Road safety: making two-wheel vehicle riders aware a priority

Two-wheel vehicles are involved in 55% of fatal accidents in the Alpes Maritimes, representing however less than 10% of vehicles registered.

To remedy this situation, a road accident study has been implemented by the Mediterranean Centre for Equipment and Technique.

Based on a report of accident statistics from June 2005 to October 2006, and statements by various organisations such as the Police, insurance companies and driving schools, it is possible to confirm that the principal cause of accidents is non-adherence to Highway Code regulations and abuse of alcohol. In 2005, 40% of motorcyclists involved in accidents were above the speed limit (against 20% of motorists) and 19.3% of motorbike riders in fatal accidents had excessive amounts of alcohol in their blood.

These figures illustrate that a motorcyclist is 20% more at risk of being killed than a motorist. Dangerous behaviour by riders of two-wheel vehicles is also often observed as a factor.
Also, accidents involving only the driver represent a third of persons killed on two-wheel vehicles. The lack of attention by motorists to motorbikes is also a cause of accidents. For example, in 2005, the absence of signalling represented 15% of accidents between two-wheel vehicles and cars.

In view of this information, a public awareness campaign has been implemented by the Prefecture of the Alpes Maritimes and towns in the department, aiming to radically reduce the number of accidents with motorised two-wheel vehicles and improve driving standards.

In Antibes Juan-les-Pins, the campaign has been reinforced by the opening of a Road Safety Centre on October 16 2007 (see Infosville no. 38) which gives advice and information to residents and local businesses.