Police launch Easter motorcycle safety campaign

Road users in North Yorkshire are urged to travel safely over the Easter weekend as police seek to reduce the number of collisions involving motorcycles.

North Yorkshire Police is taking part in the national SMIDSY campaign - short for "Sorry Mate I Didn't See You" - a phrase often heard by motorcyclists coming to an abrupt halt as another vehicle pulls out in front of them.

The force will take to the roads in marked and unmarked cars and bikes to monitor for dangerous driving and riding, taking enforcement action when necessary.

Insp Clive Turner said: "We want people to enjoy travelling here but not at the expense of other road users."

National data from the Department for Transport and the National Road Traffic Census showed 310 motorcyclists died and 5,264 were seriously injured in 2021.

Five-year data from 2016 to 2021 cited failing to look properly on the part of a rider or driver as the most common contributing factor in fatal or serious collisions.

Meanwhile, data from the York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership showed there were 45 fatal crashes involving motorised two-wheelers between 2018 and 2022.

North Yorkshire Police officers and volunteers will staff an engagement trailer at well-known hotspots to talk to riders and motorists over the bank holiday weekend.

Insp Turner said: “Engagement is a key part of this Easter’s operation but where necessary we will use enforcement to prosecute as dangerous driving or riding is not acceptable.

“Sadly, my team and I are familiar with the devastating consequences that are caused by serious and fatal road traffic collisions.

"We will deploy on this operation with the mindset of doing everything that we can to ensure that everyone who is on the county’s road network this Easter goes home safely."

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