Focus on motorcyclist safety this month

Phillip Islander Heath Kolac is helping promote the new TAC safety campaign aimed at motorcyclists.

With the MotoGP just around the corner, the number of motorcyclists on local roads will skyrocket, so the message is particularly pertinent.

On Christmas Day in 2004, Heath was riding his motorcycle in Cowes, heading home for lunch.

"I was struck by a vehicle failing to give way," Heath explained.

"As a result of that I suffered some pretty horrific injuries; a traumatic amputation of my left leg and lost the function in my left arm."

It took almost 12 months of rehabilitation before Heath was able to return home.

Heath's story is a reminder for all drivers about the importance of paying attention behind the wheel and looking out for vulnerable road users, like motorcyclists.

He said when he was 19, he thought "it won't happen to me".

"But then it does. It can happen. There's always a risk and motorcycles are at higher risk than other road users."

He knows from experience an accident has a massive impact and can change your life forever.

He hopes sharing his story will help bring down the toll, and raise awareness - for drivers and riders.

"I think my message would be to slow down, look out for each other," Heath said.

"Make sure you're in the right condition to ride, but also the right condition to drive as well. You're sharing the road space. It's important that everyone does it safely together."

Awareness

October is Motorcyclist Awareness Month - an annual initiative encouraging both motorists and motorcyclists to share the road.

Road safety authorities are urging Victorians to keep motorcyclist safety front of mind following an alarming increase in the number of motorcyclists killed on the state's roads.

So far this year, 52 motorcyclists have died on Victoria's roads, close to 50 per cent higher than at the same time last year when 35 motorcyclists had died.

New statistics from the TAC show that more than half of motorcyclist deaths this year have involved another vehicle, and almost two-thirds of these deaths have happened at an intersection.

Intersections are highly complex environments where we often see drivers, riders, pedestrians and cyclists interacting to cross a road; highlighting the need for all road users to remain vigilant and obey all road rules, signals and signs to ensure our roads are safe for everyone.

TAC Head of Road Safety Samantha Cockfield said it was devastating to see significant increase in fatal motorcycle crashes and it was a stark reminder of the consequences when something goes wrong.

"Our thoughts go out to all the families and loved ones of people killed by road trauma; the ripple effects of these deaths are far reaching, and we can't become immune to the increase in lives lost on our roads," Ms Cockfield said.

"Motorcyclist Awareness Month is an opportunity for us to engage with the Victorian community and educate road users how we can all play a role in keeping each other safe; every road user should feel safe, no matter how they get around."

Ms Cockfield said every year there is a rise in the number of motorcyclists killed.

"It's partially to do with the number of motorcyclists on the road, but it does present a really good opportunity to talk to the Victorian community about being aware of motorcyclists."

Vulnerable

Motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable road users because they have limited protection, making it crucial for drivers to do their part in ensuring the roads are shared safely.

Drivers can help avoid a crash with a motorcyclist by being aware of their surroundings, looking for motorcycles at intersections and always doing a head check before changing lanes.

Motorcyclists should play their part too, by ensuring they wear the correct protective clothing for every ride and choose safe riding behaviours.

A new TAC digital campaign will encourage motorists to think about the person under the helmet and promote the importance of sharing the road safely, while the 'Only Protected for a Moment' campaign will remind motorcyclists to wear protective gear for every ride.