Press Release

28^thNovember 2013

Bikers Warned of Darker Mornings and Icy Roads

Kent County Council continues its winter Motorcycle Safety campaign, with warnings to the motorcycle community of the increased dangers from darker mornings and freezing temperatures on the roads at this time of year. The road safety team's awareness campaign has been devised to generate awareness to help reduce the disproportionate number of bike crashes there are on Kent's roads.

Damp roads, fallen leaves coupled with the risk of oil and fuel spills present additional hazards to motorcyclists during winter months, combine this with the darker conditions during the key riding times accentuate this problem.

Compared to other Kent road users motorcyclists are disproportionally represented in the crash statistics with them representing one percent (1%) of all traffic against involvement in thirty percent (30%) of all crashes on Kent roads. Last year that meant that 351 bikers were killed or seriously injured (KSI), with 218 KSI involving riders of bikes over 500cc. It is a number that the Kent Road Safety Team believes can be reduced if bikers adapt their riding to the seasonal conditions.

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

"The KSI incidents for motorcyclists in winter is an area that we are addressing with this campaign. During this time of year there are different obstacles that bikers need to look out for in order to ensure that they have a safe and enjoyable ride. Less daylight hours and the lower sun make bikers more vulnerable and it is therefore important to ensure they are riding safely."

At this time of year the weather can be very changeable, so waterproof clothing is essential to stay dry and warm, whilst the lower temperatures mean that the roads remain damp for longer periods after rainfall. Fallen leaves can create a skid hazard as they trap water underneath and are very slippery. Winter weather 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) including competitions, safety videos, extra skills training, and hints and tips. Also the campaign will specifically target younger riders through the ‘Ghostlids' website (www.kentroadsafety.info/ghostlids/‎).

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Editor Contact 

Simon Merrick

01634671167

Kent County Council

Direct dial: 01622 694034

www.kent.gov.uk