With the return of good weather, motorcyclists are eager to hit the roads. However, the Walloon Agency for Road Safety (AWSR) warns that more than nine in ten motorcycle accidents occur in fair weather conditions, and these accidents tend to be three times more severe than those in rainy conditions.
Motorcycle outings are common at the weekend, and nearly 40% of motorcycle accidents occur then. Although the situation has significantly improved on Walloon roads in recent years, with a 25% decrease in motorcyclist fatalities over the past decade, around 30 deaths still occur annually.
The period from April to September is particularly hazardous, with peaks typically noted in May, June and September, according to an AWSR statement. The scenic areas of Namur, Luxembourg and Hainaut provinces attract motorcyclists, and accidents in these regions tend to be more severe, averaging 65 motorcyclist deaths per 1,000 accidents compared to 54 in Wallonia as a whole.
The AWSR advises motorcyclists to ensure they wear proper equipment, including a full-face helmet for enhanced head and face protection, and to wear bright or fluorescent clothes to increase visibility to other road users.
Moderate speeds can also help reduce the risk of accidents for both motorcyclists and car drivers. Motorcyclists should adjust their speed according to conditions such as bends and narrow roads, and everyone should maintain a speed that allows for better anticipation and reduced collision risks.
