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Issued 8th February, 2006
The Motorcycle Action Group is
delighted that the Department of Transport has finally recognised that the
thickness of many modern cars' "A" pillars poses a safety issue.
MAG has argued this point for years and resisted efforts to make bikers wear
fluorescent clothing and burn headlights in daytime. MAG has long considered the
conspicuity of the rider to be a "red herring" which distracts attention from
the real causes of accidents.
The great missing factor in the whole SMIDSY (Sorry Mate I Didn't See You)
debate is the
possibility that the rider is not in the field of vision of the motorist who
pulls out.
The solution to this problem lies largely with motorists taking more care and
moving their heads to eliminate blind spots but also with manufacturers whose
concern for car occupants has jeopardised the safety of more vulnerable road
users.
MAG are campaigning for the regulations to be amended to take account of this
problem.
MAG was heavily involved in the drafting of The Government's Motorcycling
Strategy which highlights the DfTs commitment to research on "A" pillar
accidents.
MAG Director of Public Affairs Trevor Baird said, "MAG is delighted to find that
a view we have long advanced is being taken seriously, we shall continue to
campaign for changes to regulations to save riders' lives."
Ends
Notes for Editors
1. "SMIDSY" from Safe Speed
www.smidsy.org.uk
2. South Gloucestershire's "SMIDSY" campaign
www.smidsy.co.uk
3. Department for Transport (DFT) THINK! Take Longer to Look for Bikes
www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk
Issued by
Trevor Baird
Director Of Public Affairs
The UK's Leading Riders' Rights Organisation
www.mag-uk.org
Use may be freely made without prior permission on condition that any material
used is credited to 'MAG UK'.
If used on a web page an appropriate link to
www.mag-uk.org should be
given.
More information or comments contact MAG
Public Relations or Public Affairs
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