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Young bikers die rushing Last updated 16 Aug 2003 Back to D'Singapore Scene
The Straits Times Interactive JUN 25 2000 More young motorcyclists killed in rush-hour traffic THE rush-hour traffic is proving more and more deadly for young motorcyclists. Up to 36 motorcyclists and pillion riders died in the first four months of this year, compared to 25 in the same period last year - a 44-per-cent increase. Traffic Police chief Rajoo Gopal, who released these figures at a press conference yesterday, said most of the dead were 20 to 24 years old, and more than 70 per cent of them were local residents. The accidents occurred mainly between 7 am and 9 am, and 5 pm and 7 pm - when traffic was heavy - he said. He added: "Many of them are rushing to work and home. These riders tend to weave in and out of traffic, and sometimes motorists are not aware of them." Other reasons for the accidents were speeding, fatigue and complacency. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Rajoo said: "Some of the accidents happen when the roads are clear, and it could be because the riders take things for granted. "We are concerned over the increasing number of accidents. "By making these figures public, we hope to highlight the seriousness of this issue. "The motorcycle is an efficient mode of transport when ridden carefully." He said the Traffic Police would continue to reach out to riders with its public-education efforts but would also take tough action on errant motorcyclists. More checks would be carried out during peak hours, he added. He also requested motorists to help reduce the number of accidents by looking out for motorcyclists. "While the riders should practise road discipline, motorists can provide the riders sufficient space while they are on the road. "Many riders are young, while some are above age 60. With the cooperation of all road users, I am confident that we can reverse this unhealthy trend." He added: "At the end of the day, the riders have to help themselves. Many are dead and we don't want more to die on our roads."
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Straits Times Interactive JUN 28 2000 Some tips for riding safely The Straits Times Interactive motorcyclists killed in rush-hour traffic'' (ST, June 25), is of great concern to the motorcycling community. Motorcycling carries some inherent risks, like any other activity in life, for example, scuba-diving, golf, or jogging. The key to survival is to: Be properly trained and well-prepared Maintain the proper attitude and stay within the limits of your skill, experience and equipment. Learn to anticipate and take evasive action when necessary, as others may err into your path even if you have right of way. Adjust riding styles according to prevailing road conditions. While we cannot eliminate accidents completely, a lot more can be done to reduce the number of crashes. Often, new riders buy the same bikes as their peers and adopt similar, sometimes bad, riding habits. Public roads are not for performing stunts. Hence, it is important for new bikers to ride with more experienced riders to learn important skills. One way is to join a responsible motorcycling club, to share and learn from them. Ride safe. Ride free. KANG SING FONG
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Straits
Times JUN 30 2000 Let's make their ride safer I READ the article,
"More young motorcyclists killed in rush-hour
traffic" I agree with Traffic Police chief Rajoo Gopal, who said that motorists could help reduce the number of accidents by looking out for motorcyclists. Motorcyclists do weave in and out of traffic and this is obviously wrong. Apart from educating motorcyclists, motorists need to be educated as well. As one who rides a motorcycle too, I watch out for motorcyclists when I drive because I know how they weave in and out of traffic, and how they may be hidden from the driver's view. All drivers in Singapore ought to be aware of how motorcyclists handle their machines and where they may appear suddenly. This will reduce the number of accidents. I recall several billboard advertisements in Malaysia which depicted a motorcyclist and the words, "they too want to live", in Malay. Also, the Traffic Police need to take a more serious view of motorcyclists' protective gear. Currently, they can be seen wearing shorts, T-shirts and slippers. And the helmets they wear offer inadequate protection. Full-face helmets should be encouraged, if not made mandatory, as they offer better protection for the front of the face. Gloves are also crucial. Many riders do not think so, but when an accident happens, the rider would reach out instinctively to break his fall. Often, the hands come into contact with the ground first. Perhaps, the age limit for Class 2B holders should be raised to 21. And contrary to popular belief, bigger cc bikes are actually safer, as the rider has the power to get out of dangerous situations. Also, they are more stable and not affected adversely by strong winds or wet roads as the machine is heavier and the broader tyres offer more contact with the ground. GURJIT SINGH GILL
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The Straits Times JUL 7 2000 Steps taken to boost safety of motorcyclists THE Traffic Police share Mr Gurjit Singh Gill's concern for the safety of motorcyclists in his letter, "Let's make their ride safer'' (ST, June 30). In 1996, the minimum age for Class 2B holders was raised from 16 to 18 years of age. The Traffic Police set a stringent test standard to ensure that only proficient motorcyclists are awarded licences. The Traffic Police also work closely with driving schools to ensure that positive riding attitudes are nurtured in the training programme. Other motorists are also advised to keep an eye out for motorcyclists and give them adequate room. Campaigns, exhibitions and talks are organised on a regular basis to educate motorcyclists on safe riding skills and the importance of protective gear. They cover the proper use of helmets, gloves and appropriate footwear. It is the motorcyclist's attitude towards road safety that, essentially, determines his personal safety. He will have to take some measure of responsibility for his own safety by making it a habit to ride in a safe manner and taking appropriate safety measures. We thank the writer for his views and concern for road safety. PHILLIP MAH
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Where to find defensive
riding courses: see
The Straits Times
Interactive Harley owners support safe riding I REFER to Mr Phillip Mah's letter, 'Three-prong approach to motorcycle safety' (ST, Jan 11). The Harley Owners Group (Singapore Chapter) agrees and gives its full support to the Traffic Police's call to all road users to make a conscious effort to make the roads safer for all of us. HOG members tend to be more experienced in motorcycling by virtue of the higher engine capacity of Harley Davidson motorcycles (883 cc to 1450 cc), which require a Class 2 licence. Notwithstanding this, our members have striven continuously to improve their riding skills and defensive-riding awareness. Some of our members have attended a half-day Defensive Riding Course conducted at Bukit Batok Driving Centre and qualified for a 'Safe Rider Skills' pin and patch awarded by HOG International. We also brief our members on safe and responsible riding techniques at our monthly members' meetings. Last week, we invited the Road Safety Unit of the Traffic Police Department to give a Road Safety Talk at our next members' meeting. Harley Owners Group (Singapore Chapter) is committed to road safety and the promotion of a safe-riding culture among motorcyclists. RAMASAMY KATHERAVAN
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