RAC General Manager Corporate Affairs, Will Golsby, said 21 motorcyclists or pillion passengers were killed on WA roads last year.
“Almost one in eight WA road fatalities in 2015 were motorcyclists or pillion passengers,” Mr Golsby said.
“Speed was a stand-out factor in motorcycle fatalities and seven out of 10 riders sustained injuries that may have been reduced or prevented by wearing the proper gear.
“While roads outside the State’s metropolitan allow for travel up to 110 kilometres per hour, a crash at nearly half that speed is considered not survivable on two wheels.
“Crash investigations also show that 26 per cent of fatalities resulted from another vehicle turning in front of the rider.”
Motorcycle registrations are on the rise in WA and now make up 5.7 per cent of the licensed vehicle fleet on the State’s roads, or almost 130,000 motorcycles in total.
“The frequency of crashes on scenic roads on a weekend afternoon suggests many motorcycles are used for recreational riding,” Mr Golsby said.
“Young drivers are often overrepresented in fatality counts, but this is not the case for motorcyclists. Motorcyclist fatalities tracked over five years showed 60 per cent of victims were aged in their 30s, 40s or 50s and 92 per cent of those were male.
“Road safety is a two way street; all road users must remain vigilant.
“Motorists need to keep an eye out for motorcycles when changing lanes and approaching intersections and appreciate the instability and braking difficulty of two wheels compared with four. Riders should remain aware of their surroundings, wear high visibility protective clothing and avoid sitting in a motorist’s blind spot.
“The tragic reality is that most riders and their families are aware of the risk involved, but it still shocks families to the core when a loved one is killed or injured.”
Media contact: RAC Media Office 0401 703 719
