Motorcycle safety improving in Devon

Devon County Council’s support of motorcycle safety schemes is having a positive impact in reducing collisions involving bikers.

Last year, one biker died on Devon’s roads - the lowest number of biker deaths ever recorded in the county, and down from six in both 2012 and 2011.

However, the Council wants to continue that reduction and make the county even safer for motorcyclists.

It is currently backing an appeal by The Peninsula Trauma Network for old or unwanted motorcycle jackets, trousers or leathers. In an emergency, motorcycle clothing would often have to be cut off, so the donated clothing would be used on mannequins to help its trauma team staff to practice doing this quickly and efficiently.

Iain Grant, Clinical Director for the Peninsula Trauma Network, said:

“There is good evidence that regular training for trauma teams improves performance and saves the lives of injured people. It is important that this training is as realistic as possible and so the use of unwanted leathers is invaluable.”

Devon County Council is also continuing to promote the Motorcycle CRASH Card, which was created by the Ambulance Motorcycle Club, a group of experienced paramedics and ambulance staff who are passionate about motorcycling.

The card, which won the 2011 Prince Michael International Road Safety Award, is about the size of a credit card. It holds vital information including medical history, the details of any medication currently being taken, and telephone numbers of next of kin.

The scheme encourages motorcyclists to keep the card in their helmet, and a green sticker displayed on the outside of the helmet indicates to arriving emergency services that a CRASH card is contained inside.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said:

“Last year we had the lowest number of motorcyclists killed on Devon's roads on record. Considering there were plenty of bikers on the roads last year, particularly as it was a good summer, it’s encouraging to see casualty numbers reducing. However, one death is still one too many. We are continuing to help promote the CRASH card scheme, which is an extremely valuable initiative, and now also the Peninsula Trauma Network. It’s important to ensure the support systems are in place to make Devon’s roads as safe as possible, particularly for vulnerable users like motorcyclists.”

Despite only making up around 1% of traffic in Devon, motorcyclists account for a quarter of road users killed on the county’s roads each year.

Anyone who can donate clothing should contact Julian Shafee, Trauma Network Co-ordinator on 01752 437653 or Julian.shafee@nhs.net.

Riders can request a free CRASH card directly from Devon County Council by emailing bikers@devon.gov.uk.