Highways Agency Asks Bikers to Know Their Limits
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Bikers can enjoy the pleasures of the open road this Spring Bank Holiday - but come home safe.
That is the message from the Highways Agency which wants to cut the number of motorcyclists killed or injured on motorways and trunk roads in England.
Latest figures show that more than 700 motorcyclists or their pillion passengers were killed or seriously injured on the 5,000 miles of Highways Agency roads in 2003. Of these 95 per cent were men. In total, 86 people were killed.
The data also shows that one in four accidents involve no other vehicles and
one in three happens at the weekend.
Highways Agency Safety Co-ordinator Stuart Lovatt said:
"Motorcyclists enjoy their pastime with a passion, but we want them to return home safe and sound this Bank Holiday. It is about much more than just reducing accident figures - every accident is a personal tragedy.
"Although motorways and trunk roads are amongst the safest in the country, we must do something to reduce the five accidents that happen every day. Bikers can do a lot to keep themselves safe - and other motorists can play their part by keeping a lookout for motorcyclists, especially on routes that are popular with bikers."
He said it was crucial that bikers know the extent of their riding skills and what problems they can encounter such as sharp bends and bad weather.
Some simple safety tips for bikers are:
* Plan your journey carefully
* Keep an eye on weather conditions
* Buy the best protective equipment you can afford
* Keep your distance from other road users
* Use all information - road signs, road markings, speed of oncoming traffic.
The Highways Agency is also backing the Handle It or Lose It campaign, which was set up in 2003 to reduce injuries and fatalities among sports bike enthusiasts. It has helped in the development of a biker-friendly website, which lets riders find out where accidents have happened and warn others about locations where they have had problems.
Reference Material:
The Highways Agency traffic information website is at www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo
That is the message from the Highways Agency which wants to cut the number of motorcyclists killed or injured on motorways and trunk roads in England.
Latest figures show that more than 700 motorcyclists or their pillion passengers were killed or seriously injured on the 5,000 miles of Highways Agency roads in 2003. Of these 95 per cent were men. In total, 86 people were killed.
The data also shows that one in four accidents involve no other vehicles and
one in three happens at the weekend.
Highways Agency Safety Co-ordinator Stuart Lovatt said:
"Motorcyclists enjoy their pastime with a passion, but we want them to return home safe and sound this Bank Holiday. It is about much more than just reducing accident figures - every accident is a personal tragedy.
"Although motorways and trunk roads are amongst the safest in the country, we must do something to reduce the five accidents that happen every day. Bikers can do a lot to keep themselves safe - and other motorists can play their part by keeping a lookout for motorcyclists, especially on routes that are popular with bikers."
He said it was crucial that bikers know the extent of their riding skills and what problems they can encounter such as sharp bends and bad weather.
Some simple safety tips for bikers are:
* Plan your journey carefully
* Keep an eye on weather conditions
* Buy the best protective equipment you can afford
* Keep your distance from other road users
* Use all information - road signs, road markings, speed of oncoming traffic.
The Highways Agency is also backing the Handle It or Lose It campaign, which was set up in 2003 to reduce injuries and fatalities among sports bike enthusiasts. It has helped in the development of a biker-friendly website, which lets riders find out where accidents have happened and warn others about locations where they have had problems.
Reference Material:
The Highways Agency traffic information website is at www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo
1 Comments: Please Post a Comment
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