I have been riding motorcycles on the road since 1978. During that time, one hazard has been far more obvious to me than bravado, poor road surfaces or poor visibilty, and that is car drivers’ inability to register the presence of a motorcyclist before it is too late.

I think this is partly due to the fact cars are designed with a large pillar that supports the windscreen and can easily obscure the driver’s view of a car, let alone a motorcycle. Secondly, drivers do not expect and so do not “see” bikers because they are often distracted by what is going on in their car.

Everyday I see drivers texting while on the move, making phone calls while holding the phone and doing a poor job of steering. Sometimes these people are driving articulated lorries!

It is unfortunate the onus is placed on those who are the victims of these incidents to change their behaviour, rather than on the car-driving majority – of which I am also one – to pay attention.

I am a great supporter of the police but I suggest that rather than targeting motorcyclists in the way they are, they should do more to stamp out careless, rude and dangerous driving that will help to protect all of us who are road users.

Finally, I would like to say most car drivers are polite and make way for bikers readily and with good grace but, as with anything in life, it is the irresponsible minority who spoil it for everyone else.

Andrew Rogers
Brighton Road, Lancing