AS the warmer weather approaches, the Transport Accident Commission has urged drivers and motorbike riders to look out for each other on Victorian roads.
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In 2016, 56 motorcyclists died in crashes in Victoria – and all were male.
While the figure has reduced so far this year, the TAC was keen to remind drivers that the warmer weather usually meant more motorbikes on the roads.
TAC road safety lead director Samantha Cockfield said motorbike riders continued to be over-represented in fatality figures.
“We are coming into the time of year when the number of riders on Victorian roads increases sharply and with that, the risk of crashes involving motorcycle riders is higher,” she said.
“Tragically we saw a spike in people dying in motorcycle crashes on Victorian roads last year and, while numbers are down this year compared with 2016, too many people are being killed in motorcycle crashes.
“When the unexpected happens, riders wearing the correct protective gear have a better chance of avoiding serious injuries, and motorcycles with safety technologies like ABS braking have a better chance of avoiding a crash altogether.”
So far in 2017, 30 motorcyclists have died on Victorian roads. The figure was at 44 in 2016.
The TAC launched its new road safety campaign this weekend – “Driver think rider – rider think driver”.
It encourages drivers and motorcyclists to take equal responsibility in keeping road users safe.
