Hume and Whittlesea motorcycle fatalities in 2023 remain at zero, as the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Department of Transport and Planning and Victoria Police launch motorcyclist awareness month.
Data released on October 3, 2023, reveals that no motorcyclists have died on neither Hume nor Whittlesea roads so far this year, compared to four each in 2022.
These low numbers are no coincidence, and drivers need to remain vigilant on the road to ensure northern roads stay safe for motorcyclists.
TAC head of road safety Samantha Cockfield said 60 per cent of motorcyclist fatalities involve other vehicles, making it crucial for drivers to do their part in ensuring the roads are shared safely.
“Everyone needs to be aware of who they’re sharing the road with,” she said.
“Motorcyclists are encouraged to wear appropriate protective gear, and drivers should double check for riders at intersections and when changing lanes.
“As the weather warms up and days get longer we tend to see an increase in the number of motorcyclists on our roads, however we can’t accept that more people will die as a result.”
So far this year, 35 motorcyclists have died on Victorian roads and more than a quarter of these fatalities have occurred since the beginning of spring.
TAC said motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable of road users – accounting for 17 per cent of deaths and serious injuries, despite only making up four per cent of registered vehicles.
The month-long awareness campaign, led by the Motorcycling Community Engagement Panel, will encourage both motorists and motorcyclists to share the road safely.
So far this year Hume and Whittlesea have recorded three and four lives lost respectively on its roads for all road users.
Gerald Lynch
