5 April 2007
Be safe - be seen - this Easter
Road safety experts are urging motorists to keep their lights on while driving over the Easter break. This makes vehicles more visible, but will also serve as a reminder to everyone on the roads to be alert and to take care.
"Easter is a particularly dangerous time on the roads, the time frames are short and the weather is often difficult. All drivers need to make sure that they are driving to the conditions but something as simple as keeping your headlights on can make a difference, "says Inspector Carey Griffiths, Acting National Road Policing Manager.
"This Easter we would like to ensure that all road users make a special effort to be seen. This is includes cyclists and motorcyclists."
Research suggests that many motorcycle crashes result from car drivers not seeing a motorcycle when entering intersections or making manoeuvres such as turns or lane changes.
Motorcyclists should ensure they are as visible as possible and having headlights on and wearing high visibility vests can contribute to this.
During the Easter holiday period in 2006 there were 5 fatal crashes and 114 reported injury crashes nationally.
The five deaths included:
1 Driver
1 Passenger
3 Motor Cycle Riders
Police will be out in force over the holiday period and will stop every driver caught speeding or driving without a safety belt to deter unsafe driving which puts lives at risk.
ENDS
For further information:
Lesley Wallis -Communications Manager - Road Policing
04 4707111
0272209752