ER24 has attended to about 300 motorbike incidents since the beginning of the year.

Sadly, many bikers either lost their lives or sustained serious or critical injuries. 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.

“One of the worst incidents this year was that of a cyclist who was killed when he collided with a vehicle about 30 kms outside Nelspruit. The man’s body was found severed in half on the front passenger side of the vehicle,” Chitra Bodasing, ER24 spokesperson said.

Hugh Brown, from the ER24 Motorcycle Medical Response Unit, said, “I have attended to numerous incidents. As a biker and 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, 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.

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 quality thereof, the lesser the chances of sustaining serious injuries in most cases.
• Riders should also conduct a safety inspection on their bicycle or bike 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 be cautious when changing lanes. Remember to keep a fair distance away from other road users. Do not consume alcohol and drive or ride.

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 for any medical emergency.