Last updated 20:37, Thursday, 09 October 2008

A WEST Cumbrian motorbike instructor says many road users have a flawed attitude to road safety and has called for tougher tests and less reliance on safety technology.

Heidi Bailey, an instructor for six years with Cumbria Motorcycle and Driver Training in Workington, was speaking at the annual Safer Roads for Cumbria conference in Bassenthwaite last week.

Motoring professionals and the emergency services gathered to share ideas in a bid to drive down the numbers of people killed and seriously injured on Cumbria’s roads.

Heidi said: “Safety technology is one of the biggest causes of bad driving today. It affects drivers subconsciously by making them feel protected and safe, but it doesn't focus their minds on the demanding conditions of the road.

“They feel less vulnerable, more invisible and they take risks. I believe that drivers’ attitudes have deteriorated in line with the development of in car safety.”

She added that it was difficult to go overboard with safety technology on a motorbike, but referred to a recent advertisement for protective clothing, which suggested that the wearer could expect to feel bulletproof.

“If you feel and look like Mad Max then you are more likely to drive like Max Mad. This gives a dangerously false sense of security,” she added.

“A rider doesn’t have an accident because he wasn’t wearing the latest gear.

“He has an accident because one or more drivers made a driver error.

“A rider’s safety depends on what is happening inside his helmet.

“Safety technology prepares drivers for accidents. I would rather teach my students not to have one in the first place.”

Heidi questioned the motorbike test, adding that it was more a test of skill with not enough scrutiny dedicated to anticipation.

She added: “It leaves young riders with the impression that riding is a mechanical skill.”

She called for the testing process to be reviewed and said: “It is disturbing to find myself teaching motorists who have held a driving licence for a few decades but don’t recognise stop signs.”

Heidi added that given the beautiful scenery in the county, she would like to see Cumbria renowned as a national centre of excellence for motor biking.

She said more emphasis must be put on becoming a good road user by examiners and drivers.