Drivers warned of motorcycle crash risks
Date: 04/06/2008 12:00:00
Drivers in one region are being asked to pay more attention to motorcyclists after 18 riders were killed in one year.
Around 133 were also seriously injured in Surrey in 2007, police said, prompting officers to organise a
new safety campaign.
Drivers are now being urged to double check for bikes at junctions, during right turns and when overtaking.
Head of Surrey road policing chief inspector Stuart Sang said: "Most motorists have no idea of the
potential performance of a modern motorbike, which makes it vitally important for drivers to double check."
Research has shown the most common cause of motorcycle collisions in the UK is driver behaviour at junctions.
Officers are also urging riders to reduce accident risks by wearing reflective clothing and taking advanced tests.
In future riders taking advanced courses may find their
motorcycle insurance
costs are reduced, under plans from the government to change car and motorcycle tests and learning.
British motorcyclists make up just one per cent of traffic but suffer 14 per cent of UK road deaths and injuries.