IAM Urges Road Barrier Re-Think

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IAM Urges Road Barrier Re-Think

August 13, 2012

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) are urging the government to rethink crash barriers on roads.

Whilst IAM acknowledge that thousands of car insurance holders have had their lives saved by crash barriers, they have stated that they are also the cause of many motorcycle accidents that result in fatalities.

According to IAM and EuroRAP (the company commissioned to carry out the research) 8 - 16% of motorcycle fatalities have involved a collision with a safety barrier.

Alistair Cheyne, IAM's Chairman, commented:

"Roads in general and crash barriers in particular are largely designed with four or more wheels in mind. The needs of more vulnerable motorcyclists must become a priority."

He went on to add:

"Existing standards and guidelines for road infrastructure – and barriers in particular – must be changed so they take proper account of motorcyclists."

As a result of the study IAM are calling on the government to rethink barrier design to make them better suited to motorcyclists.

Source: http://www.iam.org.uk/news/latest-news/1112-barriers-to-change