The much-anticipated motorcycle-riding season is once again in full swing. Police officers are doing their best to keep the roads as safe as possible so that the joyous rides will last, but it is mostly up to motorcyclists to maintain a high level of road safety for both them and other road users.

Throughout the year, police officers carry out stepped-up checks on road sections most often used by motorcyclist. Their focus is on speeding, dangerous overtaking, failing to yield the right of way, the use of protective equipment and the psycho-physical condition of drivers.

The two most common causes of accidents involving motorcyclists are speeding and driving the wrong way (incl. overtaking). In accidents not caused by motorcyclists, the most common causes are the drivers of other motor vehicles failing to yield the right of way and driving the wrong way.

Properly preparing for the ride, from checking the tyres, lights, brakes and steering mechanism to wearing a helmet and protective clothing, plays an extremely important part in ensuring safety. Riders should keep their bike lights on at all times and the wear protective clothing and helmets in colours that are easily recognisable.

In the warmer months, the diversity of road users reaches its peak. The drivers of two wheeled vehicles are, in addition to pedestrians, among the most vulnerable road users and others drivers should pay them particular attention.

According to the current provisional data, 87 accidents involving drivers of two wheeled vehicles have been recorded up to and including 31 March 2024 (81 in the same period last year). There were no fatalities in these accidents (1 last year), 10 resulted in major injuries (13 last year) and 45 minor injuries (40 last year). The most common causes of these accidents were speeding and failing to yield the right of way. In the period ending 31 March of this year, police officers recorded 722 offences committed by drivers of two-wheeled vehicles, compared to 804 offences in the same period last year.