AN injured motorcyclist has called for other riders to stay alert after being struck by a hit-and-run driver.

Shelby Battles, 19, of Tillingham Green, Laindon, was riding along Durham Road last Wednesday at around 9.45am.

Ms Battles was riding towards Laindon Tyre Centre but a driver took a sharp turn from Wrexham Road and crashed into her bike. She fell off and her heavy bike landed on top of her.

She said: “I was just riding 25 miles her hour because the road was wet that day. There were no give way signs and this car just shot out at about 45 miles per hour and smashed into me.

“I fell off and landed on my right arm. What was shocking was the man just sped off and left me to lie in the road with a heavy bike on top of me.

“I still remember how loud the tyres screeched as he raced off. It’s just so negligent and dangerous.

“I was still able to ride to work but while I was working I suddenly screamed because my arm was hurting so much.

“I went to the hospital and there’s a hairline fracture to my elbow. The experience has left me very shaken and nervous.

“I don’t understand how anyone be so negligent. What if I was in a serious condition? At the time when I was riding the road wasn’t busy, but I could have been in serious trouble. I didn’t call the police because I didn’t get the car number plate.”

Unfortunately, Ms Battles has previous experiences of reckless drivers causing her injury.

She said: “Two weeks ago when I was on my way to Tesco at Pitsea on the A13. this woman was driving in the wrong lane and she switched lanes without warning.

“I panicked and slammed on my brakes. The front wheel was locked and then I fell off. She didn’t stop and check if I was all right.

“It’s tough being a motorcyclist. I’ve been riding my bike for a month and I get intimidated on the road by drivers who want to challenge me to drag races. My advice to other riders is to take extra precautions and ride like everyone is out there to kill you.”