Road users urged to be cautious

Since the beginning of the year, ER24 has responded to nearly 300 incidents involving motorcyclists.

Incidents included collisions between bikers and vehicles, as well as bikers losing control of their motorcycles and crashing.

Several cyclists have also either been killed and critically injured in incidents.

Mr Hugh Brown, from the ER24 Motorcycle Medical Response Unit said, “I have attended numerous incidents. As a biker and a medic, it is worrying to see the extent of injuries sustained during these incidents.”

Seeing first-hand the severity of injuries sustained, such as fractures, head injuries and decapitation, Mr Brown said he is lucky to have escaped serious injury thus far.

“I was involved in a collision, however I escaped with a sprained ankle and a small amount of road rash because I was wearing full gear,” he said.

Mr Brown provided the following advice for road users:

Motorists and riders should not allow themselves to be distracted while on the road.

Do not speed. Alter your speed according to the environment you are in.

Slow down, keep your anger in check and remember that proving a point is not worth killing someone.

Wear approved protective gear. A quality helmet and decent jacket have saved bikers from serious harm. The more gear a rider wears, and the better the quality thereof, the smaller the chances of sustaining serious injuries in most cases.

Riders should also conduct a safety inspection on their bicycle or motorbike prior to riding. Also remember to stay away from areas you are not allowed to ride in. Cyclists, for example, are not allowed on highways.

All road users should refrain from skipping stop signs and red traffic lights and should be cautious when changing lanes. Remember to keep a fair distance away from other road users. Do not consume alcohol before driving or riding.

Bikers and cyclists should remember that they are less visible than other vehicles on the road. Ensure you do as much as you possibly can to be visible. For example, wear reflective clothing, especially at night.

Try to avoid lane splitting. If you do, do so at a respectable speed and be wary of your surroundings.

ER24’s Emergency Contact Centre can be reached 24 hours a day on 084 124.