[News Body]
Rising Motorcycle Fatalities in North Wales Attributed to Biker Errors, Police Reports Reveals
In a recent police report presented at the North Wales Police and Crime Panel in Conwy’s Bodlondeb HQ, it was revealed that a significant number of motorcycle fatalities in the region are caused by errors made by bikers themselves. While the overall number of road traffic collisions in North Wales had decreased compared to the previous year, the report highlighted a concerning increase in motorcycle deaths.
According to the statistics presented, there were 57 motorcycle road traffic collisions (RTCs) in the past year, which represented a 9.9% reduction compared to the previous year. However, there was a 16.7% increase in the number of motorbike deaths, totaling to 19 fatalities. Despite these concerning figures, there was an overall improvement in road safety, as the total number of fatalities of all types on North Wales roads decreased by 32.1%.
The report further revealed that there were 26 pedestrians who either lost their lives or sustained serious injuries, demonstrating a 36.6% reduction. Additionally, there were 169 serious injuries in RTCs, marking a decrease of 24.5%. Furthermore, the number of pedal cycle collisions decreased by 39.2% to 17 incidents.
Sergeant Liam Ho from North Wales Police’s newly formed roads crime unit presented the report and attributed the lower statistics to Operation Darwin, a road safety campaign that aims to raise awareness among drivers about the risks faced by motorcyclists. Sgt. Ho acknowledged the personal tragedies and life-changing injuries associated with each statistic, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to improve road safety.
Regarding the increase in motorcycle fatalities, Sgt. Ho mentioned that out of the seven fatal collisions this year, six did not involve another vehicle, and in the one collision where another vehicle was involved, it is unlikely that any blame or prosecution will be placed on the other driver. He stressed that rider error is usually the cause of these tragic incidents, although investigations also consider mechanical aspects, physical factors, and the road environment.
During the panel discussion, Conwy councillor Louise Emery inquired about the causes of motorcycle fatalities, questioning whether it was due to reckless driving by the motorcyclists themselves, the actions of other drivers, or factors such as alcohol and drugs. Sgt. Ho responded, indicating that rider error is often to blame for such accidents.
When asked about the types of bikes involved in these incidents, Sgt. Ho mentioned that the ones he personally attended varied from sports-performance bikes to adventure tourer bikes, indicating that the fatalities cut across different styles of motorcycles.
The report highlighted the disproportionate impact on motorcyclists, as they represent only 1% of road traffic in North Wales but account for 37% of fatalities and serious injuries. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency of addressing the underlying factors contributing to motorcycle accidents.
As North Wales Police continue their efforts to improve road safety and raise awareness among both motorcyclists and other road users, it remains crucial for bikers to prioritize safe and responsible driving. The findings of this report serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with motorcycle riding and the need for ongoing vigilance on the part of all road users to prevent further tragedies.
