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| Motorcycle injuries and deaths at seven-year high | Motorcycle injuries and deaths at seven-year high |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| The number of motorcyclists killed or injured on roads in Wales has risen for the fourth year in a row and is at a seven-year high, official figures show. | The number of motorcyclists killed or injured on roads in Wales has risen for the fourth year in a row and is at a seven-year high, official figures show. |
| Incidents recorded by the police reveal 28 people died in 2014, up from 17 in 2013 - but the figure is only slightly higher than the previous three years. | Incidents recorded by the police reveal 28 people died in 2014, up from 17 in 2013 - but the figure is only slightly higher than the previous three years. |
| The total number of those killed, seriously or slightly injured in 2014 was 749 - the highest for seven years. | The total number of those killed, seriously or slightly injured in 2014 was 749 - the highest for seven years. |
| Road safety campaigners called the figures "disappointing". | Road safety campaigners called the figures "disappointing". |
| Dave Nichols, spokesman for road safety charity Brake, said: "Every road casualty causes appalling suffering, and every one can be prevented, but only if we make the right moves. | |
| "Everyone who uses the road has a responsibility to look out for each other, whether a rider or driver, and make sure we slow down and keep well within the limits. | |
| "Politicians can also play their part by lowering the default speed limit on country roads from 60 to 50mph, and even lower where there are particular risks." | |
| The Welsh government said it was committed to improving road safety and had awarded nearly £4m to 30 road safety improvement schemes in 14 local authority areas. | The Welsh government said it was committed to improving road safety and had awarded nearly £4m to 30 road safety improvement schemes in 14 local authority areas. |
| It has also given £180,000 to help motorcyclists improve their skills. | It has also given £180,000 to help motorcyclists improve their skills. |
| A spokesman added: "Our road safety framework identifies measures to protect the most high risk and vulnerable road users, however, everyone has a part to play and needs to take some responsibility." | |
| Chris Hume, of Wales' road casualty reduction partnership GoSafe, said: "The continuing overall drop in fatal and serious injuries across all road user types is encouraging. | Chris Hume, of Wales' road casualty reduction partnership GoSafe, said: "The continuing overall drop in fatal and serious injuries across all road user types is encouraging. |
| "However, with regard to motorcyclists in particular, we want them to enjoy the roads but most of all we want them to ride safely and responsibly." | "However, with regard to motorcyclists in particular, we want them to enjoy the roads but most of all we want them to ride safely and responsibly." |
| On Monday, the three Welsh fire services launched a joint road safety strategy, which set out how they will support the Welsh government to cut road deaths and injuries. | On Monday, the three Welsh fire services launched a joint road safety strategy, which set out how they will support the Welsh government to cut road deaths and injuries. |
| Chief fire officer for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Chris Davies, said motorcyclists accounted for 37% of those killed or seriously injured on the roads. | Chief fire officer for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Chris Davies, said motorcyclists accounted for 37% of those killed or seriously injured on the roads. |
| That is despite making up just 1% of road traffic in Wales. | That is despite making up just 1% of road traffic in Wales. |
| He said: "Motorcyclists are not necessarily at fault for collisions, their vulnerability means that they are far more likely to be killed or seriously injured." | He said: "Motorcyclists are not necessarily at fault for collisions, their vulnerability means that they are far more likely to be killed or seriously injured." |
| Other motorcycle statistics from 2014: | Other motorcycle statistics from 2014: |
| Motorcycle deaths made up 22% of those killed or seriously hurt in Wales | Motorcycle deaths made up 22% of those killed or seriously hurt in Wales |
| Swansea and Powys local authority areas had the most casualties, while Blaenau Gwent, Merthyr and Anglesey had the fewest | Swansea and Powys local authority areas had the most casualties, while Blaenau Gwent, Merthyr and Anglesey had the fewest |
| Since 2004, about 90% of the casualties have been men | Since 2004, about 90% of the casualties have been men |
| Since 1998, casualties aged over 30 has exceeded the number under 30 | Since 1998, casualties aged over 30 has exceeded the number under 30 |