Un-easy riders – biking has become an increasingly hazardous way to travel

Figures show that the number of motorcyclists killed in traffic is on the increase

Stephen Gadd

Mar 31, 2017

Last year, the number of motorcyclists killed on the roads increased by 37 percent in comparison to the year before, accident statistics released by the Danish Road Directorate (Vejdirektoratet) reveal.

A closer examination of the figures shows that excessive speed was a factor in almost 8 out of 10 cases. In light of this, the directorate has recommended that motorcyclists should pay more attention to the speed limit and drivers should be more aware of motorcyclists.

“Speed is clearly the determining factor when something unexpected happens in traffic and you suddenly have to make an emergency stop. Taking into consideration the restricted manoeuvrability and vulnerability of motorcyclists, careful use of the throttle regarding speed limits and general conditions is the most effective way of avoiding serious accidents,” said Jesper Sølund of the council for traffic safety.

Spring and the warmer weather have enticed motorcyclists out onto the roads, and there have already been several serious accidents.

Country-wide safety campaign
During April, the council for traffic safety and 85 municipalities around the country will run a campaign against speeding on the roads entitled ‘Reduce speed – before it’s too late’. The campaign is aimed at both motorcyclists and car drivers.

Previous research has shown that the fact that a motorcycle does not take up much space on the road and can easily be overlooked by drivers has been a factor in 41 motorcycle accidents. When, for example, a driver wants to turn, or drive out from a side-road, he or she should take care to look carefully before doing so to avoid the risk of driving into the path of a motorcycle.

“A recurring feature of these accidents is that motorcyclists are overlooked, but also that they were going too fast,” said Mette Fynbo, the chairperson of the Accident Investigation Board Denmark (Havarikommissionen).

“In two out of three accidents where there was more than one party involved, the motorist didn’t properly orientate himself, but in half these accidents, the motorcyclist was going too fast, which made it difficult for the motorist to see him in time.”

The board also recommends that when buying a motorcycle, you should choose one with ABS braking, so you can brake more safely in critical situations. On top of that, motorcyclists should make themselves more visible in traffic by using reflector vests or helmets in bright colours.