Motor Cycle Casualties
Motor cycle casualties (riders and passengers) numbered 139 in 2006. This is a 8% decrease on the 2005 total of 148. Motor cycle casualties have remained constantly high throughout the County over the past 5 years. A joint approach from Durham County Council, Durham Constabulary and motor-cycling groups work together proactively in reducing motor cycle casualties. Much of the work has involved the education of motor cyclists to ride safely and drive responsibly through publicity campaigns, organised events such as 'Bikewise' and enforcement on the road by the police.
When a motorcyclist is involved in an accident, the injury will usually be to themselves. Road safety benefits could be gained by compulsory daytime use of headlights as drivers have to become more aware of these smaller more vulnerable road users, and how difficult they are to pick out, especially at junctions. Advanced training for motor cycle riders could also help reduce the number of motor cyclists involved in accidents. It is important that motorcyclists realise how important it is to drive safely, respect speed limits and show consideration to other road users if they are to stay safe on the road. Motorcyclists are very vulnerable - in daylight and at night, see and be seen.
- 0 - 4 years: 0
- 5 - 9 years: 0
- 10 - 14 years: 3
- 15 - 19 years: 30
- 20 - 24 years: 13
- 25 - 29 years: 14
- 30 - 34 years: 16
- 35 - 39 years: 17
- 40 - 44 years: 20
- 45 - 49 years: 14
- 50 - 54 years: 1
- 55 - 59 years: 5
- 60+ years: 6
(Key: Green = Slight, Blue = Serious, Red = Fatal)
- 2001: Slight 93 Serious 38 Fatal 5
- 2002: Slight 95 Serious 39 Fatal 9
- 2003: Slight 94 Serious 42 Fatal 0
- 2004: Slight 103 Serious 40 Fatal 5
- 2005: Slight 90 Serious 43 Fatal 6
