A road safety expert informed jury members during a case against a woman accused of breaking a cyclist’s leg through careless driving that drivers find it difficult to spot motorcycles.
The hearing is taking place at Oxford Crown Court against Carolyn Hall from Church Hanborough near Witney.
The 51-year-old has denied a charge of causing serious injury by careless driving. The incident occurred at the Church Road junction with Lower Road in Church Hanborough on January 9, 2024.
The court heard motorcyclist Max Higgs sustained the injuries. Hall was driving a silver BMW 420i at the time of the collision.
On April 14, evidence was given by road traffic collision specialist Richard Roberts.
According to his assessment, neither vehicle had any mechanical defects. He noted that at the point of impact, the motorcycle was well under the speed limit and there was nothing obstructing the view of the oncoming motorbike.
He explained that the leading cause of motorcycle accidents in Britain is referred to as right of way violation. This occurs when a driver fails to see a motorbike, resulting in a crash. A major element is the challenge drivers face in detecting an approaching motorcycle or judging its speed or location.
He added that motorcycles are fairly uncommon on roads, with roughly one percent of total road travel involving motorcycles. Drivers do not automatically anticipate seeing motorcycles. He noted that a dark object against a dark background fails to attract attention.
Mr Roberts continued that multiple factors explain why drivers struggle to perceive and respond to motorcycles. He stated this is an area requiring additional effort to improve motorcycle visibility on roads.
Mr Roberts suggested riders wear reflective clothing in low-light conditions.
Stefan Weidmann presented the prosecution case to the jury on April 13.
He indicated that the jury would examine what occurred on a January day just over two years ago in 2024. According to him, the accusation involves causing serious injury through careless driving, and this case is extremely clear-cut.
The jury was informed that Hall was heading toward Eynsham while Mr Higgs was travelling north toward Long Hanborough and Bladon.
Mr Weidmann told the jury that Mr Higgs was riding a black motorcycle displaying a learner plate.
According to him, she exited the junction and was struck by the motorcycle. The prosecution maintains she was driving without proper care and attention, falling short of what would be expected from a reasonable driver. He explained that the prosecution argues she was careless, while the defence contends she bears no responsibility.
The trial continues.