Tips for avoiding a motorcycling accident claim whilst touring abroad

A motorcycle touring holiday abroad can be a wonderful, but stressful thing. You may well be adept at touring in the UK, but have you thought about the different nuances associated with biking on the vast stretches of road on the continent. Rob Rowe, of Cooper Bike Training, has put together some tips for motorbike touring abroad that may help you to avoid an unnecessary crash and a motorcycling accident claim.

A motorcycle accident is usually a combination of smaller occurrences that combine into one big incident: the crash. Some of these occurrences are completely out of your hands, such as weather conditions or choices that other road users make, but many crash causing elements, such as fatigue and stress are within your capability to control

Rob gives some very useful tips to avoid excessive stress and fatigue that can be associated with a high mileage trip.

Route planning is the key to a successful touring holiday

• If planning an amazing route through rough terrain or mountains for instance, always plan an alternative, easier path to your desired destination. Weather may make your chosen route un-useable, and if you or a member of your party is unwell or unsure about their riding capabilities for the route, having an alternative easier one planned will eliminate time wasted and inevitable stress.
• Know your destination and have a room booked in advance. Make sure the accommodation you choose has adequate facilities for safe storage of your bike. Check what will be available when you arrive; such as food, hot water etc.
• Plan your mileage. If you have a pillion, try not to exceed 300 miles a day. If riding solo in a group, 400 miles is a long day. If alone, 600 miles is a very long day.
• Try to avoid putting two high mileage days back-to-back, and every 3rd or 4th day take a day off the bike; after all, it is a holiday.
• On a high mileage day, try to complete the majority of the distance before lunch. After lunch your reactions may be slightly more sluggish, and the miles may appear to drag.
• Checking weather conditions is a must, but you should do your homework at the planning stage and know whether you are entering a region at a time of severe weather conditions, such as monsoon or drought.
• At the planning stage, know who you are riding with and consider their abilities as a rider.
• Allow at least 2 2½ hours each day for fuelling, lunch, drink breaks and general stops to take pictures and look at the unusual sights you are seeing.

The above tips may avoid unnecessary fatigue and stress related to long hours of riding and not knowing where you are going to be able to stop. If you are refreshed and stress free, you are more likely to be able to handle your motorcycle safely in the event of other road users driving dangerously and causing road traffic accidents.

YouClaim and motorbike accident claims
Whatever precautions you take, accidents do happen, at home and abroad. If you have been involved in a motorbike accident or have sustained a motorcycle injury through no fault of your own, you may be able to make a no win no fee claim with YouClaim.

After calling our helpline on 0800 10 757 95 or filling in an online claim form you will be assigned an accident claim solicitor who will look after your case. Our UK personal injury solicitors have an extremely high success rate and are governed by regulations laid down by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Making a motorcycling accident claim with YouClaim is entirely risk free as we work on a 100% compensation, no win no fee basis. This means, win or lose, you will not have to pay a penny for our services. If you need time to think then we can call you back at a more convenient time; just let us have a few details and we will do the rest.