RESEARCH conducted in Bournemouth suggests motorcycle collisions could be caused by riders and car drivers seeing different things.

A project by Bournemouth University and Dorset-based DocBike exploring collisions and injury prevention has found riders and car drivers may be viewing completely different things despite being on the same road.

For example, the brain naturally sees larger objects, like lorries, as threats as opposed to smaller objects such as motorcycles.

Additionally, motorcyclist’s identification, perception, and knowledge of potential risk changes depending on their motorcycling qualifications and experience.

The project, led by Bournemouth University's PhD researcher Shel Silva, assessed neurological and cognitive influences of motorcyclists and car drivers.

She said: “The research is suggesting that by understanding motorcyclists' knowledge and identification of risks it is possible to better inform training and materials which appeal to motorcyclists.

“I know friends and people who have died or suffered life changing injuries after being in motorcycle collisions. This research is really important to me and having the opportunity to help save motorcyclists’ lives is a personal honour.”

Shel suggests that an effective way for a motorcyclist to be seen when approaching a junction is to make a lateral movement such as moving towards the centre of the road near the white lines.

The report found that the brain has developed an interest in things which are threats – historically this was large objects or animals. Nowadays this would be buses and lorries and not small motorcycles. Consequently, a motorcycle can easily be lost within the visual field especially if there is a large vehicle immediately behind the motorcycle.

Research has also uncovered evidence of ‘looked but failed to remember’ errors. This means motorcycles are often seen but not remembered by the motorist.

At the beginning of the biking season there is less expectation to see motorcyclists because most bikes have not been used during winter. Towards the middle of the season, motorcyclists are much more expected and therefore other road users are looking out for them.