Rider Safety the Key for MotoGP Weekend

14 Oct 2011

MEDIA RELEASE: 14 October 2011

With more motorcycles on the road than ever before, the TAC is using this weekend's MotoGP to remind riders about key safety messages to help reduce their risk of becoming a road trauma statistic.

Thirty-three riders have been killed on Victorian roads so far this year, while during last year's peak riding season (1 October to 31 March) 29 riders died.

Motorcyclists remain over-represented in Victorian road trauma data, and studies show they are between 20 and 38 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured, per kilometre travelled, than car drivers.

Recent TAC research shows motorcyclists hailing from Melbourne's outer suburban areas such as Frankston, Narre Warren, Cranbourne, Croydon and Ferntree Gully are the areas where those submitting claims for injuries are most likely to live.

The TAC data has been released today as road safety agencies remind motorcyclists heading to the Phillip Island MotoGP this weekend, and all other riders gearing up for the peak riding season, that it is important to do everything in your power to reduce your risk of being injured 

The statistics show that:

• Motorcycle registrations have increased 65 per cent over the past nine years from 94,741 in 2001 to 156,390 in 2010.
• Motorcycle registrations represent 3.7 per cent of total vehicle registrations in Victoria, up from 2.6 per cent in 2001.
• Motorcyclists account for about 20 per cent of all TAC claims costs. With claim numbers generally increasing over the past six years.
• The majority of TAC motorcyclist clients are male (1,863 male clients in 2010 compared to 269 female clients in 2010)
• The majority of TAC client motorcyclists are aged 18-49.
• Riders living within the Melbourne area tend to crash during the morning and evening peak hour travel times, while riders in the rest of Victoria tend to crash on weekends between 10am and 4pm.

TAC Road Safety Manager, Samantha Cockfield, said the TAC's aim was to reduce rider trauma, and this weekend's GP provided was a good opportunity to remind riders about key safety messages.

The most recent TAC motorcycle tracking research, released last year, showed that one third of all riders had been involved in a crash, leaving them with injuries requiring medical treatment.

"It's fantastic to see so many riders hitting the roads this weekend, but we ask that all of you wear full protective clothing, and do all you can to reduce your risks," Ms Cockfield said.

"We know the majority of riders do the right thing, but regardless of who is at fault in a crash it is the rider that will come off second best."

Ms Cockfield said that by wearing the right protective clothing, a rider's risks could be reduced significantly.

"Most riders own a protective jacket and gloves, but they might be less inclined to wear protective boots and pants," she said.

"We advise all riders to wear protective gear on all parts of their body, all the time.

"Coming into the warmer weather, riders should remember that if it's too hot to wear protective clothing, then it's too hot to ride."

With wet weather forecast for the weekend, the TAC is also reminding riders of the importance of riding to the conditions.

"Riding within the speed limit and for the conditions is even more important for motorcyclists," Ms Cockfield said.

"It's important that everyone keeps an eye out for motorcyclists."

Today the TAC launches their 13th MotoGP campaign focussing on educating riders about the importance of wearing protective clothing and riding within your limits.

During the three-day event, the TAC educates riders about how they can reduce their risks, and also coordinates shuttle buses between the race track and surrounding townships, and provides a helmet storage facility for riders.

A TAC Rider Reviver stand has also been set up at Tooradin, a motorcycle-specific rest stop to encourage riders to take a break on their trip home from the GP.

In addition, every licensed venue on Phillip Island will be fitted out with a TAC breath-testing machine, and mobile breath-testers will roam the GP track to prevent drink driving and riding.

Victoria Police are again running enforcement operations on all feeder routes to the MotoGP, ensuring riders make it to and from the event safely.

In timing with the MotoGP, the TAC’s motorcycle-focussed ad campaign titled "The Ride" is featuring on TV, Radio, billboards and online across the state.

The Ride can be viewed online here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Geg6Af3bZQ0

For further information please contact: Sarah Henderson on 0429 294 262.