Of course, there’s plenty to distract road users in Scotland too – from stunning mountain scenery to the impressive architecture of UNESCO World Heritage sites in urban environments.

For motorcyclists, just like other road users, it’s imperative that safety is top priority when riding in Scotland. While it’s a common belief that motorways are the most dangerous roads, motorbike accidents can, and do, happen on all kinds of road.

How to reduce risk all year-round

Our guide for motorcyclists (below) provides plenty of tips for staying safe when out on Scotland’s roads, from handling adverse weather conditions to avoiding the most common types of motorbike accident.

Dealing with an accident 

Applying common sense and riding with care can cut down the risk of being involved in an accident. While the hope is that all road users adopt a similar approach, there are times when collisions and accidents can happen through no fault of your own.

If you are in an accident, in the immediate aftermath, it’s crucial that you stay calm. You should first do everything you can to get yourself to safety and seek assistance from the emergency services if anyone is hurt or the road is blocked. Ensure you remain visible to avoid any further incidents.

While the Scottish Ambulance Service will do everything they can to provide medical assistance as fast as they can, it’s reassuring to know that Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) is able to reach 90% of Scotland’s population within 25 minutes from their base in Perth.

At Watermans, we recognise the vital role of the SCAA in responding to road traffic accidents. That’s why we’re proud to support them and Scotland’s motorcycling community by donating to SCAA for every successful claim pursued on behalf of someone injured while out on their motorbike.

Think ahead

It’s important to think ahead when planning a journey, just as it is when anticipating any potential dangers on the road.

In the event of an accident, thinking ahead can also be very beneficial. With emotions running high, remaining calm at the scene of an accident can help you prepare for future motorcycle compensation claimsthat you may be entitled to. This could be for defective roads or other road users that are at fault for your accident.

However, reporting the incident to the authorities and seeking medical attention for your injuries to be assessed should be your priority. If possible and safe to do so, you should also take photos of any damage caused and your surroundings to give additional context.

If the emergency services are contacted, you should remain at the scene of the accident to provide police with relevant information. You should also collect the insurance and contact details of all parties involved and any witnesses.

With a bit of forward thinking, it’s possible to reduce your chances of being in an accident – and if you are unlucky enough to be in one, handle the situation in the best possible way.