Police advice following serious motorcycle collisions

Following three serious motorcycle collisions in the south Devon area, police are appealing for road users to be more vigilant. The three separate incidents all happened on Friday 19 April leaving the riders of the machines with serious injuries.

During the afternoon, at Torquay Road at Kingskerswell, the road was closed for over six hours to allow investigations to take place into a collision between the rider of a 600cc Suzuki and a car, where the rider remains in a serious condition in hospital.

Later that afternoon at Downton Cross near Dittisham, the rider of a 750cc Kawasaki was airlifted to hospital after being involved in a collision and sustaining serious injuries.

Later the same evening a local man riding a 600cc Kawasaki collided with a lamp post on Shaldon Road in Newton Abbot sustaining severe injuries to his arms and leg.  He was also taken to Derriford Hospital where his condition was described as stable.

Insp Richard Pryce said: “It is incredibly sad to see three serious crashes involving motorcyclists in the space of just six hours on south Devon’s roads. We anticipate an increase in the number of riders on the roads at this time of the year as the weather warms up. All road users need to be more vigilant and think about their approach to riding and driving on the road.  It is important for motorcyclists to understand their vulnerability and ride in a careful, safe and considerate manner. Car drivers too need to be ever mindful of motorcyclists when carrying out their manoeuvres.

“It is often the case that a rider may not have been on their machine much throughout the winter and it is vital they take extra care to reduce the likelihood of being involved in a serious collision.  I would encourage all riders to consider seeking out additional training to improve their skills through the wide variety of courses which are available.  Such tuition will improve a rider’s capabilities, help to make them safer road users and may even reduce an insurance premium.  Car drivers can also take up similar tuition to improve their driving expertise and possibly achieve similar insurance discounts.

“For motorcyclists, the police service offers observed rides through “Bikesafe” and information about this is available through the website www.bikesafe.co.uk.  Devon and Cornwall Police does offer Bikesafe assessed rides and the experience can provide valuable tips to assist with riding in a safe and defensive manner, helping to reduce the risk of death or serious injury.”