Dramatic moment motorcyclist is thrown under moving bus after swerving to avoid driver who opened car door without looking

This is the shocking moment a teenage motorcyclist is thrown under a moving bus after swerving to avoid a driver who opened his car door without looking.
Video still from incident involving Ryan Selby. Picture: SWNSVideo still from incident involving Ryan Selby. Picture: SWNS
Video still from incident involving Ryan Selby. Picture: SWNS

Ryan Selby, 19, suffered a traumatic brain injury and fractures to his back, pelvis and arm after being catapulted into the air.

The silver BMW had been illegally parked on double yellow lines and the teenager lost control of his bike as the driver swung open his door.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ryan ended up underneath the bus which was travelling at around 15mph at the time on a return journey to the depot, without any passengers on board.

Video still from incident involving Ryan Selby. Picture: SWNSVideo still from incident involving Ryan Selby. Picture: SWNS
Video still from incident involving Ryan Selby. Picture: SWNS
Read More
Illegal dentist caught in sting operation after offering fitted dentures to pens...

However, footage of the collision was captured on a dashcam fitted to the front of his motorbike.

Ryan said: '˜In a way I am lucky as I don't remember anything about the accident other than what I have been told since.

'˜All I can remember is waking up in hospital with tubes and wires everywhere.

Ryan Selby. Picture: SWNSRyan Selby. Picture: SWNS
Ryan Selby. Picture: SWNS
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'˜I try not to think about the accident too much but it is difficult not to feel angry at how my life has changed through no fault of my own.

'˜I'm young and so I'm trying to stay focused on my recovery. I know I have overcome a lot already so I am determined to remain positive.'

As shown in clip, the driver of the BMW attempts to open the car door, but pulls it closed again as a cyclist passes him.

Ryan Selby, 19. Picture: SWNSRyan Selby, 19. Picture: SWNS
Ryan Selby, 19. Picture: SWNS

But just moments later as Ryan appears behind him on the busy high street in Hastings, East Sussex, he swings the door fully open, forcing Ryan to brake and swerve.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Following the collision, Ryan was rushed to Royal Sussex County Hospital where he spent 11 days in a coma and had to undergo surgery several times for his injuries.

He also lost two teeth in the collision, which has left him needed specialist rehabilitation and additional therapy.

Ryan was training to be an electrician at the time of the collision on October 11, 2016, but struggled to pass his exams as he couldn't attend college full-time.

He still lives at home with parents Mark, 51, and Amanda Selby, 47, and now hopes to start an electrician apprenticeship.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Amanda said: '˜Before the accident Ryan was a lot more independent and outgoing but now because of his fatigue we have to remind him he can't do everything he wants to.

'˜We are so proud of the progress Ryan has made. We just hope that motorists realise how careless actions can, in a split second, change someone's life and urge them to be alert to motorcyclists at all times.'

The BMW driver was convicted with a number of motoring offences following the incident, including driving without due care and attention, driving without a licence, talking a vehicle without consent and driving without insurance.

He was also banned from driving for 18 months.

Ryan is calling on drivers to adopt the '˜Dutch Reach' method of getting out of their cars - which involves motorists winding down the window and opening the door from the outside using their left hand.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The technique originated in Holland around 50 years ago and remains a required part of the driving test in the Netherlands.

It's hoped the procedure will be added to the UK Highway Code, forcing people to turn their body, increasing their ability to spot passing cars and cyclists.

He and his family are also taking legal action against the driver and have already secured an interim payment to help fund his continued rehabilitation.

Sarah Griggs, partner and specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the family, said: '˜While many people with a brain injury may no longer show any physical signs after their initial recovery the effects can last for many years.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'˜Ryan has made tremendous progress to overcome the very serious injuries he suffered. However he still requires specialist therapies to continue his recovery.

'˜His case vividly highlights the devastating consequences that vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists can face because of other road users not paying attention.

'˜We join Ryan in using Road Safety Week to remind motorists of the need to pay attention at all times and will continue to support him to maximise his recovery.'

In 2016 a total of 19,297 motorcyclists and 18,477 cyclists were either killed or injured, according to the most recent figures from the Department for Transport.