Drivers are being urged to take extra care at junctions as new figures reveal a rise in motorcyclist fatalities and highlight the continuing dangers riders face on Britain’s roads.
GEM Motoring Assist is reminding motorists to make a conscious effort to look out for motorcyclists at every junction, warning that a simple observation error can have devastating consequences.
The latest government road casualty data shows that 384 motorcyclists were killed on Britain’s roads in 2025 – a 13% increase compared with the previous year. The figures reinforce concerns that junctions remain one of the highest-risk locations for riders, where drivers frequently fail to detect approaching motorcycles.
GEM is highlighting the phenomenon known as ‘SMIDSY’ – short for “Sorry mate, I didn’t see you” – a phrase commonly associated with collisions in which drivers pull out into the path of an approaching motorcycle.
According to the organisation, these incidents are often caused by an observation failure rather than a complete lack of looking, with drivers subconsciously scanning for larger vehicles such as cars and vans while overlooking motorcycles because of their smaller profile.
James Luckhurst, head of road safety at GEM Motoring Assist, said: “As drivers we can sometimes find it difficult to identify approaching motorcyclists because they occupy such a small part of our field of vision. If we are not expecting to see one, the chance of spotting one coming towards us is reduced, and the risk of a collision rises.
“The summer brings more riders out on the roads, so we need to make a habit of looking out for them on every journey and ensuring we avoid a ‘SMIDSY’ collision.
“Before pulling out of any junction, look carefully all around and make a specific check for motorcyclists coming towards you. If you expect them to be there, you are far more likely to see them in good time and prevent a potentially serious collision.”
GEM is encouraging drivers to adopt three simple habits to help prevent junction collisions:
- Expect a motorcyclist – or more than one – before pulling out at any junction.
- Look carefully in all directions and only proceed when the road is completely clear.
- Keep both hands on the wheel and look directly at approaching riders so your intentions are clear.
The organisation is also advising riders to maximise their visibility by positioning themselves where safe to improve sight lines, making subtle lane position changes on the approach to junctions to increase their conspicuity, and always assuming that waiting drivers may not have seen them.
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