Graham Boulton, of Enys Road, was involved in a 50mph head-on collision in Hollingbury on Sunday (May 11) after a wasp got in to his visor.

The 46-year-old made a lucky escape with a broken wrist and a few bruises.

He has been riding motorbikes for around 12 years and said, "I had a wasp in the visor and the next thing I knew I was on top of the other car.

"I skidded 30ft across the road and bike went about 100ft.

"I had a full faced helmet, leather padded reinforced trousers, a leather padded jacket and gloves.

"I just want to warn other bikers of the dangers because some people don't wear gloves in the summer and the first thing you do is put your hands down on to the gravel, while travelling at 50mph.

"I see people in shorts and T-shirts riding bikes during the hot weather and I would not be here today if I had not been wearing the correct clothing.

"If I was wearing an open visor my face would have been ripped off."
Graham had a plate inserted in his right wrist at Royal Sussex County Hospital on Wednesday and the right-handed carpenter will be unable to work for six weeks, but he said he feels lucky to be alive.

Police attended the collision at Ditchling Road in Hollingbury on Sunday and the driver of the car and two passengers were taken to hospital suffering whiplash.

Paul Masterson, casualty reduction officer for road policing at Sussex Police, said, "Mr Boulton is quite right, the right type of equipment and clothing could save your life and will most certainly save you from serious injury.

"If you feel the need to dress in shorts and a T-shirt please walk or take the bus and do not get on a motorbike. Sliding along the ground at 30mph will scar you for life."