With the weather warming up, South Australia Police is expecting to see more motorcyclists on the road but caution them not to take unnecessary risks.
In the past five years, 81 motorcyclists and one motorcycle passenger have lost their lives on our roads.
Officer in Charge of Charge of Traffic Services Branch, Shane Johnson encourages riders to be safe and make sure they return home from a day out.
"We know that the majority of motorcycle deaths occur from speeding, drink or drug driving or dangerous driving," Superintendent Johnson said.
"While the weather is still warm and the roads may be dry, it is very easy to come unstuck on these windy roads. Treat them with respect and obey the speed limit."
So far this year seven motorcyclists have lost their life on our roads, with 162 receiving serious life changing injuries (including four passengers). There have been 650 collisions involving motorcycles.
"Most deaths occur when motorcycle riders hit a fixed object or leave the road out of control, so lowering your speed can save your life something goes wrong
"We ask all motorcyclists to take it easy on our roads, don't take unnecessary risks by speeding and driving dangerously."
Police will conduct Operation Safe Hills targeting speeding around the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu, and Barossa, as well as the outer metropolitan areas over the next few months.
Last year's Operation Safe Hills saw 12,663 motorists detected for a speed offence, with most of these riders or drivers detected speeding up to 29km/h over the limit. There were 29 drivers or riders were detected speeding 45km/h or more over the limit – six were charged with driving in a manner dangerous to the public.
More than 400 of those detected speeding were motorcyclists, with:
- 368 detected speeding up to 29km/h over the limit,
- 29 detected speeding between 30 and 44km/h over the limit,
- 7 detected speeding 45km/h or more over the limit.
If you're looking to get your motorcycle licence, keep an eye on the SAPOL website for sessions at the Road Safety Centre. The Guide to obtaining your motorcycle licence road safety session covers a range of topics including lane filtering, correct closing, safety maintenance, choices, risk and consequences and you can try out the new motorcycle simulator and virtual reality experience.
