Minister laments motorbike deaths
Two thirds of the 39 motorcycle deaths on the State's roads this year have been caused by the riders themselves, according to Acting Road Safety Minister John Day.
He described the rate of death and serious injuries among motorcyclists as a terrible record and implored riders and other road users to take more care and responsibility for their behaviour on the road.
"All these fatalities were avoidable," he said.
"Two thirds were caused by the riders themselves and one third by other motorists."
He said the fatalities had been caused by excessive speed, reckless riding and, in some cases, alcohol.
"I implore people as we move into the summer when more people are out on their motorbikes to think about road safety, ride safely, drive safely and look out for others on the road to ensure we can stop the great heartache and carnage that is occurring on our road, particularly among motorcyclists," Mr Day said.
At 39 motorcycle fatalities for the year, WA is second to only New South Wales in terms of motorcycle deaths.
Mr Day said motorcyclists were far more vulnerable than other road users and needed to drive more responsibly.
He was making the comments at a press conference this morning to highlight Motorcycle Safety Week this week.
