Drivers urged ‘look twice to save a life’

Look twice: Taking a second look could save a biker’s life.

Motorists are being urged to take a second look for motorbikes after new figures revealed that more than half of motorcyclists involved in collisions in the North East were killed or seriously injured.

Road Safety GB North East (RSGB NE) reported that the number of biker collisions in the region remains stubbornly high, with the number of serious injuries increasing last year compared to the two years previous.

From 2021 to 2025, there were1,506 biker collisions on the region’s roads, with 65 motorcyclists killed, 772 seriously injured, and 669 slightly injured.

In many cases, the collisions were simply due to a failure to look, either by the biker themselves or motorists, who did not notice the bike approaching.

Peter Slater, Chair of RSGB NE, said: “Motorcyclists account for 7% of total injuries on the region’s roads, but this figure rises to 18% when looking at people killed or seriously injured.

“Bikers are vulnerable. When they’re involved in road collisions, it can have devastating results. We know that almost half of all motorbike collisions are caused by either the biker or the driver simply not looking properly. They can be avoided.

“We’re urging bikers to ride sensibly and according to the road and conditions, and drivers need to take a second look for bikes before pulling out or overtaking.

“Don’t live with regrets – looking twice could save a life.”

As the weather improves, more bikers are likely to be out on the roads in the coming weeks, leading to an increased risk of casualties.

RSGB NE is working with police and fire services from across the region to remind all road-users to stay focused on their surroundings and to look out for each other.

The latest figures show that more than half of motorcyclist casualties were aged under 35, with a third aged between 16 and 24.

Inspector Phil Patterson, of Northumbria Police’s Road Safety Team, said: “Everyone has a vital role to play when it comes to protecting motorbike riders, who could be at more risk of serious injury on our region’s roads. We’d ask both bikers and other drivers to take extra care and remember to look twice.”

Station Manager Kevin Bell, from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Many motorcycle collisions happen because drivers or riders fail to notice each other in time, particularly at junctions. We’re urging drivers to take a second look for motorbikes because it could save a life.

“Make sure to check mirrors and blind spots before turning or changing lanes and leave plenty of space when overtaking motorcyclists. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable on the road, and accidents can lead to serious injuries or be fatal.

“We urge bikers to always wear a helmet that meets British Safety Standards, along with protective, high-visibility clothing. Ride for the conditions of the roads and slow down on unfamiliar roads or bends.”

Durham’s Strategic Roads Policing Inspector, Andrew Howarth, said: “We all have a responsibility to look out for each other on the roads. One collision is one too many, so please take extra care as you travel this Easter.

“Be aware of your surroundings, look twice at junctions and check for motorcycles, cyclists and horse riders before turning or changing lanes. Taking a little more time on your journey could save a life. These are simple steps that can help ensure no family loses a loved one on our roads.”

Group Manager Steven Thomas, Head of Prevention and Education at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We attend many serious road traffic collisions with some involving motorcyclists, and the consequences can be devastating.

“As more riders return to the roads over spring, we’re urging all road-users to stay alert, slow down and take an extra moment to look for bikes. Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable people on our roads, and a simple second glance could prevent a life‑changing incident. We all have a responsibility to look out for each other.”

Cleveland Police Matrix Sergeant Mark Kewley said: “We would urge drivers and riders to be vigilant, cautious and sensible, particularly on unfamiliar routes, in order to help reduce the number of serious and fatal collisions on our roads. We would also encourage riders to wear the correct protective equipment for their own safety.”

Matthew Lidster, Road & Water Safety Team Lead at Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “Motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable road-users, and when collisions happen, the consequences can be severe. We would urge all drivers to take that extra second to check for motorcyclists before pulling out, turning, or overtaking – it could save a life.”

The breakdown of road collisions involving motorcyclists across local authority areas between 2021 and 2025 is below. County Durham and Northumberland see the highest number of motorcyclist casualties but, given their size and the rural nature of the roads, this is to be expected.

However, cities and towns across the region also see high numbers of bike casualties, demonstrating that biker collisions are common across both urban and rural areas.