Serious consideration must be given to enacting legislation enforcing the wearing of safety garments by all motorcyclists and cyclists to reduce the incidence of motor accidents among this group of road users, The Nationals Member for Murray Valley, Ken Jasper, said today.
Mr Jasper said that following earlier representations from constituents he had made direct representations to the Roads Minister Tim Pallas seeking consideration of action by the State Government to implement legislation making the wearing of road safety garments mandatory for all motor cyclists.
The Minister’s chief of staff responded, stating that ‘an educative approach, based on voluntary standards and clear public information was considered the most appropriate approach at this time’, whilst acknowledging that research indicated that riders wearing bright clothing have a lower crash risk.
It stated it was uncertain whether the lower risk related to the clothing itself, or the cautious behaviour of those who chose to wear that type of clothing, and that before developing a regulatory approach, it would be necessary to demonstrate that the benefits outweighed the costs incurred by the manufacturers designing and testing new protective garments with high visibility elements, and the cost to all current users.
I believe the Government has an important role in enforcing safety standards and should legislate on this issue, just as it did on the compulsory wearing of seat belts and cycle helmets, Mr Jasper said.
My observations indicate that whilst many cyclists wear reflective or iridescent clothing, most motorcyclists wear black garments making visibility very difficult, he added.
Enforcing the wearing of high visibility garments would promote a higher degree of safety for this category of road user.
Consideration must be given to enforcing the wearing of specific coloured garments such as those used by truck drivers, road construction workers and others.
I will take this issue up in the Parliament and in personal discussions with the Minister, seeking to get action on this matter to improve road safety for cyclists and motor cyclists, Mr Jasper concluded.
Media contact: Ken Jasper (03) 5721 6155
