One in Three Motorcyclists Hit by Litter Thrown by Drivers
In the last 12 months one third of motorcycle riders have been hit by litter from moving vehicles, according to a study by IAM RoadSmart
New data from IAM RoadSmart shows that one in three motorcycle riders were hit by litter thrown from moving vehicles in the last 12 months, which includes having cigarette butts tossed at them.
IAM RoadSmart surveyed 600 of its motorcycle riders and the results showed that one third of riders were struck by the litter and cigarette butts when overtaking other road users, according to the research.
The report says motorcyclists told the charity that some drivers were deliberately spraying windscreen wash when they were behind them, as well as cutting them up to stop them from filtering through traffic.
80 per cent (eight in ten) motorcyclists also said drivers were being distracted by mobile phones, while another 80 per cent of drivers failed to look out for bikers when pulling away from junctions.
Even more worrying is that one third (37 per cent) of motorcycle fatalities were because of two vehicle collisions between a motorcycle and car, according to the 2023 Department for Transport reported road casualty data.
The most common factors contributing to motorcyclists being involved in a fatal or serious collision with another vehicle was because the ‘driver or rider failed to look properly’, resulting in one third (29 per cent) of those killed or seriously injured.
IAM RoadSmart policy and standards director Nicholas Lyes said: “Hurling litter and cigarette butts at motorcyclists is shocking and completely reckless.
“Taking umbrage just because bikers are able to get ahead is at best petty, and at worst downright dangerous.
“Equally motorcyclists should ride responsibly, but it’s important to keep in mind that bikers are some of the most vulnerable on the road and will almost always come off worse in the event of a collision. A little courtesy and additional checks go a long way to improving safety.
“Deaths and serious injuries remain a real concern for motorcyclists, but a little courtesy and additional checks go a long way to improving the safety of some of the most vulnerable on the road.”
As part of the new data IAM RoadSmart conducted case studies, with Chris Palmer, who coaches motorcyclists to become advanced riders, confirming he was hit by both litter and cigarettes.
Palmer said: “I've had litter thrown at me as well as cigarette butts, and I've been squirted with windscreen wash. Some drivers will do it without thinking and without realising that there's a bike behind, but in other cases it's pretty obvious that it's intentional. Once, I was behind a group of four lads, keeping a safe distance. Then I noticed I was being squirted with windscreen wash, with the lads in the back looking back and laughing.
“They then decided to ramp it up a level and hurled a takeaway container out of the sunroof. Fortunately, it was empty so it just bounced off me. But if that was a heavy item, or if it happened to an inexperienced rider, it might have caused them to swerve and destabilise the bike, resulting in an accident. As well as being reckless, these incidents fuel road rage, which doesn't help anyone. If this happens, my advice to bikers is to stay calm, don't engage, keep a distance and overtake when it is safe to do so."
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
