During the next few months the M.S.I. team will elaborate on the following strategies, and once completed, publish and submit the complete proposal to the Department of Transport of South Africa, for consideration and implementation where needed.
Incorporate motorcycle-friendly roadway design, traffic control, construction, and maintenance policies and practices
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- Provide clear roadside run-offs to accommodate roadside motorcycle recovery and breakdowns
- Consider motorcycles in the selection of roadside barriers
- Identify roadway surface markings, surface materials, and other treatments that reduce traction for motorcycles and treat or replace with high-traction material
- Maintain the roadway to minimize surface irregularities and breaks
- Maintain roadway surfaces in work zones to facilitate safe passage of motorcycles
- Reduce roadway debris – such as gravel, shaved treads, and diesel / oil control treatments (sand etc.)
- Provide advance warning signs to alert motorcyclists of reduced traction and irregular roadway surfaces
- Incorporate motorcycle safety considerations into routine roadway inspections
- Provide a mechanism for notifying highway agencies and authorities of roadway conditions that present a potential problem to motorcyclists
Reduce the number of motorcycle accidents due to rider impairment
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- Increase motorcyclist awareness of the risks of impaired motorcycle operation
- Expand existing impairment prevention programs to include motorcycle riders and specific motorcycle events
- Target law enforcement to specific motorcycle rider impairment behaviours that have been shown to contribute to accidents
Reduce the number of motorcycle accidents due to unlicensed or untrained motorcycle riders
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- Increase awareness of the causes of accidents due to unlicensed or untrained motorcycle riders
- Ensure that licensing and rider training programs adequately teach and measure skills and behaviours required for accident avoidance
- Licensed riders returning to riding after 5+ years of absence, must redo license and complete CBT
Improve the S.A. Licensing system
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- New riders, 18+ with valid Learner License, not allowed to operate a motorcycle above 250cc until they obtain a full Motorcycle License
- Test riders the way other road users are tested: yard test and on road test
- Implement Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) before Learner License application
- Identify and remove corruption to obtaining a motorcycle license
Increase the visibility of motorcyclists
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- Increase the awareness of the benefit of high-visibility clothing
- Identify and promote rider visibility-enhancement methods and technology
Reduce the severity of motorcycle accidents
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- Increase the use of ECE compliant helmets
- Increase the use of protective clothing
Increase motorcycle rider safety awareness
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- Form strategic alliances with the motorcycle community to foster and promote motorcycle safety
- Increase awareness of the consequences of aggressive riding, riding while fatigued or impaired, unsafe riding, and poor traffic strategies
- Educate operators of other vehicles to be more conscious of the presence of motorcyclists
Increase safety enhancements for motorcyclists
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- Include motorcycles in the research, development, and deployment of D.O.T. accident reports
Improve motorcycle safety research, data, and analysis
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- Develop and implement standardised data gathering and reporting for motorcycle accidents
- Include motorcycle attributes in vehicle exposure data collection programs
- Develop a set of analysis tools for motorcycle accidents
Amend the law for offenders
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- Implement stricter laws: issue fine for minor offense, impound motorcycle and suspend license for major offenses
- If found guilty for the cause of accident, impound vehicle (car or motorcycle), suspend license, and take appropriate legal action
