New Road Signs Near Portishead in North Somerset

New Road Signs Near Portishead in North Somerset

According to the BBC, the signs warn drivers to be more aware of motorcyclists and follow a campaign by friends and relatives of motorcyclist David Loudon who died in a crash in February 2008.

Campaigners said that some drivers perform dangerous U-turns, without thinking about motorbikes.

Steve Mears, from Portishead, said “We all know that when the traffic backs up on the road that motorists do U-turns which not only inconveniences other road users but are dangerous.”

A total of nine signs have been placed along the Portbury Hundred, which is between Portishead and junction 19 of the M5.

Fellow campaigner Philip Rowe, also from Portishead was clearly pleased with the new signs, stating that they would “…at least cause them [drivers] to hesitate prior to performing the dangerous manoeuvre.

“All I need is for car drivers to be aware that a U-turn is a potential killer.”

Performing a U-turn is indeed a potentially dangerous manoeuvre and it is exceptionally important to check your mirrors and blind spot before turning to ensure that there is no traffic overtaking. However, there is also a responsibility on motorcyclists to ensure that they attempt to overtake traffic safely.

Statistics by government Road Safety organisation Think! show that motorcyclists are more likely to be injured in serious or fatal crashed than car drivers and that carelessness and recklessness are amongst the most common contributory factors in road accidents that involve injury to motorcyclists.