|
Issue - Fix A Road!
As motorcyclists we know that we are more susceptible to defective road surfaces.
It’s not rocket science, poor road design and maintenance can contribute to motorcycle crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
Report A Road Fault
You can report a road fault to the Roads Services through their website Here
Fill in as many of the details as possible on the form to help Roads Services to accurately locate the problem.
Report damaged manhole covers - debris on the road - mud on road - pothole in road - traffic signal not working and more.
See Diesel spillage’s below.
Roads Service Objectives
Three of the Roads Service key objectives have a direct effect on motorcycles:
- Maintain the road infrastructure to keep it safe, effective and reliable.
- Improve the road network.
- Manage the road network to promote its safe and efficient operation.
We say: That road design and maintenance personnel must be educated about conditions posing hazards to motorcyclists.
Report A Road Fault
You can report a road fault to the Roads Services through their website
Here
|
|
|
Out And About
You can use the Write To Ride - “Hazard Fault Report Form” when you are out and about as an aide memoire if you come across a hazard or fault on the road that you consider is a danger to motorcyclists.
Please email a copy of this form info@writetoride.co.uk so that we can built a picture of the hazards motorcyclists face.
Send us your photo of the hazard or fault for our “Road Hazard Rogues Gallery”.
Even better a before and after picture.
Remember
If stopping to look or take pictures of a hazard or fault please park in a safe and secure manner.
Do not put yourself in any danger.
Do not stop or hinder the normal flow of traffic.
Download “Hazard Fault Report Form”
|
|
|
Worst Of All! - Tarting The Road Up With Stone Chip Dressing!
The common practice of laying a surface dressing consisting of stone chippings spread over tar on the road, which is then bedded in by traffic is not acceptable for motorcyclists.
This practice is no doubt risk assessed and warning signs are present (mostly inadequate and lacking in advance warning), however there is no doubt that this practice is a serious hazard for motorcycles, even at the posted recommended speed limit of 20mph.
When confronted with a stretch of road that has received this dressing, motorcyclists will inherently slow down because of the risk involved, the same cannot be said for other vehicles.
The risk of crashing is compounded by:
- Braking or altering position to avoid deep gravel on the road surface.
- There is risk of injury to riders and damage to the motorcycle from stone chippings thrown up by other vehicles.
- Excess stone chippings are not removed by Roads Service or the contractor.
Halfway Solution
- Stone chippings should be properly rolled in.
- The excess stone chippings are removed promptly.
- Enforcement of other vehicle drivers.
The Solution
The practice should be stopped and roads that require resurfacing, are resurfaced correctly.
This is probably not achievable as it is common practice, it is probably cost effective and it only affects a minority of road users, in this case vulnerable motorcyclists, though not forgetting cyclists.
However to use an old adage, if the jobs worth doing, it’s worth doing right!
Tell Us About It!
We want to hear your opinions on this practice email us at info@writetoride.co.uk
Send us you pictures at info@writetoride.co.uk
|
|
|
Diesel Spills - What Riders Know!
|
|
|
View Leaflet Front Here
View Leaflet Inside Here
|
|
The spillage of diesel fuel from heavy commercial vehicles, vans and cars is particularly dangerous for riders.
This occurs when the vehicle’s fuel tank has been filled or overfilled and/or the tank cap is either faulty, or even missing.
When the vehicle enters a bend or roundabout after filling, the resulting surge often results in several litres of fuel being deposited on the road surface.
The result is a very slippery and invisible surface of which the motorcyclist has no warning and it almost inevitably results in the rider and machine parting company, often with serious consequences for the rider.
What’s Happening
The Department for Transport (DfT) in Great Britain is to undertake a two-year study into the problem of diesel spillages and the most effective way of cleaning them up.
Although in Northern Ireland the Department for Regional Development (DRD) through the Roads Service are responsible for our roads and we are sure they will be monitoring this welcomed study into the issues of diesel spillage.
Some Rocket Science
TruckProtect Ltd, www.truckprotect.com the manufacturer of the anti-spillage ‘Neck-It’ fuel-filling device has won the KillSpills/British Motorcyclists Federation/IAM Award 2009 for ‘Achievement in Reducing Diesel Spills’.
TruckProtect Ltd says ”Neck It” is the ultimate fuel-anti siphon device, which has a unique Fuel Anti-Spill Valve fitted and Importantly, the valve can be retrofitted into existing devices. “It stops spillages, can save lives and prevents fuel theft," says Russell Fowler, CEO at TruckProtect.
Write To Rights, says, “We hope that the PSNI and agencies such as the Driver and Vehicle Agency exercise their powers of enforcement to check that fuel systems have no leaks, that fuel caps fasten correctly and seal securely.”
Remember
From KillSpills:
- ‘Diesel is as lethal as black ice in the wet, but takes far longer to disappear.’
- Advice on spotting and dealing with diesel on the road. Look out for diesel spills on roundabouts, junctions, bus stops, roads near petrol stations and other tight corners that will cause uncapped fuel tanks to slosh over.
- Any wet patch on a dry road is suspect and long dark lines should be avoided. Diesel is deadly, even on a dry road, and it does not evaporate.
- In the wet, look for rainbow colour patches on the road and stay alert for diesel's distinctive smell, it's as lethal as black ice in the wet, but takes far longer to disappear.
- REMEMBER, you can usually smell diesel BEFORE you can see it!
- Remember, diesel can have you and your bike sliding down the tarmac in seconds, so always look ahead and avoid any suspicious looking patches on the road.
Keep your eyes open when out on the road report dangerous spillages to the PSNI, they should get it dealt with immediately.
|
|
|
Manhole Covers - Grip Top
Following the “It’s Not Rocket Science” theme, the following statement can not be argued against - metallic manhole or service covers, offer almost no traction, and are slippery when wet.
However there is a solution that has been around for a few years and has now received a Prince Michael International Road Safety Award.
For motorcycles, scooters and bicycles that are particularly vulnerable to loss of control, from sudden changes of available grip, especially while cornering or braking, or insufficient grip in high demand situations such as sudden braking or swerving to avoid collision, “Grip Top” offers levels of grip comparable to other road surroundings.
The adoption of ‘Grip-Top’ in high risk situations such as bends, roundabouts, traffic lights and other areas where bikers and cyclists typically lose control and become casualties would reduce risk in such danger zones.
The development team of this unique product comprises Saint-Gobain Pipelines for the ironwork, Stirling Lloyd for treatment surface technology and Bristol City Council for the road trials and assessments.
Full Story Here
|
|
|
The Simple Science
Road conditions and design factors can be hazardous for motorcyclists.
Debris on the road can also cause a motorcycle to crash.
In addition, roadside furniture may add to a greater risk for motorcyclists:
- Potholes can cause motorcycle crashes.
- Paint can interfere with traction. A motorcycle’s traction can be seriously compromised by bituminous rubberized asphalt sealers which are used for crack repairs and plasticised adhesive pavement-marking tape.
- Diesel (and other liquid) spills can cause loss of traction and cause the rider to crash.
- Road debris poses a greater hazard to motorcycles than to larger vehicles. It can cause a motorcycle to lose traction.
- Metallic manhole or service covers, cats eyes, road studs, markings, offer almost no traction, and are slippery when wet.
- Many roadside barriers designed to retain cars and reduce injuries to the occupants, can be fatal to motorcyclists in the case of a collision.
- Other roadside fixtures, such as signage, which may yield when struck by a car, can injure a motorcyclist.
- Current work-zone signage practices may not adequately address the safety needs of motorcyclists.
|
|
|
Making A Claim
From the horse’s mouth - text from questions asked and answered in the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2009:
Compensation Claims
Mr G Robinson: asked the Minister for Regional Development what processes his Department has in place to deal with compensation claims for damage to private vehicles caused during road repairs.
Minister for Regional Development: The process for dealing with compensation claims arising from damage to private vehicles caused during road repairs is the same for any claim arising from damage or injury on the road or footpath. The claim should be submitted, preferably using the Department’s claim form, to the Department for Regional Development Central Claims Unit. The Unit investigates the claim and notifies the claimant of the result of that investigation.
If the road repairs were carried out by a Contractor on behalf of the Department, it is likely the claim would be referred to that Contractor because the contract contains a clause indemnifying the Department against claims arising from the Contractor’s works.
This stage of the claim is the initial, informal and free of charge, stage of the legal process of suing the Department for breach of statutory duty. If the claimant is aggrieved by the Department’s decision on the claim, that decision may be challenged in court through the next, formal, stage of the legal process.
Where?
Central Claims Unit (CCU) is responsible for processing all public liability and employers liability claims against the Department for Regional Development. It has its Head Office in Clarence Court, Adelaide Street, Belfast and a Branch Office in Orchard House, Foyle Street, Londonderry.
Link Here for details and forms
|
|
|
|
