Public Servant Lifestyle

A major new campaign has been launched, encouraging drivers in towns and cities to 'take longer to look for bikes'.

An estimated 1,500 motorcyclists are killed or seriously injured every year because drivers look - but fail to see them.

Motorcycle casualties fell in 2004 - the most recent statistics available - but motorcyclists still account for 17% of all road fatalities, despite making up only 1% of all motor vehicle traffic.

Stephen Ladyman, Road Safety Minister, said: "A quick glance is not long enough to check if a motorcycle is approaching. Drivers need to take an extra second or two to look out for bikers. It really can be a lifesaver.

He added: "I enjoy biking, but I worry about not being seen. At the same time bikers have a responsibility to look after themselves and make themselves as visible as possible to drivers."

The Department for Transport's (DfT) own research* shows the most common cause of motorcycle crashes are 'right of way violations' where, typically, one vehicle fails to give way to another at a junction. In nearly two thirds (65%) of these incidents where the driver is at fault, the motorcyclist would have been visible. In 2004, 585 bikers were killed and 6,063 seriously injured on our roads.

Craig Carey-Clinch, Director of Public Affairs at the Motorcycle Industry Association said: "We're delighted to welcome this new motorcycle safety campaign. Both riders and drivers have a critical role to play in casualty reduction. It's essential that drivers look out for motorcycles and that riders do what they can to make themselves as visible as possible."

A poster campaign launched at the same time also encourages bikers to make themselves clearly visible to car drivers. The key message is "if you can't see the driver's mirror, you can't be seen".

*In-Depth Study of Motorcycle Accidents (2004).

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