Scooters seen as a menace. September 2007

"However, according to the latest AAMI research many drivers are annoyed with the increased presence of motor scooters on major city roads, with one third calling them the 'new menace'." Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries data demonstrates the rising popularity of scooters and motorcycles among Australians: scooter sales for the period January-April 2007 were 20% higher than for the same period last year, with motorcycle sales even higher at 36%. And the number of registered motorcycles and scooters on Australian roads rose by one-quarter (24.8%) between 2002 and 2006 to 463,057 - an average annual increase of 5.7%, which is more than double that of passenger vehicle rego's over the same period (2.6%).

The AAMI research also suggests motorcyclists - who lack the protection that is afforded to car drivers - are risking life and limb, with 81% of car drivers saying they have seen motorcyclists breaking the law and taking unnecessary risks on the roads.
"Motorcycles and scooters offer significantly less protection and stability than cars, and are therefore potentially a greater accident risk, so it's concerning that so many drivers have reported seeing motorcyclists driving erratically and even breaking the law," Hughes said.

"This isn't to say that car drivers are any safer or less erratic than motorcyclists, but it does suggest they need to be vigilant and not take dangerous risks like splitting lanes and ducking and weaving in and out of traffic. "The unfortunate and often tragic reality is that the motor-cycle or scooter rider will come off second best (and probably in the back of an ambulance or worse) in an accident involving a car, regardless of who is at fault."

The research figures showing one-third of motorcyclists nationally (32%) admit sometimes not wearing correct safety gear like gloves, protective pants and jackets whilst riding, and that almost three quarters (73%) of car drivers had observed this of motorcyclists, is also concerning. In the event of an accident, protective gear can significantly reduce a number of life threatening injuries.

Fortunately however, car drivers seem to have a high awareness of motorcycles and scooters on the roads, with 81% saying they make a point of checking for motorcyclists when changing lanes, pulling out from a kerb, or entering an intersection.