Drivers warned of biker danger (From Warrington Guardian)

Drivers warned of biker danger

MOTORISTS in mid Cheshire are being urged not to be blind to bikers, as a new regional road safety campaign is launched.

Nationwide, an estimated 1,500 motorcyclists are killed or seriously injured on the roads every year when drivers fail to see them and with latest 2004 figures recording 312 casualties in this region alone, road safety minister Stephen Ladyman is calling on drivers to take their time and be alert.

He said: "A quick glance is not long enough to check if a motorcycle is approaching. Drivers need to take an extra second or two to look out for bikers. It really can be a lifesaver."

But Mr Ladyman admits bikers also have a part to play in protecting themselves.

He added: "I enjoy biking but I worry about not being seen. At the same time bikers have a responsibility to look after themselves and make themselves as visible as possible to drivers."

Department of Transport research shows the most common cause of motorcycle crashes is vehicles failing to give way to each other at junctions. The figures show 65 per cent of incidents, where the driver is at fault, occur when the motorcyclist would have been visible.

John Ricketts, Cheshire County Council principal road safety officer, believes this scenario could be avoided with a common sense approach.

He said: "In busy traffic it is easy for drivers to fail to spot motorcyclists, especially when pulling out at a junction. Drivers need to look and look again for bikers."

Advisory posters, featuring a number of reminders for motorcyclists on how to make sure they are seen, began on Monday and individual television and radio advertising campaigns will run at intervals throughout the year.