Take that extra look, don’t take that risk – it could save a life.
These are the simple steps Hampshire Constabulary are urging drivers and riders to take this summer to help reduce the number of motorcyclists killed.
Bikers make up just one per cent of total traffic on county roads, yet account for 21 per cent of all traffic deaths.
It is a stark statistic traffic police from the Joint Operations Unit across Hampshire and Thames Valley want to change.
In a seven-day initiative that ends next Wednesday, Hampshire officers will be supporting the National Police Chief’s Council’s campaign to improve motorcycle safety and slash the number of riders who lose their lives or are seriously injured in collisions.
They will be out on patrol speaking to motorcyclists and drivers, who can both act to reduce the risk of a collision. Motorcyclists will be urged to avoid taking unnecessary risks. Drivers will be encouraged to take just one extra look at junctions, where many collisions with motorcyclists occur.
Across the Joint Operations Unit in 2016, there were 1,366 collisions involving motorcycles, which resulted in 1,423 casualties, including 22 fatalities.
In Hampshire, during the same period, there were 737 collisions involving motorcycles, which saw 768 motorcyclists injured and nine of those sadly died.
Particular hotspots in Hampshire include the M3 between junctions 11 and 10 and junctions seven and four, the A34 between the M3 and A33 junction, the M27 between junctions 12 and 10 and eight and five, as well as the A339 and A31 between the M3 and Ropley Dean.
Road Safety Sergeant Rob Heard said: “Many collisions with motorcycles occur at junctions and we all need to make sure we look out for approaching motorcycles, which may merge into the background as they approach.
“Motorists just need to give themselves a little extra time to look out for motorcycles, while riders need to make sure they ride safely and not take unnecessary risks. This is not about us targeting one group of road users, we are simply reminding people of the potential dangers and hope that both riders and motorists will look out for each other.”
Sgt Heard added: “We have created some short films for safe riding from a police officer’s view, which highlight what hazards riders need to be aware of and how to reduce the risks of riding in different situations.”