BBC Breakfast news! 5409

"Accidents on built-up roads tended to be the fault of the motorist rather than the motorcyclist. A significant number of accidents were caused by cars turning right or doing a 'u' turn in front of the motorcyclist."

"Most of the 'rider not at fault' accidents were caused by drivers of other vehicles turning in the path of, or failing to give way to, the motorcyclist. These accidents can be considered together as they generally involve a lack of awareness on the part of the other vehicle driver."

"Drivers on built-up road are more likely to cause the accident than the motorcyclist. Drivers do not expect, see, or register that motorcycles may be alongside them when they are stationary or waiting to join (or leave the queue of traffic). It is necessary to make drivers more aware of motorcycles. It is recommended that campaigns targeted at non-motorcyclists should concentrate on the following key messages: Do not cut corners. Never do 'U-turns' unless you have checked for motorcycles (at least once). Never pull out of junctions without looking for motorcycles. Never turn right without specifically checking for overtaking motorcycles."

"It is also suggested that engineering maintenance measures, such as increasing the number of bend warnings, maintenance of road edges and the removal of 'wash-out' after heavy rain should be reviewed."

Blair.