More needs to be done to keep motorcyclists safe
25 October 2010
The RAC says motorcycle and scooter riders will continue to be overrepresented in WA’s road toll unless more is done to keep them safer on the roads.
Speaking at the fourth Motorcycle and Scooter Advisory Group (MSSAG) forum in 18 months, RAC Head of Member Advocacy said that while foundations have been laid to improve motorcycle and scooter safety the forums should only be the start of the journey towards creating a safer motorcycling community.
“The number of people riding motorcycles and scooters is on the rise, and the community has a responsibility to be aware of these vulnerable road users when driving,” Mr Brown said.
“The first three forums laid out a series of actions designed to make the roads a safer place for motorcycle and scooter riders. We now need to make sure that these actions are being followed up and completed.
“Since the final forum in August last year, a number of key milestones have been achieved but we still have a long way to go.”
Mr Brown said despite a slight fall into motorcycle and scooter fatalities this year, riders were still 23 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than other drivers.
“Between 2007 and 2009 more than 100 people lost their lives in motorcycle crashes in Western Australia and this year already 25 motorcyclists have lost their lives on WA’s roads.
According to the Department of Transport, over the past seven years the number of people riding small motorbikes and scooters has increased 167 per cent.
“With this number growing we need to make sure we take all the necessary steps to ensure riders have the right training and education as well as.
“Road safety isn’t something that can be fixed overnight and it is going to take a concerted effort over a number of years to improve the safety of all road users.”
Motorcycles make up about six per cent of Western Australia’s vehicle fleet, but in 2008, 17 per cent of road deaths were motorcycle riders.
“All road users are responsible for safety. Other motorists need to be aware of motorcyclists when they are driving but motorcyclists also need to make improvements themselves,” Mr Brown said.
“It’s alarming that a number of riders don’t take their safety seriously. One in 10 motorcyclists killed in crashes are not wearing helmets.
“Too often we see people riding motorcycles and scooters in jeans and t-shirts – this sort of clothing is not going to protect you in a crash. There needs to be a compulsory standard of motorcycle protective clothing.”
One achievement of the MSSAG forums is the promotion and printing of the Good Gear Guide which outlines the benefits of protective clothing.
The forums provided the opportunity for a collaborative and consultative approach to motorcycle and scooter safety.
Key achievements:
- WA is now represented on the National Motorcycle Safety Consultative Committee
- The benefits of protective clothing for motorcyclists are being promoted through the promotion and printing of the Good Gear Guide
- A motorcycle and scooter component has been incorporated into the Road Safety Audit course to influence road design
- Motorcycle and scooter maintenance days have been held to promote the importance of bike maintenance
- Two motorcycle and scooter representatives will receive funding to attend the annual Road Safety Auditor course
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