Scooter safety plan for schools

Local schools may soon be running scooter safety courses as more students take up the popular mode of transport.

Wairarapa Road Safety Council co-ordinator Dave Ryan told the Times-Age higher numbers of students riding scooter-style motorcycles had been reported at a recent council meeting.

"I've got an intention of approaching the colleges just to see if there is a raised scooter use and to see if we can do something [around] rider safety."

His comments follow the release of new survey results which suggested more than half of New Zealand's motorcyclists disregarded basic safety rules, with scooter riders identified as the worst culprits.

Short-sleeved shirts, skirts and flimsy footwear were among the "shocker" choices of some riders observed.

The Motor Trade Association (MTA) survey, which observed almost 350 riders in Wellington over the first half of the month, found 51 per cent of riders were on the road without ACC-recommended safety items such as gloves, trousers or jackets.

Mr Ryan said motorcycles with an engine power below 50cc, such as mopeds or scooters, were fuel-efficient and did not require a motorcycle licence, making them great transport options for young people.

MTA spokesman Hamish Stuart said the survey results, which found gloves were the most commonly omitted piece of safety gear, were alarming.

"If someone is falling off their motorcycle, it's a natural human response for them to put their hands out to protect themselves. Having proper gloves is a pretty cheap way to prevent more serious injury," he said.

A lack of appropriate leg and arm protection was the second most common breach identified.

"Bare skin and tarmac don't mix well," he warned.

"Skin comes off easily and, even if it's a slow speed accident, the outcome can be plenty of pain, loss of earnings and in some cases even the motorcycle itself."

The Transport Agency estimates the social cost for a serious road injury is $401,100. This increases to about $3.8 million for a death. Minor injuries have a social cost of $21,300.

Lost earnings, medical fees and vehicle damage costs are included in the estimated costs.

Of the 88 deaths of motorcyclists in the past three years, one occurred in Wairarapa.

Mr Stuart urged riders to be extra careful on the roads.

"Bikers and scooters can be a convenient and cheap way to travel but they definitely need plenty of situational awareness, given the rider is so much more exposed."

Dangerous riders

338 motorbikes and scooter riders were observed in the Motor Trade Association survey carried out in Wellington between 7.30am and 6pm over the first fortnight in March

171 were classed as "shocker" riders because they were missing at least one piece of essential safety gear, such as an adequate helmet or gloves

167 were given a safety-gear rating of "pretty good" or above

Source: Motor Trade Association