Minister asks motorbike riders to "light up and live"

Transport Minister John Mickel today urged motorbike riders to "light up and live" and ride with their headlights on day and night.

Mr Mickel said research showed using headlights in daylight made riders more conspicuous and safer on the roads.

He said this year to date 68 motorbike riders and pillion passengers had died on Queensland roads compared with 48 at the same time last year.

"Motorbike riders and their pillions represent about a quarter of this year's road toll to date and motorbike riders are 30 times more likely than car drivers to be seriously injured or killed in a crash.

"It's time riders did something about these shocking statistics and changed their on-road behaviour," Mr Mickel said.

He said motorbike riders should switch on their lights for safety to avoid becoming a statistic.

"The path to reducing motorbike fatalities is a two-way street. Motorists need to continually keep an eye out for motorbike riders and riders need to slow down and ride in a predictable and safe manner," he said.

He said Australian studies had shown a strong link between daylight headlight use and safety.

''Motorbikes without headlights on are two to three times more likely to be involved in crashes than motorbikes with headlights on. Using your headlights during the day can increase the contrast between your motorbike and the scenery, meaning that you will be seen sooner and from further away.’’

Mr Mickel said other simple, sensible measures could help riders avoid accidents and injury.

"Wear high visibility clothing and an Australian Standard approved helmet. I also encourage riders to wear other protective clothing such as gloves, jackets and pants with impact protectors.

"It comes down to common sense –don't become a statistic this Christmas."

Media contact: Shannon Mackay 3237 1125

December 20, 2007