Many bikers could be in breach of road safety laws and their insurance policies, recent research has discovered - and what’s worse is that may of them don’t even know they’re doing it.
This startling lack of knowledge has been highlighted in a survey that quizzed 500 bikers about their habits and behaviour – and the results really are worrying. For example, despite it being illegal, 40% of provisional licence holders have carried passengers, even though 88% know they shouldn’t. Not only is this illegal, but should an accident occur there is all sorts of potential for an insurance company not paying out.
More than one in five riders of large engined bikes also admitted that they were not properly licensed to ride them as well, another nightmare should an insurance claim ever need to be made – In fact, by riding a bigger bike and not having proper insurance the money spent on insurance is wasted: Not only is it illegal, but the company will almost definitely reject any claim made against you.
Riders with bigger engines are statistically the most reckless as well: 14 percent had travelled more than 10mph over the speed limit in the last month compared to 5% of small engine riders, and 20% of large engine riders had crossed the centre road line to overtake compared to 16% of low-powered bikers. More riders also crossed the stop line at traffic lights while the lights showed amber or red as well.
When broken down by age, the over 55s are seemingly the most accident prone, with 35-44 being the safest age group (Of whom only 10% had been in an accident in the last month).
The best way to protect yourself from injury whilst on a motorbike is to be properly attired – helmets and leathers all round, natch – but this is seemingly lost on the 5% of women who admit to riding their bike or moped in heels – although the 82% of people quizzed who thought that it was illegal to wear red whilst riding will be happy to know that it is, in fact, perfectly legal to wear it.
With so many easy ways of invalidating your motorbike insurance, the best thing to do is to make sure you know the law. Keep up with revisions of the Highway Code, and you could consider taking a few lessons every couple of years, just to keep yourself on top.
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