Campaign asks drivers to look out for motorcyclists

Under the motto “to Look, look to every rider to see” the Flemish Foundation for Traffic knowledge today in Zellik, a new campaign launched to motorists and other road users to encourage better look out for motorcyclists. New research shows that many accidents are the result of the fact that the motorist, the motorcyclist did not notice it.

Bikers put about 1 percent of all vehicle-kilometres in Flanders. Yet they are involved in 6.7 percent of all injury accidents, and they account for 5.2 percent of all wounded and 16.6 percent of all deaths on the spot. In 2018, there were 1.585 injury accidents with motorcyclists (+4.3 percent) whose 1.562 (+3.4 percent) wounded in Flanders. The number of deaths (36 in 2018) remained last year unchanged. The evolution the past ten years are positive. The death rate was cut in half and the number of injuries fell by a quarter.

a new VSV-survey of 600 motorists and 210 motorcyclists shows that car drivers are often surprised by motorcyclists. 36 percent reported recently surprised by a motorcyclist, because they had seen or the distance or speed of the motorcycle incorrectly had estimated. In -30-year-old car drivers and this rises to 50 percent. Also, 76 percent of the motorcyclists, is of the opinion that they are more difficult to be noticed in traffic. 59 per cent is suggested that during the drive not to be noticed. 93 percent look twice before a maneuver.

“Look, look and look”

The VSV start with a poster campaign which motorists urged to watch for motorcyclists. The campaign is supported by a radio spot and online video, both of which are based on a quote from Temptation Island contestant Haroon in 2016 (“You look and you look, look”). For motorcyclists, the VSV a number of tips to drive safely processed in three videos.

Riders with questions can contact the helpline SOS Peter (015 64 10 86). At 14 locations spread over Flanders organises the VSV Sunday, free initiations for motorcyclists.