Canterbury Police and the Accident Compensation Corporation want motorcycle riders to take more care on the roads after two recent local fatalities.
"We have had two motorcycle riders die on our roads in the past three weeks - both while attempting to pass other vehicles which have been turning legally," says Inspector Al Stewart, Canterbury Road Policing Manager.
"Motorcycle riders are so vulnerable to other traffic and will always come off second best in a crash, so we really need riders to ensure they are taking as much care as they can to look after themselves out there," he says.
"A split second decision to pass someone, due to frustration or unacceptable speed, can result in tragic consequences for both the rider and their families."
Accident Compensation Corporation data shows that in Canterbury, speed and poor observation by motorcyclists are a deadly combination.
"Last year, these factors together accounted for more than 50 percent of motorbike crashes, costing people lives and family losses," says Alisa Davies, Injury Prevention Consultant, ACC Canterbury.
"The cost for a motorbike claim, to the rider who is injured, is time off work, possible loss of job security, loss of recreational pursuits and quality of time with family. When riders die, the loss of that rider to their families is devastating," she says.
"The cost to the wider community is about $20,000 for each claim where a motorcyclist has been injured due to speed. We all pay. Driving to the conditions of the road saves lives."
ENDS