A report from the Roads Policing Unit has concluded that road traffic collusions (RTCs) during TT 2009 increased in number but were less severe overall than in previous years.
Head of the Roads Policing Unit, Inspector Richard Power, comments ‘Recorded road traffic collisions have increased by 19% over last year from a total of 83 in 2008 to 99 this year.
‘Despite that, the number of fatal collisions reduced from four to one. In previous years, I have always grouped the serious and fatal collisions statistics together and this year it amounts to 28 against 20 last year.
'Having examined each incident, I can say that this year the number of 'life changing' collisions has reduced considerably. Although the overall numbers have increased, most crashes were minor by comparison.’
The data shows that 75% of collisions during the period 29th May - 14th June involved motorcycles and half of all crashes occurred on the TT course.
Inspector Power added ‘Naturally, I am disappointed overall by the collision data for the TT period but relieved to say that the type of collisions were not as serious as in previous years. The Isle of Man Constabulary and the Department of Transport will continue to seek out methods of improving road safety not just during TT but all year round for the benefit of the Manx public and our visitors.’
Recorded RTC statistics for TT2009 show an increase in all categories except fatal accidents compared with 2008. Out of a total of 99 collisions, 52 were recorded on the TT course, 35 of which were on the Mountain section. The number of RTCs that involved motorcycles was 74 on all roads and 39 on the TT course, 29 of which were on the Mountain.
A total of 21 collisions occurred on Mad Sunday, 9 of which were on the TT course; 16 of the crashes involved motorcycles, including all 9 incidents on the TT course.
In 2007 (Centenary year), the total number of RTCs was 117.
Home Affairs Minister Adrian Earnshaw MHK said ‘The good weather we enjoyed over TT and the large influx of motorcyclists will obviously have an impact on the RTC statistics and I would like to commend the police for the job they have done this year in partnership with the Department of Transport.
'They are unstinting in their efforts to enhance road safety and they have run a highly visible campaign this year.’
The enforcement effort remained high from the Roads Policing Unit. A total of 161 hours was spent performing laser speed enforcement during the period, a significant increase over last year. Although not all summons applications resulted from this type of enforcement, more than 280 people were reported for road traffic offences by the Roads Policing Unit during the fortnight.
With regard to the prominent Road Safety campaign, Transport Minister David Anderson MHK comments ‘Whilst the Road Safety message 'Stay Alert, Stay Alive' was direct and well-received by visiting motorcyclists, the rise in motorcycle accidents this year is not acceptable.
‘Detailed analysis will take place and radical measures will be examined to ensure we do everything possible to make the TT Festival safer for all concerned in future years.’
