Motorcycle Safety and Tips - Junctions

Junctions are always an area of potential hazard and mistakes can happen when vehicles are forced to cross each other's paths – so take heed.

Dealing with junctions can be split into two main areas:
•    Approaching a junction
•    Using a junction

Both situations require you to assess the situation, think, consider your action and always try to minimise any risk.

We’ve put in some easy steps to help you handle these situations with a bit more confidence and ease:

Step 1: The plan of action

As you approach a junction your plan of action needs to take into account that other road users may not be thinking the same way as you.

So, always consider things like:

• Am I in the right position on the road?
• Have I given the other drivers on the road the best chance of seeing me or being aware of me?
• Remember that motorcycles are a lot less visible than other vehicles, so you need to make yourself as visible as possible.

Do not assume that you must have ‘right of way’. You may legally have right of way, but you will still come off worse in any accident.

Step 2: Is my approach speed correct and can I stop?

Try to consider the following:

• What’s behind me?
• Can I stop safely before something serious happens?
• Am I in the correct gear to react?
• Does my signal, position and speed make it clear what my intentions are?

Step 3: Drivers/riders of other vehicles

• Do not assume that the driver has seen you, even if he is looking in your direction.
• Assume the worst case scenario and plan for that, remember ideally, you need an escape plan (that plan could be as simple as ‘stop’)