News

14 May 2009
LEAVE THE RACING TO THE EXPERTS

Scottish Road Policing chiefs are urging motorcyclists who plan to take to Scotland’s roads this weekend to ride safely and within the law.

In an effort to drive home the message, all eight Scottish police forces are taking part in a three-day ‘Country Roads Weekend’, organised by ACPOS, from 7am on Friday 15 May to 7am on Monday 18 May 2009.

The campaign is planned to coincide with the Northwest 200 motor cycle race in Northern Ireland which attracts over 100,000 spectators many of whom are riders from the UK mainland who travel to and from the event via Scottish ferry ports.

Several Scottish forces are also planning joint operations over the weekend in order to increase high visibility patrols and to ensure motorcyclists abide by the law.

Chief Superintendent Brian Anderson from Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary and the ACPOS Road Policing lead for Casualty Reduction said:
“With the summer months now approaching many motorcyclists are preparing to take to Scotland’s roads. It is therefore not surprising that we see an increase in the number of crashes involving motor cyclists during the months of May through to September.

“I would urge riders, including those travelling to and from the event in Ireland this weekend to ride safely, responsibly and within the law.”

In 2007 the number of people killed on Scotland’s roads fell to an all time low. However that figure also included 40 motorcyclists who lost their lives, an increase of 11% since 1997. A further 380 riders were seriously injured and in total over 1000 motorcyclists were either killed or injured on Scotland’s roads during the year.

Michael McDonnell, Director, Road Safety Scotland said: ”Motorcycle casualties remain a significant issue in Scotland, particularly on county roads where poor speed choice often leads to loss of control and the disastrous consequences. Many people believe they are better riders than others, and that it won't happen to them but, unfortunately it does. The better weather often brings motorcyclists out onto the roads for leisure journeys, but it's important not to take chances. In general, the best piece of advice for motorcyclists about their ride and the decisions they make is, if in doubt, don’t risk it.”

NOTES TO NEWS EDITORS:

• 1054 motor cyclists were killed or injured on Scotland’s roads in 2007. (Road Casualties Scotland 2007)
• Non - built up roads accounted for 90 per cent of motor cycle road deaths in 2007. (Road Casualties Scotland 2007)
• The peak months of the year for motorcyclist casualties in 2007 were June and August with relatively high numbers in the other months from may to September. (Road Casualties Scotland 2007)

• Around 25 per cent of motorcyclist fatalities were crashes that did not involve another vehicle. (Think! Website)
• Of the remaining 75 per cent almost half involve a car driver looking but failing to see. (Think! Website)
• Injuries to motorcyclists are far out of proportion to their presence on our roads. Motorcyclists are just one percent of the road traffic but account for 19 per cent of all GB road user road deaths. (Think! Website)

For further information please contact ACPOS Communications on 0141 435 1240 or 07771 842881