A MOTORCYCLIST who was left with severe injuries after an accident has welcomed a road safety campaign as part of Road Safety Week (November 23 to 29).

Adrian Watson was struck by a van while at a riding near a junction along the B1284 in Chilton Moor, last September.

The 42-year-old, of Houghton-le-Spring, spent two weeks in hospital with two spinal fractures, multiple rib fractures, liver lacerations, lung contusions, fluid in the spleen, laceration of the knee as well as extended shoulder and back pain.

He also suffered a number of psychological symptoms including flashbacks, panic attacks and amnesia.

Now he is backing Brake’s Drive Less Live More campaign which encourages drivers to consider alternative ways to reach their destination with the hope of improving road safety.

Mr Watson believes reducing the number of cars and vans on the roads would help to improve safety for vulnerable road users.

He hopes that his story will encourage motorists to be extra vigilant on the roads and more aware of vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists and cyclists. Up to 30 motorcyclists are killed or injured every day at junctions and almost two thirds of cyclists killed or seriously injured in 2013 were involved in collisions at or near road junctions.

“I love riding motorcycles and had one day hoped to launch my own motorcycle business,” he said.

“However, now I can’t ride a motorcycle as far or for as long as I used to because of the pain. I’m still taking medication for my injuries.”

He added: “I had only been riding my motorcycle at around 30mph on the day of my accident, but was still left with really serious injuries. However, I still feel lucky – so many other bikers who are involved in accidents are not.

“I hope my experience encourages other motorists to be more vigilant around junctions and to be extra cautious of other bikers and cyclists on the road.”