A review of motorcycle casualties in Lancashire has produced some interesting results but also shown a positive trend in the reduction of fatal collisions over the last few years.
The review has been completed by Lancashire Police and some of the figures have been released to RideSafe BackSafe to support there regional initiative aimed at reducing the number of motorcyclists involved in road traffic collisions.
Figures show that incidences involving motorcyclists are evenly spread out over the week and not prevalent at weekends as people might have thought. Some believe that a minority of over-exuberant bikers enjoying a Sunday morning ride out form a significant proportion of casualties, but this seems not to be the case. A large number of collisions occur between 3pm and 6pm on any given day and more than 75% of fatal collisions during the last three years have involved men over the age of 40, rather than younger riders on high-powered sports bikes.
RideSafe BackSafe team member and Road Safety Adviser to Lancashire Constabulary, Shelby Williams, comments on the findings;-
“ We know that motorcyclists of all ages, riding all sorts of different machines are involved in collisions that result in slight, serious and fatal injuries, but these figures will help us to focus our initiative activities better. One belief that our review has reinforced is that the blame for motorcycle casualties has been equally attributable to bikers and other road users. This tells us that we need to continue to educate all road users about the vulnerability of bikers and encourage everyone to THINK BIKE! Some drivers feel intimidated by motorcycles and we need to provide a better understanding of rider behaviour on the roads; the best thing that anyone can do is to look out for bikes and apply the Highway Code as they would for any other traffic close by “.
In 2005, 22 motorcyclists died on Lancashire’s roads and this prompted the creation of the RideSafe BackSafe initiative. Since then fatalities have reduced significantly to 12 casualties in 2006 – a 45% reduction – and 8 casualties in 2007 – a further 33% reduction. According to Department for Transport figures, the national trend has seen a 5% increase during this time and to a degree, this reflects the increased numbers of motorcycles, scooters and mopeds on the road. Shelby Williams continues;
“ Motorcycles are a viable transport option that doesn’t add to the congestion on our roads and this, together with the ‘fun factor’, has seen their popularity rise steadily. For Lancashire to be seeing an opposing trend to the national picture - and by so much over the last few years - is proof positive that our activities, together with campaigns such as THINK BIKE! are working. It isn’t a perfect world, but we still have to aim for zero casualties “.
A key part of the RideSafe BackSafe initiative is to educate and support the youngest bike riders and this is why the use of protective clothing is continually promoted.
Karen Delaney is also a RideSafe BackSafe team member, as well as being Communications Manager for DriveSafe (Greater Manchester Casualty Reduction Partnership). Karen had this to say to younger riders in particular;
“ We completed a visitor survey at the recent RideSafe Rendezvous in Lytham St Annes and found that nearly 70% of those bikers asked were not wearing a back protector. Although most were wearing the right protective clothing, a back protector can make a huge difference; even in a minor collision. Many younger bikers arrived at the event on two wheels dressed in jeans and hoodies, without the proper boots or gloves and this is a worrying trend that probably accounts for many of the injuries we see in Greater Manchester. RideSafe BackSafe doesn’t adopt a ‘tut, tut, wag your finger approach’, it wouldn’t work. This is about offering sound advice and hoping that young riders will be street-smart “.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
