27 May 2008

Road safety experts urge bikers not to ‘take a chance’ this Bank Holiday

Road safety experts from one of the country’s leading road safety organisations are calling on riders of motorbikes to ‘take it easy, rather than take a chance’ this bank holiday weekend.
 
With the weather set to be warm and sunny hundreds of bikers are expected to take advantage of the fine riding conditions and the Local Authority Road Safety Officers’ Association (LARSOA) wants them to enjoy the extended break for all the right reasons.
 
David Frost, spokesman for LARSOA said:
 
“Statistics show that motor cyclists are amongst the highest risk groups of road users and bank holiday weekends are a risky time for them – particularly on rural roads.”
 
LARSOA is concerned that motorcyclist continue to be at a disproportionate risk of being killed or seriously injured in a crash. In 2006 6,151 bikers were killed or seriously injured on Britain’s roads and this figure is not likely to have reduced significantly when the figures for 2007 are released later in the year.
 
The organisation, which represents over 190 road safety teams from local authorities across the country, is also asking for motorists to take extra care on the roads, with traffic levels expected to be higher than usual.
 
For many leisure riders, this weekend will present the first opportunity of the year to get out on their bikes and LARSOA has issued riders with its top tips for staying safe on the roads.
 
David goes on to say, “We’re asking that bikers take it easy this weekend and not to take any unnecessary risks that could put themselves and other road users in danger. We’d also urge other drivers to look out for and be aware of motorcyclists – especially when they are pulling out at junctions.”
 
Tips for motorcyclists from LARSOA include:

• Plan ahead when approaching junctions and roundabouts – common accidents occur when a car pulls into the path of a bike so motorcyclists need to be ready to take evasive actions.

• Make sure you are visible to other drivers – remember motorcycles can easily be overlooked and hidden by lampposts and other street furniture.

• Car drivers sometimes look, but fail to see.

• Wear the correct protective clothing.

• Slow down when approaching side roads and junctions – cars that have already started to pull out may be unable to stop if you approach suddenly.

• Be alert for oncoming vehicles turning right into your path or the vehicle you are overtaking turning right.

• Ensure your speed is correct when entering bends so you don’t lose control and to anticipate hazards that may arise unexpectedly.
  

Any motorcyclists who are concerned about their safety on the roads and want any advice should check out the LARSOA website on www.larsoa.org.uk < http://www.larsoa.org.uk >  or contact the road safety officers in their local council. A full checklist of road safety departments is also available on the website.
 
Notes for editors:
 
For further information please contact
 
Peter Whelan Jnr on 01287 610404 or 07983 288388.
Chris Taylor on 01287 610404 or 07949 287356
 
Further Information

In 2005 motorcycles represented 1% of all traffic on our roads, but 18% of all fatalities.
 
Further information on motorcycle casualties can be found in the Second Review of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy - click here

Click here to download the information relating directly to motorcycles.
 
Further advice from the government’s Think! Campaign can also be found at: http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk

ABOUT LARSOA

LARSOA is a national road safety organisation representing road safety officers (RSOs) employed in local government across the UK.

LARSOA represents 185 of the 200 eligible local authorities across the UK, assisting RSOs to fulfil their statutory role to reduce the number and severity of road casualties through education, training and publicity programmes.

LARSOA publishes an up-to-date round-up of road safety news from across the UK on its website www.larsoa.org.uk .

LARSOA also aims to influence national debate - government policy and action together with public opinion. The association works to achieve national recognition for road safety issues, commissions research into behaviour which contributes to road collisions and develops national road safety campaigns.

The association assists in identifying achievable national targets to reduce the number of collisions on the country's roads.