Sober bikers

Nov 24 2009 Maurice Glover

Sober bikers

MOTORCYCLISTS are half as likely as other motorists to risk drinking before getting on the road.

But the Motor Cycle Industry Association is urging motorcyclists not to drink before riding in a bid to cut road accidents and casualties.

'While one in six deaths on our roads are caused by drivers over the legal alcohol limit, motorcyclists are half as likely as other motorists to take the risk of drinking before riding," said a spokesman.

'The latest analysis of drink-drive statistics show that of the motorcycle riders tested following an accident, 1.4 per cent failed a breathalyser test compared to an average of 2.7 per cent for all road user casualties as a whole.

'But we are supporting the Road Safety Week call to all road users to commit to not drink even a drop of alcohol before driving, nor consume any other illegal drug.'

Added MCIA communications director Sheila Rainger: 'The demands of riding a motorcycle are greater than those of driving a car and it is good to see the majority of motorcyclists recognizing this fact by refusing to mix drinking and riding.

'However, there is no room for complacency. As vulnerable road users, motorcyclists need to stay sharp. The MCI is backing the Road Safety Week 2009 call to all riders to commit to 'not a drop, not a drag' before starting the engine, and as Christmas party season approaches, urging riders to be aware that alcohol can stay in your system well into the morning after.'

The association advises: