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Don't crunch after lunch, campaign says

Following the success of its 2004 campaign, Cumbria Safety Cameras (CSC) has launched Don't Crunch After Lunch 2005 to warn bikers about the hazards of riding in the county.

Analysis of Cumbria's road traffic accident statistics shows that the majority of motorcycle crashes occur after lunch, peaking between 3.00-5.00pm.

"Riders often have an early start and some hard riding, stop for lunch and the 'siesta syndrome' (post lunch fatigue) and a drop in concentration seems the most likely reason why accidents soar in the afternoon," said CSC spokesman Kevin Tea.

"In addition, as an agricultural county Cumbria has its own peculiar hazards for bikers. These include diesel, mud and slurry from tractors, cars parked awkwardly at beauty spots and the danger of collisions with wildlife including pheasants, badgers, hares and deer."

CSC is keen to stress that its campaign does not discriminate against motorcyclists. "All CSC management team members are current or former bikers and we have no desire to stop motorcyclists coming to the county," Kevin Tea added. "We have identified some significant factors in motorcycle accidents, which are mirrored in other areas of the country, and want to present these in a non-finger-wagging manner.

"Our first Don't Crunch After Lunch campaign last year drew praise from the motorcycling community for its unpatronising and educational content, and we were fortunate to see biker fatalities in single figures for the second year running," he added.

For further information contact Kevin Tea on 01768 217791.