New TAC TV Commercial Targets Motorcyclists: Video

A NEW TELEVISION commercial launched by Victoria's Transport Accident Commission urges motorcyclists to take greater care on the road.

According to the TAC, motorcyclists are 38 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured on the road than occupants of other vehicle types.

“The TAC wants Victorian motorcyclists to understand that regardless of who is at fault in a road crash, it will be the motorcyclist who will come out second best,” TAC Executive Manager for Community Relations, Phil Reed said.

A total of 43 motorcyclists died on Victorian roads in 2008, with a further 1044 seriously injured.

Of the riders killed, 93 percent were male and 56 percent were single vehicle crashes - crashes not involving another vehicle - and at least 50 percent involved excessive speed.

“Riders need to make decisions that reduce their level of risk each time they ride. This means riding at safe speeds appropriate for the road conditions and wearing highly visible protective clothing,” Mr Reed said.

Despite covering only 1 percent of the total vehicle kilometres travelled in Victoria, motorcycle rider deaths account for 14 percent of all fatalities on the state's roads.

Mr Reed said that while the campaign targets motorcyclists, drivers of other vehicle types are not exempt from their obligation to drive responsibly and to keep a look out for riders.