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Skills Lack Blamed for Death of Bikers
West Mercia Police say that two of the major roads through Bromyard have been revealed as the worst in the region for motorcycle accidents.
Both the A465 and A44 were named on the top 10 worst routes for accidents last year involving motorcyclists and reports show that 268 motorcyclists and passengers were injured in collisions compared to 246 people in 2005.
The number of motorcyclists involved in fatal collisions did fall from 26 people in 2005 to 14 people last year but the figures show that the number involved in road traffic collision is still disproportionately high.
Motorcyclists account for just one per cent of all traffic yet accounted for nearly one fifth of all road death victims on the roads in West Mercia in 2006.
Sergeant John Roberts from the Force Operations Department said: “Encouraging people to ride safely is an important part of the force’s Seven Deadly Sins road safety campaign.
“Rural areas attract large numbers of leisure motorcyclists using powerful sports bikes and the majority of collisions occur on the fast A and B roads across the force area.
“Many motorcycle collisions are caused by the riders’ lack of skill combined with riding at excessive and inappropriate speeds. It is vital that riders ride in accordance with the law and within their own capabilities.
“Motorcyclists can receive guidance on how to improve their skills through the force’s Bikesafe initiative, which is taking place in May and June.
“The force will also be carrying out enforcement activities on routes and roads that are well used by bikers across West Mercia.
“West Mercia is keen to encourage safe and sensible riding. We want to reduce the number of bikers who are killed and injured each year. Our simple message is kill your speed, not yourself.
“Motorbike safety is part of the force’s Seven Deadly Sins road safety campaign. West Mercia Constabulary is committed to making the roads across the force area safer for all road users and reducing the number of people who are killed and injured on them each year.”
For more information about Motorbike Safety and the force’s Seven Deadly Sins campaign please visit
www.westmercia.police.uk
Hereford Journal - News
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