Safety campaign highlights motorcycle awareness

Keeping an eye on motorcyclists is the theme of another road safety campaign by the North Shore City Council.

Look Twice for Motorbikes aims to improve road safety for motorcyclists who are often unnoticed by drivers.

The council says most crashes between a motorcyclist and a car driver are caused by the driver failing to see the motorcyclist.

Road safety researchers say this looked-but-failed-to-see situation is attributed to lack of driving experience, distraction and driving on auto pilot.

Council road safety co-ordinator Helen Whittal says an all too common driver response after a crash with a biker is "I just didn’t see him."

The campaign will utilise high visibility roadside billboards and Adshel bus shelters on Shore roads with a particularly poor record for motorcycle related incidents.

These are on Wairau Rd, Glenfield Rd, Lake Rd in Devonport and Albany Highway.

"It’s all about getting the possible appearance of motorcycles on a car driver’s radar," Ms Whittal says.

"Car drivers can greatly reduce the risk of injuring motorcyclists by always remembering to indicate and check both rear and side mirrors carefully before leaving lanes, turning or negotiating intersections."

She says the number of motorcycles, scooters and mopeds registered on the Shore has risen significantly during the past five years.

"By educating motorists and asking them to look more carefully for motorcyclists, we hope to save a life or serious injury."

The campaign which runs to the end of February 2010 is supported by North Shore police, New Zealand Fire Service and ACC Injury Prevention.

- © Fairfax NZ News