{"id":99217,"date":"2015-03-13T00:01:35","date_gmt":"2015-03-12T14:01:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=99217"},"modified":"2020-11-20T12:08:51","modified_gmt":"2020-11-20T02:08:51","slug":"motorbike-deaths-double","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2015\/03\/13\/motorbike-deaths-double\/","title":{"rendered":"Motorbike Deaths Double"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
The scene at a motorcycle crash near Gin Gin earlier this year … the RACQ is concerned that the death toll from such crashes has doubled (Photo: RACQ CareFlight)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

March 13, 2015<\/strong><\/p>\n

The RACQ has highlighted a worrying trend in motorcycle fatalities, with the number of deaths up by more than 50 per cent on the same time last year.<\/p>\n

The motoring body emphasised the need to reinforce the importance of motorcycle safety to Queensland\u2019s road users.<\/p>\n

RACQ Executive Manager Technical and Safety Policy Steve Spalding said while the overall road toll was 36, similar to last year\u2019s record low, the number of motorcycle deaths was already at 12.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re worried about just how quickly the motorcycle fatality count is growing,\u201d Mr Spalding said.<\/p>\n

\u201cMotorcycles aren\u2019t as visible on the roads as cars and trucks, and riding a motorbike doesn\u2019t offer the same level of protection as being inside of a car.<\/p>\n

\u201cResearch shows they\u2019re four times more likely to be involved in deadly crashes than cars, and more than half of all motorbike crashes result in hospitalisation or death.\u201d<\/p>\n

The RACQ\u00a0 has called for the State Government to give greater priority to motorcycle safety it its road safety messages this year.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about keeping safety top of mind for both motorcyclists and motorists, and media messages and safety campaigns can make a positive difference,\u201d Mr Spalding said.<\/p>\n

He said there were some simple things all road users could do to help keep everyone safe.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf drivers take an extra moment to look out for motorcyclists before manoeuvring and riders always adopt safe and defensive riding habits we can help cut the crash risk,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t get another chance when you come off a motorbike. Regardless of who is right or wrong \u2013 the motorcyclist is going to come off second best.\u201d<\/p>\n