Experts warn road conditions in the East Midlands could lead to fatalities
It's been a wet start to 2026
Experts are warning road conditions in the East Midlands are so bad, they could lead to fatalities.
There's a particular focus on motorcyclists who made up a third of road fatalities in Leicestershire in 2025.
What's the advice?
The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership is urging motorcyclists to be mindful of conditions before they set out on their journey, as the lighter nights bring leisure motorcyclists back out onto the roads.
The group said that a wet start to the year has resulted in poor road surface conditions across the county, with a large number of those killed and seriously injured due to road defects being motorcyclists.
The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership said ten riders lost their lives on roads in the county in 2025.
'Be mindful of the conditions and ride accordingly'
Jonathan Clarkson, a spokesperson from the group. told us: "I have never known a January and February with weather so wet. This adds to the general road surface conditions. We see a lot of fatalities on the rural routes.
"A pothole can be a problem for any vehicle, but when you have only two wheels in contact with the road, it will have even more of an impact on your balance. I would urge riders to be mindful of the conditions and ride accordingly.
"Statistics do show a large number of people killed or seriously injured due to these defects are motorcyclists.
'Check all your lights work'
"The majority of these collisions occurred in the Leicestershire and Rutland’s rural routes, which can present hidden dangers such as blind bends which can hide the presence of agricultural vehicles and livestock in the road.”
Jonathan also urged riders to check their bike over before heading out: "Look at your tyre pressure, tread and condition of the tyres.
"Check all your lights work correctly and that your oil and fuel is sufficient for the journey you are taking. It may have been in storage for a few months, so do not just expect to hop on it," he said.