DSFRS release tips for motorcyclists as the weather improves

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has released advice to keep motorcyclists safe as the weather improves. 

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, who, alongside Devon and Cornwall Police, attend road collisions every day, have released their "top safety tips" for motorcyclists as the weather improves and people are more likely to take their bikes and leave their cars at home.

Motorcycles only make up around 1% of traffic on the road, but in 2020 accounted for 20% of road fatalities and 12% of road casualties in Great Britain.

Their four main top tips are: 

• Get a CRASH card now. This is a small card you can place inside your helmet. If an accident happens, paramedics can use the card to quickly find your medical history, medication details and a next of kin to contact.
• Wear proper safety clothing to protect you from serious injury in the event of a crash.
• Maintain your bike so it’s in top condition.
• Appreciate the impact weather conditions can have on your journey. Wet roads – particularly after a period of dry weather – are very slippery.

They also advise you check your POWDERS before you ride: 

• Petrol – do you have enough fuel?
• Oil – are your oil levels are topped up?
• Water – have you checked your coolant levels?
• Damage – check the motorcycle over for any signs of damage. This includes checking for chain tension and lubrication, and damage to sprocket teeth. If your bike has a belt rather than a chain, you should check for signs of damage such as cracking and drying.
• Electrics – check all lights including brakes and indicators are working and that any cables are secure. Make sure that cables and termination points are not worn as this can lead to failure of systems such as clutch, brakes or lighting.
• Rubber - check your tyres once a week. Motorcycles need legal, correctly inflated and maintained tyres to ride, brake and handle safely.
  • Check tyre pressure when your tyres are cold and ensure they are set at the correct pressure as recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Look for cracks, bulges or objects embedded in the tread.
  • Take a look to make sure your tyres are wearing evenly, if they’re not, your tyre pressures may be wrong, or wheel assembly may be incorrectly balanced.
  • Ensure tyres are clean and free of oil and grease, wash them with the detergent if necessary.
  • Check your tyre tread depth. It must be no less than 1mm around the circumference of the middle three-quarters of the tyre.
• Self – make sure you are fit to drive, not tired, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any medicines.

Tag a rider to help keep them safe and other road users should always be on the look out for bikes.