Now the mc season starts and the coming weekend many people roll out on the roads for the first time this year. But with the spring heat and the gravel-free roads, the motorcycle accidents also follow and a strong contributing cause now at the beginning of the season are ring-rusty drivers. Stefan Brava, the engine expert at Trygg-Hansa, urges all haymakers to take a rubbing course before they leave.
Last year, 47 people died in motorcycle accidents in Sweden, which is the highest figure in ten years. In addition, 250-350 people are seriously injured in motorcycle accidents every year. At the beginning of the season, most motorcyclists are a bit rusty after the winter and in order to reduce the risk of accidents, it is good to go for a so-called breakdown course at driving school or at, for example, SMC (Swedish Motor Cyclists). But it is important to book a place already now - later this spring the risk is great that the courses are fully booked.
"The risk of an accident increases if you are not really warm in the clothes, going for a rubbing course before the season is an excellent way to refresh the memory and refine the technology - whether you are a van rider or a beginner. If you also bought a new hoist that you are not really used to, it is especially important to go for a rubbing course," says Stefan Brava, engine expert at Trygg-Hansa.
The most common type of accident for fatal motorcyclists is single accidents and the second most common are cross-accidents. Most accidents occur in curves and almost always the speed is decisive for the outcome of the accident.
"Almost half of all motorcycle accidents are single accidents and common reasons are high speed, misjudgments and incorrect driving strategy in relation to road conditions. But it is important to remember that accidents usually take place in the weather, on a dry road and during the day, which means that there is no opportunity for mc-drivers to relax or stumble on safety," says Stefan Brava.
Expert's safety tips for the motorcycle season
Besides going to a rubbing course for the season, Stefan Brava, engine expert at Trygg-Hansa, has eight tips for both experienced and new haymakers:
Always use approved helmets, back protection, clothing, boots and gloves for use in motorcycles. This also applies to passengers. Invest in a head restraint, especially if you drive a lot of gravel.
Always buy a new helmet - a used helmet may have a reduced fit, maybe be damaged and thus poorer protection. Always choose an approved helmet with EU designation, ECE 22:05.
Check before the season that the tire is under the correct air pressure. Also, check the tread pattern and wheel condition. Keep in mind that new tires may have a coating that makes them slippery.
Keep the speed limit. Only 4 out of 10 motorcyclists have, according to the Swedish Transport Administration, been assessed as keeping the speed limit in connection with fatal accidents.
Wear bright, preferably reflective clothing, reflective vest and helmet that are visible in the traffic.
Always use the light on. Before the season, it is important to check that full and half lights, turn signals, stop lights and position lamps work and that the lamps and glass are clean.
Adapt the speed and drive extra carefully on exposed roads and in poorer conditions. Diesel games, slippery road marking paints, rolling gravel, holes in the road surface, cracks and uneven asphalt increases the risk of accidents.
Motorcycles are theft-prone. Lock as much of the motorcycle as possible into a fixed object to deter the thief. Put a chain around the entire frame and preferably in both wheels if possible. Park the motorcycle in a locked room overnight.
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