Police and ACC are asking motorcyclists and drivers to take care, as nearly a third of deaths on our roads this year have involved motorcycles.
“It has been a terrible start to the year for motorcyclists and the families they haven’t come home to,” says Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing Sandra Venables.
“To reduce these crashes we need all motorists to make safe decisions on our roads.
“Riders are incredibly vulnerable users of our roads given the much greater impact and trauma they face in a crash.
“I urge motorcyclists to be cautious and not take unnecessary risks. A dangerous overtaking manoeuvre could mean instead of getting there faster, you don’t get there at all. Half of the lives lost this year have been due to unsafe overtaking.
“I also encourage riders to be aware of their pillions; two pillion passengers have been killed this year.
“And of course I want to remind all road users to make safe decisions on our roads. Motorbikes can be overlooked when driving, so please look twice at intersections or before lane changes.
“We need both drivers and motorcyclists to look out for each other so everybody can get where they’re going safely,” says Assistant Commissioner Venables.
Mike Tully, ACC’s Chief Customer Officer, says huge numbers of motorcycle riders are enjoying the fantastic summer weather, but people still need to ride within their capability; at a pace that feels comfortable, and to wear good quality safety gear.
“Motorcycle riding is acknowledged as high risk, but getting training to handle the environment and conditions in which you ride can reduce that risk, and avoid the physical, emotional and financial cost that results from serious crash injuries.
“ACC has partnered with NZTA, the Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council, and training experts to develop Ride Forever safety training courses, which are run throughout New Zealand.
“They can benefit all riders, regardless of skill or experience, and we’re encouraging everyone to book a course – it could be a lifesaver.”
For more information visit: www.rideforever.co.nz.
Since the start of 2018 there have been 34 deaths on our roads. Of these, eight were motorcyclists and two were pillions.
ENDS
Notes to the editor:
If you have a journalist who is interested in doing a Ride Forever course and writing about their experience, they can contact James Funnell, External Communications at ACC, on 021 998 165.