As a motorcyclist you may come across a Road Traffic Accident, (RTA), involving cars, trucks etc; or you or a motorcyclist you know may be involved. These notes are to help you to deal safely with any RTA scene. These observations come from my experience as a motorcyclist and a fire officer. Many of the principles are also applicable if you are in a car, van etc.

You are 35 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured on a motorcycle than when driving a car. Although 75% of accidents occur in built-up areas, 50% of fatalities occur on the open road, speed kills! But there is good news for many of us old’ens. The older you are the less likely you are to have an accident! But new riders are three times more likely to have an accident in their first year than in their sixth.

RTAs happen most often during rain, high winds, cold, ice, fog, snow and at night. This is especially true for motorcycles with their limited ground contact. Poor weather conditions will make the RTA more difficult & dangerous to deal with.

Normally I would expect whoever is leading the ride to take charge. However, it is impossible to be specific about this point as the leader may be some way ahead of the incident or may be involved. An off duty fire or police officer may be available! In my experience someone will emerge as the leader, who this is will depend on who is there first and the other circumstances of the accident. It is important that someone takes charge quickly, if no one else seems to be doing so it may be time for you to do so.

1. Do not put yourself at risk, except perhaps to save a life!
2. Be careful when getting near a crashed vehicle as there will be sharp & possibly hot objects about. Keep your gloves and leathers on.
3. Beware of body fluids such as blood that can be a health hazard. Riding gear will give good protection. Wash off with water ASAP.
4. Beware of treading in spilled fuel puddles. Wash down with water.
5. Smoke from vehicles on fire may contain cyanide, acid, air con refrigerants and other poisons. Only enter smoke to save a life, withdraw ASAP.
6. Chemicals leaking from trucks can be toxic. Avoid contact and inhalation.
7. Air bags and seat belt pre-tensioners may actuate unexpectedly. Avoid getting in the way.
8. Gas struts, shock absorbers & suspension units may explode in fire. Keep away except to save a life.
9. Battery acid will burn. Wash off with water ASAP.
10. Do not climb in or on vehicles that are unstable. Remember tailgates and hydraulic equipment may move if the pipes are burnt or broken.

As well as being the cause of many accidents bad weather can make it more likely that other drivers will hit the crashed vehicles. The outcome can be further injuries caused to those who are already casualties and cannot get out of the way. Also, rescuers and onlookers can become casualties. Therefore the first priority is to protect the scene.

Fire, Police and Ambulance professionals at an RTA use their reflective jackets, road cones, accident warning signs to provide a visible warning to road users and position their vehicles in a "Fend Off Position" across the road to provide a physical barrier. Motorcyclists have to rely mainly on visibility and improvisation until the professionals arrive. At night illuminate the scene using our headlights. Few motorcycles will provide as much protection as a Harley when placed in the fend off position but if you can get a car or truck in the right position it will provide even more protection. The result of our efforts will vary in different circumstances and we can only do our best.

The following is a guide for you as to what should be done, when possible, if it is safe, if there are enough people and time. (On the M25 in rush hour approaching traffic will back up quicker than a person can run so don’t try!)

1. Immediately send someone, on foot, far enough in both directions, (at least 50m), to be easily seen by approaching traffic. They should wave their arms, reflective jerkin, torches etc. to warn other drivers.
2. If possible reinforce these warnings by sending bikes in both directions to be positioned facing in the normal direction of traffic flow with 4 way flashers operating, riders should wave their arms to warn oncoming traffic.
3. Assess the accident for casualties, people trapped and fire.
4. Start first aid in priority - breathing, bleeding & bones.
5. Ensure the police, fire brigade and/or ambulance are called as necessary.

If someone is trapped in the wreckage:-

6. Place one or more bikes or other vehicles in a "fend off" position on both sides of the incident with lights and flashers operating, leave room for an ambulance between these vehicles and the crash site.
7. In poor visibility place other bikes so their lights illuminate the scene.

Ask the 999 operator for police AND an ambulance.

If people are trapped ask for the fire brigade as well.

The purpose of these notes is not to deal with the detail of first aid. However, just as a reminder you should not remove a bikers helmet after a crash. Leave it to the biker or the ambulance staff. Remember that Breathing, Bleeding and Bones is the order of concern. This may have an effect on your actions at an RTA.

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Steve Whitmore