Awareness campaign to boost Gold Coast motorcycle safety

The State Government today launched a ‘back-to-basics’ motorcycle safety campaign aimed at reducing rider deaths on Gold Coast roads.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Paul Lucas said the safety campaign would focus on reminding riders and drivers about the simple road rules that would help keep them alive.

Mr Lucas said motorbike deaths on the Gold Coast were simply too high.

"By July 9, 10 motorbike riders had lost their lives on Gold Coast roads - 40% of all road deaths on Coast. This is only two fewer motorbike fatalities than for the whole of last year and four more than the annual 2001-2005 average," Mr Lucas said.

On average - at least one motorbike rider is killed and more than 15 are injured on Queensland roads every week.

"I’ve made it very clear that 2007 and 2008 will be the years of motorcycle safety reform," Mr Lucas said.

"Just as we put a lot of work into our new young driver system, we’ll be putting a lot of effort into motorcycle safety.

"The campaign isn’t our first step and it won’t be the last. But it’s a clear and simple reminder to everyone about the importance of getting the basics right."

The radio, television, press and outdoor advertising campaign begin statewide today and encourages all road users to ‘please look out for motorbikes.’ It reminds drivers to check rear vision mirrors and over their shoulder for cars or motorbikes turning into and out of intersections.

"Gold Coast riders are also being asked to do their bit by riding where they can be seen, wearing appropriate safety gear and using safe riding techniques when performing actions such as cornering, braking and overtaking," Mr Lucas said.

"The message is simple. If you fail to take responsibility for your own life and those of others, you'll pay the price," Mr Lucas said.

"If you choose to speed, drink drive or ride, you'll be caught. Double demerit points apply for repeat speed offenders and if you are a repeat or high risk drink driver, your licence will be immediately suspended.

"By all road users taking on board these messages and sticking to the rules, we can significantly reduce the impact of the tragic loss of 38 Gold Coast rider and pillion passenger lives over the past five years.

Motorcycle registrations have jumped from 97,000 at the end of 2004 to 124,000 at the end of 2006 – a 28% jump in two years.

Mr Lucas said while the young driver initiatives implemented earlier this month should make an impact on first time riders, he was increasingly concerned with crash rates for men in their 30s and 40s.

"Between 1992 to 2005 the number of mature motorbike riders aged 40 years or over, killed or hospitalised as a result of road crashes in Queensland, has increased from 74 riders (or 13.4%) during 1992 to 312 riders (or 34.9%) during 2005."

"Many of these returning riders got their licence years before and after doing well financially have splurged on a high-powered road bike they aren’t equipped to ride."

Mr Lucas said as part of the campaign, a new safety brochure featuring tips for motorcyclists was being mailed out to registered riders in the most at-risk age groups.

It asks riders to 'think before they hit the road', and highlights a new motorbike safety website (www.motorbikesafety.qld.gov.au). The website offers detailed information for riders about how to avoid becoming a statistic by choosing the right motorbike, conducting pre-ride checks, employing correct pillion passenger management procedures and safe actions in emergency situations.

Mr Lucas said motorcycle riders needed to take care and drive responsibly on the roads.

During 2006, police identified that the rider was speeding in 40% of fatal crashes involving motorbike riders.

"And in 81% of the 64 fatal crashes involving motorbikes in 2005, the reporting police officer considered the motorbike rider most at fault," Mr Lucas said.

"It’s individual riders who can make the most difference."

Mr Lucas said while Queensland Transport was reviewing recommendations made by Parliament’s Travelsafe Committee into Q-Ride and motorbike safety, and a number of changes had already been made.

The State Government's Q-Ride competency based training system now required more stringent auditing of training providers, better instructor to student ratios, and random checks of Q-Ride courses by Queensland Transport staff participating in the training anonymously. Additionally, riders must now hold a provisional car licence for twelve months prior to gaining a learner motorbike licence.

Media inquiries: Robert Hoge 3237 1942