Spring bike warning
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AS LONGER daylight hours creep in and temperatures get warmer, police are urging motorcyclists to stay safe on the region’s roads.
As the clocks go forward this weekend, Roads Policing Inspector Jon Barron of the Divisional Road Policing Unit is issuing a reminder to all motorists, but in particular motorcyclists, to be aware, stay safe and do not take risks.
Bikers are a particularly vulnerable group and, sadly, year upon year riders and pillion passengers feature regularly among the toll of those killed or seriously injured.
Police Scotland has launched Operation Zenith to tackle the issue, and officers across the North East division will be promoting motorcycle safety awareness and enforcing legislation in respect of motoring offences.
The most common types of crashes involving motorcyclists include: failure to negotiate bends on rural A roads; collisions at junctions; collisions while overtaking; the rider losing control with no other vehicles being involved.
Any sudden changes in weather conditions, excessive speed and poor judgement will only add to these dangers.
The overwhelming majority of motorcycle casualties are men with almost a third of those killed being aged between 40 to 49 years of age. One in three motorcycle incidents involving this group do not involve other vehicles.
Inspector Barron said: "Other motorists must also please play their part and look out for bikers. These collisions are not always the fault of the riders. Collisions regularly occur due to other motorists failing to see or failing to react to the presence of the motorcycle. It is vitally important, particularly at junctions and when overtaking, that you all think bike.
"I’d also like to remind motorcyclists that, when not in use, they should ensure that they take all possible steps to properly secure their vehicles; whether on-street, off-road or in a garage or shed. Bikes can be extremely attractive to those in our communities who will willingly help themselves to others’ property."
