Police Scotland are urging road users to be aware of motorcyclists
The safety campaign hopes to lower the number of rider deaths between April and September
Road users are being urged to be more aware of motorcyclists as part of Police Scotland’s annual safety campaign.
The campaign runs from April to September and covers the time of year which sees the highest number of riders being seriously injured or killed.
Last year 27 motorcyclists died, 22 of whom lost their lives during those months.
Superintendent Stewart Mackie is a keen biker and said to fellow riders: “know how to take care on the road because it will save lives and help prevent life changing injuries.
“I understand the freedom and enjoyment that biking gives people, but I’ve seen the devastation caused by serious collisions and the impact on loved ones.”
The most common factor in collisions is a loss of control, and the superintendent went on to say: “look out for hazards like loose gravel, the right clothing and helmets matter, and position your bike for the best view around bends.”
Motorcyclists make up only one per cent of road users in Scotland yet account for around 17 per cent of all road deaths.
Police Scotland are using the campaign to call on other road users to take extra care, especially on rural roads and at junctions.
Around 90 per cent of motorcycle casualties are men and most collisions happen in rural areas, particularly weekends.
Engagement and enforcement activity will take place throughout the spring and summer months using both marked and unmarked police vehicles.
Superintendent Mackie finished by adding: “We all have a responsibility to take care on Scotland’s roads.”