. Obviously if it does go wrong the risks are a bit smaller at lower speeds. And on all roads and at all speeds it helps you to realize you are not Giacomo Agostini... Who? Well this shows my age 🙂. Stay safe!

[@medler2110]

I'd only been riding for a few years when I got knocked of my motorbike by the car I was overtaking, when they went to overtake the car in front of them, we were in a queue of traffic just coming out of a 30mph limit onto a wide straight stretch of road. I got away without any major injuries, but a written off bike, car driver very apologetic, admitted fault straight away, so no games with the insurance, friends, family and work colleagues all said nothing I could have done, wasn't my fault, just bad luck and I thought the same. That is until one of our customers came into the warehouse, he was a part-time motorcycle instructor and knowing I'd had a bike crash asked me what happened, I said I wasn't blame, but he said that's not the point, what could I have done to avoid the situation? And with some explanation from him I realised, yes I could have done a few things, I could have anticipated the car was going to pull out, all the clues were there, I could have got in a better position, to give me a bit of space, by the time he hit me I'd nearly braked hard enough to be out of the way, if I'd been a few feet over to the right I'd probably been out of the way as he pulled out and I could have used the horn. That conversation was 40 years ago, it changed my outlook on riding motorbikes and driving, that merely being in the "right" isn't much good if you lying in hospital or worse.

[@LiamE69]

When changing lanes or overtaking I always think to myself if I want to overtake or change lanes other road users will probably want to too and ride accordingly.

[@desmondmccabe7239]

Again another insightful video.... motorcycling is a skilful art not just twist and go. Complete assesment and the correct application is a skill.... You never stop learning

[@JayDutch-UK-MK]

Road safety has two main risk mitigations. Education and training, Road design. Road design is again and again done to keep drivers safe with zero thought for motorcycles and other road users. No one is educating drivers to look out for other road users. Recently near me, then eliminated a right turn and build a large island in the middle of the road and then dropped speed to 40mph. This island eliminates all escape routes for motorcyclists. A driver pulls out and you can only break, swerving and hazard avoidance has been eliminated for the motorcyclist.

[@aps-pictures9335]

I’m a psychologist and it’s interesting how people will blame everyone else (it’s the other drivers responsibility/fault!) as it makes them feel subconsciously less scared it’ll happen to them. Weirdly, it’s almost like starting to learn a little is overwhelming how much there is to work on to stay safe. Takes the fun out of it for some people. But yes, obviously fully agree with the sense in this vid.

[@neilp1885]

Interesting comment. I don't understand why they'd think that though. Blaming someone else and saying it's their responsibility would actually make me feel less safe! That's putting my safety in someone else's hands. There are lots of poor drivers and riders out there and I don't want to have to trust them to keep me safe. I prefer to think that I can learn and practice skills like perception, planning, and bike control, in order to reduce my risks. I know I can't remove all of the risks, and sometimes my safety is in the hands of others or just down to luck. For example, some of those crash statistics included riders who were waiting, and even some who were actually parked, and then there are things like a rock fall or explosion happening just as you ride past (unlikely but not impossible), but for the risks that I can control to some extent, I'd rather do that than trust others.

[@johnbiddal5951]

I would be interested in knowing if the statistics show whether the motor cyclists involved in the accidents were riding as individuals or in company, two or more, or a group even. I would bet a fair few of the overtake accidents were of group or 'Ride Out' origin. People trying to either catch up or keep up and getting more reckless in the process. Most of us who ride regularly as individuals have had a group of bikes go past us on the road, with the tail enders thrashing it to stay with the group. Common sight here on Welsh country roads, especially at weekends.

[@razzle1964]

It doesn’t seem to be on the ‘contributory factor’ list so I’m guessing it’s not considered ‘sufficiently’ contributory. Your interest, and point of course, is valid. I’ve not ridden with a group since my RAC ACU days (precursor to the CBT, I think). I may have ridden with a pal, once or twice, but I’m not overly fond of it. Saying that, I badgered my younger brother (57) to blow some of our Mums inheritance on a bike so we could take a road trip down through France / Spain! I wonder what THEIR stats are like!🤔😉✌️

[@techtinkerin]

I wonder how much complacency is a factor. Eg people are highly trained but end up not using their skills until the inevitable happens. Great vid as always. 😎👍

[@darinwaldock3756]

Thanks for another thought provoking video, I've been watching them since I started riding a few years ago, I go out and put into practice a lot of what you suggest and think I am a better rider for it, Thanks again.

[@guitarplayerwannabee]

Thank you, Phil. Another excellent video. It is a shame that the crash statistics that are collected are not broken down in more detail e.g. level of riding i.e. learner, passed, advanced etc. I feel much useful information could be derived.

[@JayDutch-UK-MK]

I am doing ROSPA training, in part to watching your videos. I agree 100% that training and education is the way forward. The DAS course is often very quick for lucky riders. Some DAS courses are Two days of training, then two tests. If they pass then no other training needed.

[@petelyden8193]

The main rule I use is 'If I can't see (enough), I can't go'...car or bike. I have had a few spills from 10-120mph in my early riding years, all my own fault for not paying enough attention. Now the traffic is much more busier, and you often have to think for other drivers or riders, concentration for me becomes key. Been riding for 54 years!

[@stags-gr8to]

Another very useful, thought provoking video! Thank you😊

[@neilsatchell7049]

Great video I've learned a lot from your videos thank you, and gonna review your riding in rain as the weather is turn wild, and just love riding my 🏍

[@ConciergeMed]

As usual, such good advice. Thank you!

[@walt7518]

Good advice. One thing to note (which I'm sure you are aware of) the DOT KSI 2018-2022 wasn't using fixed age ranges so it's hard to compare 30-39 against 20-24 etc. i.e. take the same 10 year range 20-29 and it's 25% vs 18% in the 30-39 range. I noticed you don't indicate on rural road overtakes, I must admit I just can't do that, I know the point about it speeding up overtakes but rightly or wrongly, I feel if that amount of time makes such a difference it's too close a call for me to overtake. Also I'm amazed that you can bring up all that detailed info while riding through traffic etc, I can't, I go quiet because my brain can't process the traffic as well as talking....

[@NickVoaden-p2q]

Well presented subject matter as always. It’s made me think about my riding and I have become a little desensitised to the risks involved. I will be considering if that overtake is really on and do I really need to get round that cornet that quickly. Thanks for the info👍

[@robertYTB78g]

The $64,000 statistic we don't get is what is the chance of an accident for the careful skilled and trained motorcyclist doing everything right! I do hope it is low :)

[@ProfileP246]

Some great points worth considering. I just realised I’ve never been instructed on how to corner and when I think back to the time I did my CBT I wonder how did I get through it going straight onto national speed limit roads on a powerful bike never having done it on the road is the point that struck a chord with me.

[@05gt99]

Thanks Phil, much appreciated

[@SBKPete]

I’m approaching 64 and I’ve ridden bikes, since the age of 16. The biggest threat on riding rural roads, is other motorcyclists. The standard of riding sometimes, is appalling. Also, I’ve always kept myself, ‘bike fit’. And there are some big lads riding bikes, that clearly aren’t. Which in my opinion, doesn’t help them, in controlling their bike properly. The stats, don’t surprise me.

[@martinbishop5228]

Everything you say is correct. Great video thanks to you. I have had a close call as you mentioned the sun is low and shining on the damp road so I didn't see the 6 inch deep pothole until I was almost down it. Luckily I managed to swerve around it and Luckily there wasn't a car coming the other way. So what would be your advice in that situation

[@razzle1964]

‘Going ahead, other’ 🤔 under any other circumstances I’d find that bloody funny.

[@Antony-rb9gk]

Great content 👍🏻

[@jimgeelan5949]

I’m so glad I think like you 😊

[@christianweller4288]

Very interesting stats. Particularly of note are the morning and evening figures. Something I have noticed over the years of cycling, driving and motorcycling are the effect of low sun angles and the reduction in depth perception and visibility generally. Many factors at play here during commuting hours but extra care is definitely required no matter what direction the sun is coming from. And by “extra care” I mean red-alert levels of caution…. saved me many times. Thanks again for these videos, they make a difference.

[@leslieaustin151]

Of course you’re preaching to the choir. But maybe the ‘choir’ can have some influence in all of this. The best thing I ever did for my driving and motorcycle riding was to join RoSPA and do a (car) course, continue that by constant membership, learning and practice, with regular assessments (exams) through the years. But for most, driving a car (in particular) is a ‘utility’ and after their ‘driving test’ their driving gets as much attention as their toaster or washing machine at home. Good riding (and driving) does rub off on others to some degree. And education and training does protect YOU, as well as others on the road. Thank you for your continuing commitment to safety on bikes. Les

[@mikerider58]

Great video, we need more police motorcyclists on our roads to referee bad driving. New government wouldn't go amiss 😊

[@JayDutch-UK-MK]

Metal drains are left un coated everywhere and wet metal is a serious hazard in a bend.

[@steve00alt70]

Now that motorcycle companies are going bankrupt and sales are down. We actually need more simple licence system that focuses more on safety in depth incentive to pay riders to attend advanced rider course so its CBT to A licence, no A1 or A2. We need more younger riders less barrier to access so the industry can survive. The average age of a motorcycle rider in UK is 54 thats shocking.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@steve00alt70 completely agree. A European directive adopted by the UK designed and implemented by people with no idea about motorcycling or training. Not fit for purpose in its current form.

[@PNH63]

Sense, sense and more sense. All bikers need to learn you are ultimately responsible by your actions and awareness, even if you don’t like it , it’s true.Including myself !Personally I don’t think national speed limits can be left to people’s discretion.

[@alanbrown5593]

Having been deliberately rammed, whilst stopped at a set of lights, and technically dying at scene. The sheriff stated it was calculated road rage, not sure how my actions, or awareness make me ultimately responsible.

[@mosshague3313]

@@alanbrown5593 sorry to hear about your incident, but we dont know the full story. Might depend on why you were deliberately rammed, odd to come out of nowhere unless the guy was a drugged psychopath?? Good chance on the face of it that you are not ULTIMATELY responsible.

[@RedDragonUncaged]

I've asked this before, sorry but as you mention it as your number one accident prevention strategy, where are the statistics to back this up? How many deaths or serious injuries to those who have passed an advanced rider test?

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Hi, thank you for your question. I wish I could answer it. I am unaware of any statistics to show this, I guess it’s not a question asked by police as part of an investigation. I think a lot of other information would also be useful but not currently recorded. But, when you hear of the causes of some of these collisions one would hope that the mistakes wouldn’t be made by a rider with more knowledge. We can only do our best. Cheers

[@RedDragonUncaged]

@MotorcyclePWR thanks for the reply. The question arises because having an advanced qualification doesn't lead to any significant reduction in insurance premiums. So do insurance companies know something we don't? They'd be difficult to get information from but they do gather it. Anecdotally, I got a reduction of 67p, yes pence, from one insurer. Does that mean advanced riders are to them no less likely to have an accident or theft than anyone else, even with their greater knowledge, skill and experience? Does complacency, fatigue or advanced age nullify or counter it? Are other road users' mistakes rendering further training moot? Or are insurance companies making advances riders bear the brunt, ie they don't reflect it in premiums because they don't share the drive towards more training?

[@TheBandit87]

I seriously want to avoid being a statistic, been driving 20 years but only recently passed my bike test (6 weeks ago)... I already knew I wanted to do advanced training but cant decide who to go with... is IAM or drive safe any good? also regarding the counter steering... I've watched many videos and nobody explains it properly! they say push right to go right and left to go left which is easy to understand but do I push forward or down? obviously normal cornering happens by leaning the bike which I guess is pushing down so if I want to counter steer into a right hand bend say do I just simply turn the handlebars as if I wanted to turn left at slow speed? but minimal input? I ask because last ride I was on a dual carriageway and it had a long sweeping left hander which I went a little too enthusiastically into and obviously went wide but no cars around and I just stopped accelerating and gently braked and I was ok, but it wouldn't have happened if I lent the bike more because my speed wasn't stupid just not enough steering input, I admit my riding skills are basic but my road knowledge is very good and I never take any risks so I just need to practice more and learn to lean further which doesn't bother me at all especially on my j2 ninja it feels great and has way more potential than I can extract haha.

[@aps-pictures9335]

Few things here; 1. Which scheme you choose is very controversial. Personally I hate IAM and ROSPA, but that’s me. I prefer Rapid, but others love those other groups. 2. Counter-steering is just how a bike steers - regardless of speed. It’s just more noticeable above around 8mph. There are plenty of videos on it, but I’ve just seen a few by ‘Moto control’ channel. 3. You push forward to counter steer. Down is a waste of energy, you push forward to cause the wheel to start to tip. So, you push right - the wheel points first toward the left, then the bike falls right. If your bike has cruise control, put it on somewhere safe at a slow speed, and try pushing down. It does nothing. Push forward even with one finger, and the bike starts to turn. Don’t try to turn the handlebars. 4. It seems your issue is to do with speed initially. You’ll want to enter corners/bends slower than you would in a car until you have the very basics down. Counter-steering will help, but there’s only so much lean you can add before you’ll lose grip and wash out. Especially if you need to also slow down to tighten the radius. Loads of vids on limit point reading! 5. My last tip would be to watch some of the RAPID vids for how top level observation skills work - some great vids on here where the instructor does commentary.

[@neilp1885]

@TheBandit87 And just to add for the counter steering, in case it isn't obvious - don't just keep pushing forward more and more! As the first reply said, the point of steering the "wrong way" first is to make the bike tip over. You are upright and the bike is stable. You need it to lean in order to take the corner, but it doesn't want to, so you counter steer to tip it. To use a left turn as the example ... You steer right initially (push forward on the left), the front wheel will start to take itself to the right but you and the bike will want to keep going straight, so the bike will start to fall to the left. If you keep pushing, it'll keep turning out from underneath you until you do actually fall (don't do that!😊). If you stop pushing and let the bike steer itself, the geometry will steer it to the left, and since you are now leaning left too, the bike will be able to turn left. As with all things bike, try to keep your control inputs smooth. It sounds more complicated than it is. Give it a little practice and you should find it comes pretty naturally.

[@andyhewitt7588]

You have taken the first step by just considering taking an advanced course. It doesn’t matter much which course - any of them will improve your skills and help you to stay self. Good luck 😀

[@46rrodriguez]

you need to start on the bicycle to understand how counter steering works the books wont help you only practicing and gaining the skills will help you. Its natural and safe process to start on the bicycle you should understand how to counter steer quickly. Then on the motorbike its same process its just a bit harder depending how heavy your motorbike is. Good luck

[@chrishocking7854]

Also worth noting that counter steering is how a bike is steered. You are already counter steering around every bend, if only subconsciously. It's when you consciously counter steer you find you develop more control and confidence.

[@joelaughlin3804]

Sad part you have idiots in all walks of life. Every learner should be made to watch crashes as part of any test(car & motorcycle) in a hope something sticks. Maybe safety adverts should be a thing just like wearing a seatbelt or drink driving for drivers was once. Tests are only passed doing speed limits without overtaking in most cases, agreed that should be part of any test, same as motorway driving for new car drivers.. Speed kills because idiots are not in control of a machine. Road craft is an afterthought for said idiots and unfortunately you can never legislate for idiots. 2 or 4 wheels. Some KZbin reviewers are some of the worse riders I’ve seen doing blind cornering and overtaking at high speeds while complaining the tyres are a bit budget & complaining the bike doesn’t have enough power watched by said potential learner riders. 🥴 Ride or drive responsibly & enjoy the view. Everyone is in a bloody rush!

[@johnmacdonald1878]

Luck? I suppose some of my survival is down to "luck". What is "luck" ? Making an error or using poor judgement and getting away with it? Or by deciding to take further training, or other kinds of instruction, practice ect, create your own "good luck" Looking at accident stats and reports from other pursuits. A very simple statistics. For every really serious incidents A lot more, less serious incidents occurred. Even more minor incidents occurred And the big one. A Heck of a lot more near misses(or near hits) occurred Its a pyramid scheme. Probability, of something serious is proportional to the number of near misses. So. If you have more near misses the chances your luck will run out is much greater. So try and avoid the near misses. Your "luck" will be better.

[@andydt82]

Interesting age group statistics. Driving through Gloucester at 4pm today, it was scary how little gear the bikers I saw had on, and they all looked young. Yet they aren’t the highest risk group. I suppose the high proportion of older riders is due to speed, slower reactions, and more likely to be in larger groups. Plus there is a lot of talk about how the cost of motorcycling is making it an older persons activity so the numbers will be different

[@rcfokker1630]

What's the difference between you and the bloke who goes through a hedge? Two arms, two legs, a human brain, sight and hearing. You probably differ in no significant physical way from the casualty; not even in the level of manual handling skills that you possess. I would argue that the significant difference between you is in your Attitudes towards motorcycling. Both you and our prospective casualty will approach the same set of circumstances on the road ... but you'll each make a very different decision, because that decision-making is heavily biased by your Attitudes; maybe particularly your respective Attitudes towards risk. The problem is that such Attitudes are not easy to manipulate. 'Education' has a poor track-record of changing behaviour. No wonder that the State resorts to crude methods of control.