Older motorcycle riders at risk

Of the eight motorcycle-related deaths on the roads this year, the majority have involved male riders over the age of 40.

Both ACC and New Zealand Police are disappointed by the deaths and are desperately urging all motorcyclists and drivers to do more to keep themselves and others safe on the road.

 
ACC and NZ Police are calling on motorcyclists and drivers to do more to keep themselves safe on the roads. Photo: Bruce Barnard

Motorcycles make up less than five per cent of all vehicles on the road, but 15 per cent of all fatal crashes involve motorcycle riders, while motorcyclists now make up 10 per cent of all road users injured.

ACC senior motorcycle injury prevention programme manager Carey Griffiths says it has been a disappointing start to the year for motorcyclists with the number of deaths so far.

“With 53 motorcyclists dying on our roads last year, the highest number since 1998, we hope that this year does not carry on the way it has started.

“Eight motorcyclists have died on New Zealand roads since the beginning of this year. The disturbing feature of these deaths is that the majority involve male riders all over the age of 40.”

One fatal crash involved a 54-year-old who was on a learner’s licence, while another 54-year-old who was also on a learner’s licence was caught travelling at 162km/h.

Carey says these crashes highlight a real issue that police and ACC are dealing with.

“It concerns older male riders who are overly confident and often riding bikes that are beyond their experience and capabilities. Nearly three quarters of fatal crashes occur on the open road where a loss of control can be deadly.”

Carey is encouraging all motorcyclists to check out ACC’s Ride Forever programme which provides all riders with the opportunity to improve their riding skills, knowledge and capabilities.

As a long term rider himself, he knows there are some risks riders can’t control, but improving your skills is something within everyone’s control and critical to improving the odds of staying alive.

“Ride Forever courses offer a chance to brush up on the perishable skills needed as riders and we encourage everyone who rides to get themselves a regular check-up on their abilities just as we’d get a warrant of fitness for our bike.

“It’s too easy to fall into the trap of practising your own mistakes for years and thinking ‘she’ll be right’.”

Superintendent Steve Greally says the warmer temperatures and fine weather sees more bikes on road and police would like motorcyclists and drivers to remain alert.

The national road policing manger believes drivers can do their part to help keep motorcyclists safe by remaining alert when behind the wheel and keeping an eye out for bikers.

“A common comment from car and truck drivers about motorcyclists is that they just didn’t see the motorcyclist. Motorcyclists also need to be proactive in keeping safe.” says Steve.

A trap for many older riders jumping back on their bikes is that many modern motorcycles are extremely fast and powerful.

Steve says if you are a new rider, or returning to motorcycling after a long absence, buy or use a bike that matches your skills and abilities until these improve.

“The Ride Forever training programmes are great for those riders looking to improve their skills and keep themselves safe on the road,” says Steve.

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Older motorcycle riders at risk