Motorcycle riders make up more than a quarter of deaths on Melton and Moorabool roads since 2018 and road safety authorities are urging motorists to be on the lookout, with warmer weather likely to see more riders on the state’s roads.
The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) joined the Department of Transport and Planning and Victoria Police at the beginning of October to launch Motorcyclist Awareness Month.
Led by the Motorcycling Community Engagement Panel (MCEP), the month-long campaign is an annual initiative encouraging both motorists and motorcyclists to share the road safely.
Since 2018, 46 people have died on roads in Melton and Moorabool, with 13 of them being motorcycle riders.
So far this year, 35 motorcyclists have died on Victorian roads, with more than a quarter of these fatalities occurring since the beginning of Spring.
People who ride motorcycles account for 17 per cent of deaths and serious injuries state-wide despite only making up four per cent of registered vehicles.
TAC Head of Road Safety Samantha Cockfield said 60 per cent of motorcyclist fatalities involve other vehicles, making it crucial for drivers to do their part in ensuring the roads are shared safely.
“Everyone needs to be aware of who they’re sharing the road with – motorcyclists are encouraged to wear appropriate protective gear, and drivers should double check for riders at intersections and when changing lanes,” she said.
“As the weather warms up and days get longer we tend to see an increase in the number of motorcyclists on our roads, however we can’t accept that more people will die as a result.”
The TAC’s latest Motorcycle Monitor surveyed 949 Victorian motorcyclists and showed that a large majority of riders do prioritise safety by wearing the appropriate protective gear.
MCEP member Brian Rix reminded people that everyone on our roads has family and friends counting on them to get home safely at the end of the day.
“Underneath that helmet is a much-loved son, daughter, mother, father or grandparent. Please be careful and share the road, particularly around motorcycles, to help everyone get home safely,” he said.
Throughout Motorcyclist Awareness Month, Victorians will have a chance to engage with a number of events across the state including the Australian Moto GP at Phillip Island.
