MOTORCYCLISTS are being warned to take extra care at a "dangerous time of year" after a spate of collisions which left three dead and another seriously injured.

And the same day a 47-year-old motorcyclist from Bournemouth was in collision with a car on Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth. He was taken to Southampton Hospital with head injuries and was said to be critical yesterday.

On Sunday two motorcyclists died on the roads. A 37-year-old Poole man was pronounced dead at the scene after hitting the crash barrier on the Fleetsbridge flyover at Poole.

And 22-year-old Regan James Wilson, of Hampreston near Wimborne, died when his bike hit a tree on the B3078 near Brook in the New Forest.

Police are warning road users April is a dangerous month with factors including poor weather conditions and motorcyclists who don't used their bikes all year round starting to ride again.

The danger is recognised in the Department for Transport enforcement calendar, which sees police turn their attention to motorcycle issues in April.

Inspector John Mallace of the Dorset Police Traffic Department said: "It is a dangerous time of year.

"One issue is motorcyclists who don't ride 12 months of the year who start getting their bikes out of the garage and go hurtling down the road when their skills aren't as good as they could be.

"I'd like to emphasise this is not to do with the cases we are looking at the moment."

He added: "The sun is still low in the sky and the road surface can be a bit damp and a bit slidey.

"The other problem is car drivers don't see motorcycles. They don't think bike', they don't look for bikes.

"Motorcyclists have to drive very defensively.

"It doesn't mean not enjoying your ride, or riding slowly.

"It means looking ahead and having the ability to anticipate hazards."

Inspector Mallace added: "I would just advise motorcyclists and drivers to reduce their top speed by 10mph, drive considerately and drive smoothly, and just see how much longer it takes.

"I bet it isn't much. It's worth it to get there safely."