Motorbike safety a priority in South West

The death toll for motorbike riders and passengers has reached a total of 31 for 2014, and 28 including vehicles over the last month alone.

Back in April the Mail printed a story listing the riskiest times to ride a motorcycle and this message is now more prevalent than ever.

A review of fatal and serious injury motorcycle crashes in WA from 1995 to 2014 indicated that riders were most at risk between 3 and 6pm Monday to Thursday and between 6 and 9pm on Fridays.

Busselton’s officer in charge Senior Sergeant Steve Principe said fatal motorbike crashes tended to occur on the more winding and sweeping country roads for a number of reasons.

One of those reasons was due to roads often being misjudged and Senior Sergeant Principe listed a few key things to remember when riding.

“Safety gear is imperative, ensure helmets are worn at all times whilst riding as well as protective clothing,” he said.

“Also ensure your bike is road-worthy and check your brakes and tyres.”

Senior Sergeant Principe added that riders should assume other road users could not see them.

“Ride with your lights on at all times and take extra care at intersections,” he said.

He added that riders should always drive to the weather conditions as road surfaces could change.

The latest fatality was a 15-year-old boy who suffered severe head injuries after he was involved in an off-road motorcycle crash with his 15-year-old male cousin when their bikes collided head-on on October 5.

The other 15-year-old boy also received extensive injuries and was taken to Busselton Hospital where he was then transferred to Royal Perth Hospital for further treatment. 

WA Police Assistant Commissioner Nick Anticich addressed the State’s road toll this week, saying that more needed to be done.

“At the rate this is going it is going to be a shocking year for road fatals,” he said.

“It comes down to social conscience for drivers on our roads.”