THE effect of speed is the focus of a new safety campaign aimed at saving the lives of motorcyclists.
Last year, 60 per cent of motorcyclist fatalities did not involve another vehicle.
The State Government’s new $850,000 ‘Don’t push it, ride to arrive’ campaign calls on riders to consider the role of speed when they are confronted with unexpected road obstacles including oil slicks and gravel.
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READ NOW“Of the 196 people who lost their lives on WA roads in 2016, 40 of them were motorcycle riders or pillion passengers,” Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts said.
“I really hope the key message from this campaign will make a difference to the riding behaviour of our target audience of male riders aged 30 to 49, and ultimately save lives.
“Speed makes small hazards become big hazards, increasing the danger for the motorcycle rider, their pillion passenger and other road users.”
Willagee-based motorcycle instructor Silvio Vincini said any campaign promoting safe riding was a positive, with speed a parameter he closely monitored during lessons.
But he said increased mandatory safety equipment could also go a long way to limiting injuries for those involved in crashes.
“When you go to ground on a bike, you put your hand down and you lose skin and more,” he said.
“That’s why I encourage people to wear jackets, long pants and closed in shoes.”
Motorcycle Racing Club of WA president Paul Castling said inexperience often had a role to play in crashes.
He suggested the State Government offer rebates to riders taking part in advanced training, saying classes run by affiliate Ride Days increased confidence and skill.
“It’s about learning the capabilities of the machine and how it behaves to what you put in,” he said.
Twenty people have lost their lives in motorcycle crashes on WA roads this year.
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