The ‘very concerning’ trend on Victoria’s roads

A seriously concerning trend is emerging on Victoria’s roads.

In the year to date, the death toll for motorcyclists is up 150 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Ten motorcyclists have been killed on the roads so far this year — six in regional Victoria and four in metropolitan areas.

For comparison, there have been 14 car deaths in the same period.

Neil Mitchell says “there’s no question there’s an issue here and that motorcyclists are the problem,” the 3AW Mornings host said.

“Police tell me 80 per cent of the fatalities so far this year have no cars involved.”

Press PLAY below to hear Neil on the problem

Transport Accident Commission (TAC) chief executive, Joe Califiore, says the motorcycle figures are “concerning”.

“We know as a fact that motorbike riders, while four per cent of the entire Victorian fleet, are representing about 20 per cent of serious injuries on average, and we’ve had a very concerning start to the year,” he told Neil Mitchell.

The TAC has today launched a graphic new campaign which refers to a rider not wearing proper protective clothing as being shredded “like a human crayon”.

Mr Califiore says while most motorcyclists own the full protective kit, too many aren’t wearing it on every ride, and it’s leading to serious injuries and deaths.

“Today’s campaign is really a wake-up call – protect your entire body every ride.”

Press PLAY below to hear why TAC is so concerned