MEDIA RELEASE

TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2017

Motorcyclists heed safety warning with zero fatalities at Easter

MOTORCYCLISTS should congratulate themselves for riding safely over Easter with zero rider fatalities on the roads despite wet and windy conditions, Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council chair Mark Gilbert says.
“We are pleased the motorcycle community has been vigilant this Easter, and hope we can continue the downward trend in motorcycle accidents and fatalities this year.”

The seven motorcyclist fatalities so far this year is fewer than half of the 16 deaths at the same time last year.

Two motorcyclists were seriously injured over the Easter break – one in Taranaki on Monday afternoon, and the other in Whangaparoa at 4am Monday morning.

The Council is urging riders to be particularly careful over the winter months, with extra hazards like rain, wind and ice, as well as shorter days and longer nights.

“Now’s a great time to take a Ride Forever course to brush up on riding skills, check your helmet and gear is in good shape and get your bike serviced. We want everyone working to get the motorcyclist road toll down even further.”

Motorcyclists accounted for 16% of the road deaths in 2016 with 52 killed and over 1000 injured. The five riders killed over the official 2016/2017 Christmas period accounted for 25% of the holiday road toll. By contrast, motorcyclists make up just 3% of the vehicles on the road.

ENDS