The Swedish Road Administration, motorcycle accidents | Worried about the start of the MC season after several fatal accidents: – We have nobody to lose

Since 2019, the Norwegian Road Administration, ten organizations and the police have collaborated on the “MC work”. Today they met the MC people to talk about safety. There were many hundreds present at Tyrigrava on this beautiful spring evening.

– We would very much like to have everyone involved in the MC effort, so we can reduce the number of accidents. We have nobody to lose, says Lars Inge Haslie of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, who leads the MC effort in a press release.

Comes with advice

Recently, a 16-year-old died on a light motorcycle in Trøgstad.

Just four days later, another 16-year-old died on a light motorcycle on the same county road (115), only a couple of miles further east, at Løken in Aurskog-Høland municipality.

Last year, 20 people died on motorbikes, almost 20 per cent of the total number of traffic fatalities. 14 of these died in downhill accidents. 142 people were seriously injured, many with permanent disabilities.

Haslie has advice for those who get on the bike and are a little rusty after a long winter:

– Remember that it has been a long time since you have driven and been part of the traffic picture, he says, and adds:

– So take into account your own skills and that other road users are not used to looking for you. In addition, there are both cold tires and cold asphalt, and there is still loose sand in many places early in the season, so adjust your speed to the conditions, says Haslie.

– No one to lose

The MC charity is gathered around the message “You create your own safety”. The aim is that each individual ensures their own competence and skills, and that everyone is aware and makes wise choices to avoid accidents.

– The most common fatal accident is downhill driving on a bend, says Haslie.

– We saw that last year, and we have seen that in previous years. It is largely about choosing a location that ensures distance to other drivers and choosing a speed you can master. In order to succeed in the future, we must learn from the past, he points out.

– That is why we are here today to learn and prepare for the coming season. We have nobody to lose.

With a clear message

This is how you can be safe on MC, writes the Swedish Road Administration in the press release:

• Use your gaze smartly
• Get an overview – avoid surprises. Seek eye contact. Look where you’re going. Always look for a way out.
• Adjust the speed
• Slow down before the turn. Can you stop? Choose a speed where you can be detected.
• Position yourself wisely
• Make yourself visible – don’t hide. Get room for maneuver – front, back and sideways. Drive clearly – be predictable.

The MC-dugnaden is a collaboration between the user organization NMCU, importer and dealer associations of motorcycles, NAF MC, KNA, Trygg Trafikk, Nord University, the industry organizations for the traffic schools Statens vegvesen and the police with a goal of better traffic safety for motorcyclists.

In 2023, MC dugnaden launched the message – “You create your own safety”, which is a message to MC drivers to be aware and make wise choices so that you avoid an accident.

– The message is just as important in the 2024 MC season, says Lars Inge Haslie.