Awareness campaign launched to help motorcyclists

Awareness campaign launched to help motorcyclists

A new campaign encouraging drivers to increase their awareness of motorcyclists has been launched, which could result in a reduction in the number of motor insurance claims, if successful.

Drivers will be targeted through a mixture of television, radio and poster adverts which illustrate common causes of accidents.

The aim of the campaign, which has the backing of the Department for Transport (DfT), is to cut the number of motorcyclists killed or injured on the roads.

At present, the DfT estimates that 1,500 motorcyclists die or sustain serious injuries every year because drivers fail to see them.

Deaths of motorcyclists account for 17 per cent of all road fatalities, although motorbikes make up just one per cent of all vehicle traffic.

Eddie Barnaville, general manager of the Driving Instructors Association, said: “We support this campaign, but we think motorcyclists should take further training.

“Bikers have a responsibility to look after themselves and make themselves as visible as possible to other drivers.”

It is a legal requirement for drivers of cars and motorbikes to have motor insurance.