DRIVERS are being warned to look out for motorcyclists after the number of riders injured rose last year.

Reports from the West Mercia Constabulary for 2006 show almost a 9 per cent increase, with 268 motorcyclists and passengers injured in collisions, compared with 246 the previous year.

However, motorcyclists killed in road crashes fell from 26 people in 2005 to 14 last year.

Despite this, the figures show motorcyclists involved in road accidents are still disproportionately high. Motorbikes account for just 1 per cent of all traffic yet accounted for nearly 25 per cent of all deaths on the roads in West Mercia in 2006.

Research published by the thinkroadsafety.gov.uk website shows that in about 65 per cent of right-of-way incidents - such as when a driver fails to give way at a junction - the driver didn't see the motorcyclist, despite the fact that others at the scene did.

This figure does not include incidents where drivers didn't take a restricted view into account or didn't judge the speed or distance of the approaching biker.

Sergeant John Roberts, casualty reduction manager for West Mercia police, said: "It is important to remember that motorcyclists are more vulnerable than drivers and cannot avoid hazards as quickly. An accident that might not hurt you can kill a motorcyclist.

"It is important that drivers are aware of the precautions they can take to ensure they don't endanger the lives of others on the road.

"All drivers should drive with consideration and should ensure they use their indicators to signal their intentions at roundabouts and junctions. Drivers in cars, vans and lorries should check their mirrors regularly and give motorcyclists plenty of room.

"When turning onto a main road from a side junction it can be difficult to judge the speed of oncoming traffic, especially motorbikes - remember it's better to wait a few moments longer and let them pass rather than pull out and become involved in a potentially fatal collision."

When to take extra care on the roads

* At junctions - When coming out from a side road, be careful if there are parked cars or large vehicles obstructing your view. Before turning left, make sure a bike isn't on your passenger side and before turning right, make sure a motorcycle isn't on your driver's side. Give them room at roundabouts.

* When overtaking - Give motorbikes as much room as you would a car, they might need it to avoid a pothole or other hazard. Don't overtake when you can't give enough room, for example where the road narrows.

* When parked - After parking, check for bikes before opening your door and get passengers behind you to do the same. Check for bikes when pulling away from the kerb.