Advice to Bikers Following Fatality Rise
News Release
25th July 2017
Advice to Bikers Following Fatality Rise
Motor law expert at Andrew & Co Solicitors Michael Pace is advising bikers not to become another road accident victim by improving their rider skills.
In 2015, 16 motorcyclists were killed on Lincolnshire’s roads which is an increase from 10 the previous year. So far this year, seven people have already lost their lives.
According to the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership (LRSP), 73 motorcyclists in total were killed or seriously injured in 2015 and the best way to avoid becoming the next victim is do some form of road safety training.
In 1977, Michael Pace became the first motorcyclist in Nottinghamshire to pass the IAM RoadSmart advanced test, and recently decided to retake it to find out if his skills had stood the test of time.
He passed with flying colours and was awarded F1RST Register membership. He was also one of only three participants in Lincolnshire not to drop a single point.
Michael’s now encouraging other riders to do the same: “These days most bikers are aged 45-plus and are often called ‘born again bikers’ because they have come back to owning a motorcycle after having a family and swapping their bike for a more practical vehicle.
“The average annual mileage for most motorcycles these days is probably less than 3,000 and with lower mileage comes a loss of ability through experience. To average the higher mileage, you need to ride in all weathers all year round, and having bought his or her second-hand pride and joy, the last thing a biker wants to do is get it dirty by riding in the wet!
“Retaking the IAM RoadSmart course has sharpened up my riding skills and made me more aware of the road ahead and what’s happening. I re-learned the skill of looking at the limit point and not down at the road and as I result, I feel a lot more confident.
“So, to all you born again bikers, I can only say with my road traffic lawyer’s hat on, go and get some training. It can only make you a better rider and hopefully help you stay on the road and out of harm’s way.”
John Siddle from LRSP agreed: “We’ve been running a Performance Plus course for bikers for ten years and we’re pleased to say that none of those who have completed the course, that we know of, have been involved in a serious injury collision on the county’s roads.
“However, we still have a high number of people who are killed or seriously injured every year so we’ve set up a working group to look at low-powered vehicles such as scooters and mopeds. And I would strongly advise all bikers, whatever vehicle they ride, to get some sort of formal training either with the partnership, IAM or ROSPA to reduce the risk of serious injury or even death.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
- Andrew & Co Solicitors is one of the longest established independent law firms in the East Midlands, having been set up in 1832.
- It offers a comprehensive range of legal services to private individuals and businesses across a wide range of sectors including renewable energy, agriculture, personal injury, conveyancing, charity and not-for-profit, family and employment law.
- Andrew & Co has 60 staff based at its offices in on Nettleham Road in Lincoln and London Road in Newark.
For more information, contact:
Kate Strawson
Shooting Star
01522 528540
07733 230293
