Press Release

21st October 2013

Road Safety Campaign urges Bikers to be ‘Autumn Aware!'

Kent County Council's latest data emphasises the need to maintain its Motorcycle Safety Campaign to help reduce the disproportionate rate of bike crashes there are on the county's roads.

Compared to other Kent road users, motorcyclists are at a higher risk of being involved in a crash, with one percent (1%) of miles travelled against involvement in twenty-one percent (21%) of all crashes on Kent roads. Last year (2012) saw 108 bikers and pillions killed or seriously injured (KSI), and although this was a reduction from 2011, the Kent Road Safety Team believe this number can be reduced further by bikers and other drivers adapting their riding and driver attitude earlier with consideration of the seasonal change.

Steve Horton, Kent County Council's road safety team leader, said:

"With Winter approaching there are different concerns that bikers need to look out for in order to ensure that they have a safe and enjoyable ride. Like all road users it takes a while to switch over from your summer driving or riding style.

"At this time of year the weather can be very changeable, so waterproof clothing is essential, whilst the lower temperatures mean the roads remain damp for longer after rainfall. Fallen leaves can create a skid hazard as they trap water underneath and are very slippery. Late Autumn also means frost patches on the roads and a combination of low sun and long shadows will mean frost persisting during the day, adding to the risk of crashing."

The campaign includes increased activity with the ‘Kent Bikers' website (www.kentbikers.co.uk) with competitions, extra skills training, hints and tips. As well as specific targeting of younger riders with the Ghostlids website, (www.kentroadsafety.info/ghostlids/).

...ends...

Notes to the editor:

• In 2011, twenty-eight percent (28%) of all KSI incidents involved bikers, or 147 riders and pillions.

Editor Contact

Kier Humpherys

01634671167

Editors note

Kent County Council

Direct dial: 01622 694034

Out of hours: 08458 247 247

www.kent.gov.uk