Seven people have died in motorcycle crashes in the past six weeks, prompting an urgent request for motorists to be careful on Scottish roads.
Two cyclists have died in the last five days alone. “Loving son” Liam Mackay, 21, died after colliding with a car while riding his motorcycle on the A836 road from Castletown to Dunnet.
A 48-year-old motorist died Monday after a collision with a truck on the A815 near its junction with the A83 in Argyll and Bute.
More than 500 cyclists are seriously injured or die in accidents across the country each year, with an overwhelming majority (85%) in rural areas on sunny days.
Scottish police officer Liam Mackay, 21, was a “son, brother, friend and loving grandson”. Police of Scotland
There have been at least seven fatal motorcycle accidents and eight people have been injured in motorcycle crashes since May 15.
Motorist and deputy chief of traffic police, Superintendent Stewart Mackie, said his plea to his teammates was simple: “Come home safe.”
He added: “I have a bitter experience of witnessing deadly collisions over the years and we all need to be cautious on bends, especially left bends, and think twice before each overtaking.”
On May 15, Robbie Waddell, 52, was traveling on the North Coast 500 with his red Honda motorcycle when he was involved in a collision with a car that left him in the hospital where he later died.
Police of ScotlandGoogle MapsRobbie Waddell left behind his wife, his two sons and his daughter. Police of Scotland Google Maps
He left behind his wife, two sons and a daughter, who said he “died doing something he had always wanted to do.”
In June, as the days lengthened with much of Scotland experiencing a warmer, drier climate, police in Fife, Forth Valley, Lothians and Borders launched a campaign to tackle the “devastation” of the deaths of motorcyclists.
27-year-old motorcyclist James Leonard Meek died at the scene of an accident in Moray on June 4th.
Scottish police officer James Leonard Meek of Sunderland died on 4 June. Scottish Police
A 72-year-old man riding his motorbike was taken to hospital after an accident on June 6, and on the same day, 45-year-old John Morrison was pronounced dead after a stroke. injury with a truck.
Bobby Landsborough, 45, died at the hospital after his motorbike was involved in a collision outside an Ayrshire industrial estate on 11 June.
Scotland Police / Google MapsBobby Landsborough, 45, crashed in front of an Ayrshire industrial estate. Police of Scotland / Google Maps
In the highlands, a 39-year-old man had to be taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after a car crash on June 14th.
On June 15, three people had to be flown to hospital after a collision between two bicycles near Brown Bridge. The same day, a motorcyclist was left in hospital after getting off his bike after hitting a car outside Tarbolton, South Ayrshire.
One person was taken to hospital after a collision with a motorcycle on the M8 heading east on Monday 20 June.
In an accident it is understood that it involved a car and two motorcycles, on Thursday 23 June two people were injured on the A939.
Transport Scotland recorded an 8% increase in motorcycle deaths last year, with 450 collisions. 275 of these (61%) suffered serious injuries and 28 died, an increase of 12 fatalities compared to 2020.
Superintendent Mackie said: “We talk to motorcyclists and other road users all year round, but as the best time comes, there is a real focus on motorcycle safety and the education of all drivers. .
“I understand the pleasure of cycling and exploring Scotland, but there is nothing more important than coming home with your loved ones safely and well.
“Every road user has to do their part.”