Motorcycles are four percent of the vehicle registrations in Tasmania but about 22 percent of the serious casualties, road safety authorities said today. Five of the seven fatalities this year have been motorcyclists.
Road Safety Advisory Council Chair Jim Cox said inattention, inexperience and not riding to the conditions were the main causes.
He said a new training program to get a motorcycle licence would be introduced later in the year that had a much bigger practical component than the current one.
“Most of the motorcycle crashes are happening in 80kmh-plus speed zones and a lot of them are single vehicle. That shows riders need to take more care. And drivers need to play their part by keeping an eye out for motorbikes.”
Sergeant Nick Hodgkinson, who has been riding motorcycles for more than 37 years and a police motorcycle instructor for 11 years, said the road rules were there to keep everyone safe.
“Ride to the conditions,” he said. “Motorcyclists must make sure they are wearing the correct clothing, including strong boots, padded jacket an approved helmet.
“I’ve seen riders not wearing protective clothing such as shorts and thongs.” He said Police were focussing on motorcycle riders today as part of Road Safety Week.
“We want riders to take extra care every day of the week.”
If you, or someone you know has been affected by road trauma, and would like help, please contact Road Trauma Support Tasmania on 0427 487 251.