Speeding remains the leading cause of motorcycle deaths in NSW, the state government says. Picture: stock
Young male motorcycle riders are dying at almost twice the rate of other groups as the NSW Government calls for caution from riders and other drivers.
The Motorcycle Council of NSW has designated October as Motorcycle Awareness Month in a bid to protect riders with the support of government.
According to government figures, the number of fatal motorcycle crashes is at a 10-year high; 50 of 258 deaths on NSW roads as of October 8 were riders or their passengers.
Motorcycles make up 3.8 per cent of registered vehicles in NSW but accounted for 19.4 per cent of deaths so far this year.
Government says that from 2014 to 2023, 590 deaths involved riders or passengers; 142 riders aged 20-29 years-old died in crashes, 63 more than for the next age bracket (30-39 years).
Of the 142 rider deaths in the 20-29 age bracket, 138 were males. A third of these deaths involved riders on a Learner or Provisional licence.
As with other vehicle categories, speeding was the biggest killer, government says.
NSW Minister for Roads John Graham says “the numbers tell a story”.
“Young males on motorcycles are dying in numbers that are too high and should not be accepted as the status quo,” he says.
“No family wants to be affected by road trauma, but in too many cases it is a young male loved one that is being hurt or killed.”
He says that during awareness month, it must be recognised that motorcyclists are at risk of dying when the drivers of vehicles around them “make one bad decision”.
“I appeal to drivers to be aware, be mindful and help keep those on motorcycles safe,” Mr Graham says.
“If you’re a driver, always check twice for motorcyclists and follow the road rules – the choices you make can save a life.”
MESSAGE FOR DRIVERS
Motorcycle Council of NSW Chairman Vinnie Bee has a message for drivers.
“Safety starts with you, keep your eyes on the road and your mind in the moment,” he says.
“Take a few extra seconds to check for bikes when pulling out onto a road or making a turn on a street. A few extra seconds can save a life.
“Please watch out for motorbikes. Look twice and save a life,” Mr Bee says.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison says constant vigilance is required, especially on regional roads.
“Nearly two-thirds of all fatalities involving motorcycle crashes across the state in the last 10 years occurred on regional roads,” she says.
“Motorcyclists are more vulnerable in a crash and vigilance and awareness of the road terrain is incredibly important.”
Ms Aitchison says of the 142 young rider deaths over the past decade, 40 of those fatal crashes came from running off the road at a curve or crashing into a tree/bush (16 crashes).
“When you’re riding, always stay within the speed limit, watch out for oncoming traffic, curves, steep hills and make sure you’re wearing safe helmets and gear,” she says.
“For other road users, please check your blind spots when merging or crossing – we all have a responsibility to help each other get to our destinations safely.”
For information on the safety of protective gear and helmets, visit motocap.com.au.
