Call for bike safe barriers

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) in the UK is calling on the government to redesign crash barriers to make them more motorcycle-friendly. While crash barriers have saved the lives of thousands of drivers, hitting a crash barrier is a factor in eight to sixteen per cent of rider deaths. When they hit a crash barrier, riders are 15 times more likely to be killed than car occupants. In a crash, barrier support posts can worsen injuries by five times.
July 31, 2012 Read time: 1 min
RSSThe 5125 Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) in the UK is calling on the government to redesign crash barriers to make them more motorcycle-friendly. While crash barriers have saved the lives of thousands of drivers, hitting a crash barrier is a factor in eight to sixteen per cent of rider deaths. When they hit a crash barrier, riders are 15 times more likely to be killed than car occupants. In a crash, barrier support posts can worsen injuries by five times.

“Roads in general and crash barriers in particular are largely designed with four or more wheels in mind. The needs of more vulnerable motorcyclists must become a priority,” said IAM chairman, Alistair Cheyne, OBE. “Existing standards and guidelines for road infrastructure – and barriers in particular – must be changed so they take proper account of motorcyclists.”

Road Markings, Barriers & Workzone Protection

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Environmental solutions for tomorrow's roads
    August 2, 2012
    Leading the change, IRF organises its 2nd Conference on Roads & Environment in Geneva, Switzerland on 10-11 November 2008 An opinion poll in the UK at the end of June showed that more people think their government should first try to tackle environmental issues before trying to tackle global economic problems. Two-thirds of people were even in favour of green taxes, either now or when economic conditions improve. The environment remains high on the agenda in most countries, including in those where public o
    Read More
  • UK driving association launches winter weather safety focus
    October 18, 2012
    UK-based driving group the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is launching its new winter driving campaign. The IAM’s winter driving campaign is intended to help motorists prepare their cars and drive them safely this winter. The campaign includes a website, drivingadvice.org.uk, containing advice, traffic updates and weather forecasts. The IAM will also be publishing weekly news releases and driving tips in reaction to the winter weather as part of the campaign.
    Read More
  • Concern over decline in Europe’s road safety
    March 31, 2016
    An increase in road fatalities and serious injuries has been recorded for 2015. This has become clear following the publication of the European Commission’s 2015 provisional road safety figures. The data reveals an increase in fatalities compared to the previous year. And even in 2014, there was only a 0.6% reduction, and it had been the first year for some time without a significant drop in deaths and injuries. This stagnation means that the EU is further away from its goal of halving road deaths by 2020.
    Read More
  • US$75,632 pint of beer illustrates UK drink-drive conviction cost
    February 28, 2013
    A US$75,632 (£50,000) pint of beer was being unveiled in London, England today as part of the Government’s latest THINK! campaign highlighting the impact of a drink-drive conviction. The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has calculated the personal financial cost of drink-driving for the first time, pricing it between $30,253 (£20,000) and $75,632. The calculation reflects the fines, legal costs, rise in insurance premiums and possible job losses faced by those who are convicted. The pricy pint, housed
    Read More

Highlighted Content