Aired: Friday, March 29, 2024
Lately, a crusade against the threat of motorcyclist deaths and serious injuries on the roads has been underway in North Wales.
Operation Darwen will run from early spring to fall and will cover an era in which the number of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured is observed.
The crusade aims to promote the protection of users and includes high-visibility patrols along key routes known as areas.
Over the next few months, officers from the Road Crimes Unit will conduct active patrols in the region and also interact with cyclists at popular cyclist hangouts.
As part of the campaign, officials will also demand that bicycles be roadworthy, with a particular focus on tires.
Worn or underinflated motorcycle tires are one of the most common problems in collisions, and yet motorcyclists have easily avoided them through basic checks.
Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable groups of road users and are at a higher risk of injury and collisions than other road users.
While a motorcyclist may not possibly be at fault, their vulnerability invariably means that they will suffer more serious injuries in a collision.
In 2023, 89 motorcyclists were killed or seriously injured (KSI) in North Wales, an increase of 3. 4% on last year and 24% more than in 2021 and 21% more than in 2019.
The total number of motorcyclists killed in 2023 was 8 (a 33% increase from last year).
Motorcycle victims are highly represented in the total number of victims and account for an average of 32% of all deaths or serious injuries in the region, an increase of 5%.
Proportionally, KSI motorcycles have noticed a year-over-year increase and are their benchmark since 2020.
Chief Inspector Caroline Mullen-Hurst of North Wales Police Operational Support Services said reducing the number of casualties on the region’s roads was one of the force’s “top priorities”.
“We are screening all motorists as part of the Op Darwen campaign. However, in spring and summer, more attention is paid to the protection of motorcyclists as more motorcyclists take out their motorcycles to enjoy the wonderful weather and scenery we have. here in North Wales.
“We need other people to travel on wonderful roads here in North Wales, but not at the expense of other road users.
“We need everyone to drive and drive safely and responsibly. While the vast majority of motorists drive or drive properly, we will continue to focus on those who drive or drive dangerously, at excessive speeds, overtaking on false white lines, or engaging in any other traffic violation.
“It’s about the use of small license plates and illegal face shields.
“As a police force, we need everyone to enjoy the roads in North Wales as they are heavily trafficked and shared between all other types of road users.
“Sadly, our officers, as well as our partners in other emergency services, are seeing too many preventable tragedies on the roads. Staying on the road applies to all of us, whether we have two or four wheels on our vehicle.
Sergeant Jason Diamond, operational lead for Operation Darwen, added: “We know that North Wales is a magnet for motorcyclists because of how good the area looks and, as an avid motorcyclist, I know that my fellow motorcyclists and I not only perceive the risk, but we are passionate about how we can avoid collisions.
“Every death or serious injury on our roads has a devastating impact, so we will take any and every opportunity to communicate to motorists how they can contribute to reducing the number of fatalities or serious injuries on the roads. .
“This includes traveling at a speed appropriate to the road and conditions, wearing appropriate protective clothing and helmet, and the effects that any amount of alcohol and/or drugs may have on the driver and driver.
“We don’t intend to stop motorcyclists from riding on the roads, but to prevent them from dying on the roads. Come here, drive carefully, stop by the house and repeat. Come here, drive dangerously, you’ll lose your license, or your life. It’s your choice. “
Sergeant Diamond continued, “I perceive that there are collisions where motorcyclists are not at fault, but if we can teach motorcyclists to make observations, to think about what might be around the next corner, to have a speed appropriate for hazards, then at least that will also have a positive effect on reducing conflicts with other drivers. I can also say without hesitation that drivers will be treated the same if they are not able to comply with the rules of the road. “
With the slogan “Will you get home tonight?”, special goodie bags containing booklets indicating additional training, a buff and a keychain will be distributed from the campaign.
Bags of coffee cups with a QR code linking to the North Wales Police’s Op Darwen page have also been distributed in popular cafes and, in collaboration with the local government and the national park, symptoms highlighting the campaign’s message will be placed in key locations in the spaces. with maximum traffic for cyclists.
All motorists are advised to be more attentive to motorcycles when riding and to leave plenty of room when following motorcyclists. Drivers are also reminded to continually check for motorcycles when starting or exiting an intersection.
Motorcyclists also have a vital role to play in ensuring their own protection by traveling at a speed appropriate for the road, weather and traffic conditions, dressed in high-visibility clothing, and wearing a helmet and other appropriate clothing.
North Wales Police are encouraging motorcyclists to ensure their bikes are in good condition for the coming months, paying particular attention to tyres and brakes.
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*Statistics measured independently and directly through Google, the Analytics Live API.