Brilliant sunshine, temperatures above 20 degrees: spring has reached the state of Salzburg. And with that the motorcycle season has started. We have summarized the best tips for you so that you can get through traffic safely on two wheels.
“Motorcycling is particularly popular as a leisure activity. However, the associated risk should not be underestimated, especially at the beginning of a new season,” said ÖAMTC expert David Nosé in a press release. 13 motorcyclists died in traffic accidents in the state of Salzburg in 2017, compared to five in 2016. A total of 83 motorcyclists died across Austria, with one in five killed in road traffic being a motorcycle driver or passenger.
Motorbike crashes mostly men
94 percent of the fatalities are men, and more than a third of the fatal crashes are solo accidents in which no other road users were involved. The most common causes of accidents were excessive speed, overestimation of one’s own ability and inadequate driving, braking and gaze techniques.
Beware of grit
But what are the dangers that bikers have to beware of? At the beginning of the motorcycle season, caution is particularly important when driving at higher altitudes: “Often there is grit or snow on the side of the road. This can lead to wet and slippery conditions, ”says Nosé.
Intersections make motorcyclists disappear
Intersections can also be dangerous for motorcyclists. “There, motorbikes are often not seen at all or are seen too late,” says the ÖAMTC expert. The so-called “visual shading” is problematic. This means that motorcycles with their narrow shadows in the intersection area appear to disappear behind a car, traffic sign or billboards.
Comprehensive protective clothing is therefore recommended to bikers – even on short trips in the city. Regular training also increases traffic safety. For example, returners between the ages of 45 and 60 are more likely to be involved in motorcycle accidents, as Manfred Pfeiffenberger from the driving technique center in Saalfelden / Brandlhof (Pinzgau) explains: “Inadequate routine and the unusual handling of the motorcycle lead to many serious accidents in this age group. The first trips in particular should be approached with great respect and not without training. ”
State of Salzburg supports motorcycle training
For this reason, the state of Salzburg also supports driving safety training for motorcyclists at the Brandlhof in Saalfelden with 50 euros per person. “The ‘bonus’ applies to 200 full-day active and dynamic training sessions and is intended to help prevent accidents,” explains Transport Councilor Brigitta Pallauf (ÖVP). “Trained drivers react more confidently in critical situations,” Pfeiffenberger also pleads for training before the start of the motorcycle spring.
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