AN increase in motorcycle fatalities has prompted calls for greater caution on the road.
Statewide there had been 52 motorcyclist fatalities at the beginning of October. There were 53 recorded in the entirety of 2023. The five-year average for the period spanning January to September is 32.8.
Motorcycle fatalities occur disproportionately in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. There have been eight in Casey/Cardinia/Dandenong so far this year, five in Glen Eira/Kingston, and two in Frankston.
At least 60 per cent of fatal motorcycle crashes are multi-vehicle collisions, and most of them occur at intersections. Failing to give way is the most common factor when the other party is at fault, and excessive speed is the most common factor when the rider is at fault.
Victoria Police road policing assistant commissioner Glenn Weir said the spike in fatal motorcycle crashes is “incredibly concerning and has shown no sign of slowing down.” “We’re about to enter what has traditionally been the highest risk period for motorcyclist fatalities, and yet with still three months remaining in the year, we’re close to surpassing the total number of motorcyclist deaths for all of 2023,” he said.
“During Motorcycle Awareness Month, and in the months following, we’ll have an increased focus on rider safety through education and enforcement, but we’re asking all road users to consider how they can contribute to making our roads safer. “For motorists, that means watching out for motorcyclists, being present behind the wheel and aware of your surroundings. For motorcyclists, it means keeping yourself safe with the right protective gear and avoiding risky riding behaviour like excessive speeding. “Now is not the time to be complacent – it’s up to all of us to do everything we can to prevent further motorcyclist deaths. Every rider death is one too many.”
First published in the Frankston Times – 15 October 2024