Motorcycle fatalities increase in the region

The shocking statistics were revealed by the Conseil Général du Var, and showed that since the beginning of 2011, two-wheeled vehicles have accounted for 45 per cent of all road deaths, higher than last year's figures. The average age of the motorcycle victims was 34 years, while for cyclists, it was 56 years. The accidents mostly occurred in 'rush-hour' traffic between 5pm and 9pm, and they almost always involved men - at a staggering 91 per cent. The majority of recorded deaths occurred in cities and large towns with only one fatality on the motorway. 

The Conseil Général du Var is trying to combat the alarmingly high figures through a series of education campaigns on road safety at schools, businesses and various events. Nationally, there has been an overall reduction in the number of two-wheeled vehicle accidents, with 51 deaths across France this year, down 19 per cent on last year. Meanwhile, there were more deaths on average per month this year on Alpes Maritimes roads than last year. According to these statistics, a staggering 38 out of the total 42 killed were pedestrians and motorcyclists. 

The figures, from l'Observatoire Départemental de Sécurité Routière du département des Alpes-Maritimes, showed that on average, there were almost 30 per cent more road deaths per month this year than in 2010. However, the number of people injured in road accidents in August 2011 was less than the same period last year, with 176 victims as opposed to 213 in 2010.The majority of deaths were a result of drivers ignoring pedestrian right of way. Motorcyclists driving without a helmet and at excessive speeds have also proven to be a killer. Drink driving and carelessness accounted for 11 out of the 42 deaths. 

Louise Kirby