Motorcyclists in Scotland have been encouraged to adopt safe riding habits when exploring the country through a new safety film.
The new road safety film ‘Live Fast, Die Old Breathtaking Roads’ series is trying to raise awareness of group bikers and the dangers to be aware of on Scottish roads.
A Road Safety Scotland initiative, the new film, The Devil’s Beeftub, focuses on bikers riding in groups and the dangers to be particularly aware of when enjoying Scotland’s roads.
Filmed in the Borders region, the film highlights potential hazards including sheep, stationary cars and blind bends.
Motorcyclists make up less than one per cent of Scotland’s road traffic, but accounted for 20 per cent of fatalities in 2018.
May, June and August remain the worst months for KSIs (killed or seriously injured), with 11:00am to 5:00pm at weekends identified as the key risk times.
Motorcycle casualties increased by 3% from 620 in 2017 to 640 in 2018. There were 33 fatalities – an increase of four against last year. Around half of these fatalities happened at weekends.
Motorcyclists make up less than one per cent of Scotland’s road traffic, but accounted for 20 per cent of fatalities in 2018
Riders aged 50-54 have the highest KSI rates, and 92% of all motorcycle casualties are male.
Analysis also shows that, in three–quarters of collisions where a biker is injured, the rider is the contributory factor.
Failure to look properly and loss of control are the top factors in motorcycle deaths, with rider behaviour at bends or when overtaking accounting for the majority of fatal or serious injuries.
Outdoor posters will be displayed at key locations on Scotland’s most popular motorcycle routes, encouraging bikers to visit the dedicated Live Fast, Die Old website and Facebook page for best practise advice. The new film will also be showcased at biking events such as Thunder in the Glens in Aviemore.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson, said: “We are aware bikers face greater risks than any other road user, and we are committed to raising awareness of the dangers they encounter on Scotland’s roads and reducing the number of those killed or seriously injured.
A Road Safety Scotland initiative, the new film, The Devil’s Beeftub, focuses on bikers riding in groups and the dangers to be particularly aware of when enjoying Scotland’s roads
“Through using the voices of the biking community, the Live Fast, Die Old campaign is fundamental in highlighting best practice. I’d encourage any motorcyclist who is planning to explore Scotland to ride appropriately for the conditions and always consider other roads users, particularly if you’re riding as part of a group.”
Michael McDonnell, Director of Road Safety Scotland, said: “We’re now well into biking season and as the weather improves, the roads are busier and bikers set off with their friends to enjoy the stunning scenery that Scotland has to offer.
“We understand the thrill of biking and don’t want to take that away, but we want to ensure that groups of motorcyclists are looking out for each other on the road and practising safe manoeuvres together.”
The campaign is also supported by Police Scotland and a number of Scottish biking organisations, including 56’N Bikes Magazine.
Iliyas Campbell of 56’N Bikes said: “We’re thrilled to be ambassadors for the latest breathtaking roads film as promoting safe riding habits is really important for the Scottish biking community; it’s always a very sad day when we learn a fellow biker has lost their life on our roads.”
A dedicated microsite and engaging Facebook page (Live Fast, Die Old) is also available which highlights the greatest biking experiences, along with hints and tips from carefully selected local biking experts who have first-hand experience of Scotland’s roads.
Watch the latest film at http://bit.ly/32dOMNw and join the conversation about Scotland’s breathtaking roads by visiting the Live Fast, Die Old Facebook page (livefastdieoldscotland) or the Breathtaking Roads microsite (livefastdieold.scot).
