'Look Out For Each Other' campaign launched

Ayrshire Roads Alliance and North Ayrshire Council road safety staff have joined forces to encourage drivers and motorcyclists to look out for each other with the launch of a new campaign.

In 2020, 417 motorcycle casualties were reported in Scotland, with 242 people (58%) suffering serious injuries and 16 sadly losing their lives. Failure to look properly was a significant factor in the majority of these crashes.

The new campaign features adverts on fuel nozzles at Tesco Filling Stations in Ayr, Irvine and Kilmarnock; as well as Castlebay Service Station (Gulf) in Largs, since Largs is a particularly popular destination for motorcyclists. Posters will also be sent to all fuel stations and motorcycle shops throughout Ayrshire to reinforce the message.

Councillor Jim McMahon, Depute Leader of East Ayrshire Council and Cabinet Spokesperson for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, said: "Now that COVID-19 restrictions are lifting and traffic is on the increase, especially due to many of us holidaying in Scotland this year, it's even more important that drivers and motorcyclists look out for each other.

"I welcome this campaign which will hopefully make both motor vehicle and motor cycle drivers give more consideration to each other and greatly reduce the number of people being injured or even killed on our roads."

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, Cabinet Member for Green New Deal and Sustainability at North Ayrshire Council, commented: "We have seen a huge increase in the volume of traffic on our roads over recent weeks, as COVID-19 restrictions ease and people visit their friends and families again and take some time out to explore what Ayrshire has to offer.

"While it is great news that we are able to enjoy these freedoms again, it is so important that we keep safe while doing so. The statistics around motorcycle casualties are worrying and all road users have a responsibility to keep each other safe - that's why we've teamed up with the Ayrshire Roads Alliance in calling on drivers to 'look out for each other'."

Councillor Peter Henderson, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: "With the summer holidays upon us and locals and visitors enjoying everything that Ayrshire has to offer, this is the ideal time to remind road users to look out for each other. Having more awareness of the traffic around you and being more considerate won't add lots of time to your journey, but it could save lives."