ACC trying to break the cycle

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Don’t be alarmed if you spot some high-vis motorcycle helmets in unusual places this month. It is all part of ACC’s Motorcycle Awareness Month.

Last year there were 14 serious injury motorcycle crashes in Northland and already in 2017 there have been two fatal motorcycle crashes.

“All these crashes have impacted on our community, they have involved people we know, our family, friends and workmates,” says Northland Road Policing Sergeant Lance Goulsbro.

“Northland is becoming a mecca for motorcyclists, more and more motorcycle groups are travelling on our roads, our roads are unique, challenging and sadly unforgiving.”

ACC Motorcycle Programme Manager David Kielty says motorcycle deaths and serious injuries impact the whole country.

“Last year was a tragic one for motorcycle safety with 52 motorcyclists killed on our roads. That’s 16 per cent of the overall number of road deaths in 2016. Motorcyclists are only 3 per cent of all road users. It shouldn’t be this high.

“Motorcycling provides many Kiwis with a fun and sustainable form of transport. Riding is a passion, but it’s got to be safe. That responsibility lies with riders, and those who are sharing the road with them. We’ve got to respect all road users.

“We’ve chosen to start national conversations about motorcycle safety in September because it’s the start of the riding season. Riders across the country are taking bikes out of winter-storage and taking to the road in increasing numbers.

It’s an important time for riders to check on their bikes, skills and gear says Kielty.

“It’s also a good time to remind other road users to keep an eye out for motorbikes – they can surprise drivers when they’re used to looking for larger vehicles.

“We’re using yellow helmets as visual reminders of the importance of motorcycle safety. They’ll be put in unusual places to disrupt people and make them think.

“The impact of fatal and serious crashes on communities lasts a lifetime,” says Mr Keilty.

ACC has launched the inaugural Motorcycle Awareness Month with support from the Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council (MSAC) and Northland road safety partners.

MSAC Chair Mark Gilbert says the impact of motorcycle crashes should not be underestimated.

“We need to start this conversation. Motorcycle crashes cost the country millions. In Northland alone, between 2012-2016 the social cost of reported motorcycle fatal and injury crashes totalled $77.17 million. And more importantly they shatter lives. This is not a small problem.

n For more information go to motorcycleawareness.co.nz

 

SMART: Wearing the correct gear and taking a riding course are smart options for all riders.

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