The popularity of motor transport in Latvia is growing every year, and with the start of the active motorcycle season, the number of claims submitted to the insurance company ERGO for vehicle damage and injuries related to road traffic accidents involving motorcycles or scooters is rapidly increasing.
Last year, the average compensation paid to ERGO for such accidents reached 1,450 euros, which is almost twice as much as in 2019, when the average amount of compensation was 800 euros.
Comparing the dynamics of the number of vehicles registered in Latvia in the last five years, the growth of motor vehicles is three times faster than that of passenger cars. Namely, the number of cars registered with the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) has increased by 10% from 2018 to the beginning of 2022, while the number of motorcycles, tricycles and mopeds has increased by 30%. This means that during the warm season of the year, it is increasingly necessary to take into account the entry of motor vehicles into traffic, which requires more attention, attention and mutual respect from all road users.
Boldness must be put aside
As Ilze Andersone, Director of the ERGO Claims Regulation Department, explains, the consequences of motor vehicle accidents are reported for all types of motor vehicle MTPL, motor vehicle CASCO indemnities and accident insurance indemnities, because injuries are very often caused by falling from motor vehicles.
“Scooters grab and tear off the car mirror; when reversing from the parking lot, the car hits the motorcycle; without showing a turn signal, the car rearranges at the last moment in the lane and hits the scooter; while driving through the forest at a speed of 10 km / h, the motorcyclist falls and hits the knee against the stump, ending with a rupture of the tie. Such and similar accidents occur on a regular basis on a daily basis, causing damage to both transport and health, and are unfortunately also fatal. Therefore, recklessness must be put aside and traffic must be very careful – especially in the first half of the motorcycle season, when motorcyclists warm up again, but drivers are not yet accustomed to the presence of motor vehicles in traffic and due to small dimensions, ”Ilze Andersone emphasizes.
OCTA is also required for mopeds and scooters
According to the data of the Road Traffic Safety Directorate, 34,178 motorcycles and tricycles were registered in Latvia, of which 28,207 were in technical condition on 1 May this year, but MTPL policies were purchased for slightly more than half – 19,681 vehicles. There are also 36,644 mopeds registered in Latvia, of which only one-fifth are insured.
“One of the possible reasons why so many drivers do not insure their mopeds is the habit that vehicles with an engine capacity of less than 50 cubic centimeters do not require a roadworthiness test. Therefore, it seems that no insurance is required. In addition, mopeds are often used only in enclosed areas or farmsteads and are perceived by owners as bicycles that do not require roadworthiness testing or OCTA. It is important to recall that OCTA is mandatory for all mopeds, scooters and also electric scooters above 25 km / h. Motorcycle and scooter drivers are the most vulnerable road users and suffer more accidents than they cause. However, if the culprit of the accident is the driver of an uninsured motor vehicle, the losses that will be caused to third parties will have to be covered from their own funds, ”says Jānis Vanks, the head of the Safe Driving School.
Safe traffic for everyone
Jānis Vanks emphasizes that the most important thing in road traffic is mutual respect and consideration for each other. To reduce the risk of accidents during the motorcycle season, he recalls:
For drivers
· The turn signal must be displayed in time. It is very important for the motorcyclist to receive a warning signal in order to avoid a collision.
· Follow what is happening and “gather information from the road”, both in the central mirror and in the side mirrors. This will help you react in a timely manner and avoid emergencies.
· Fast maneuvers must be controlled. For example, when driving in puddles, a motorcycle may be nearby and an accident may occur if the car does not show a turn signal. In turn, the motorcyclist’s task is to ride so that he is visible in the driver’s mirrors.
· Pay attention to the left turn, which is one of the most dangerous in traffic! Complete safety must be ensured during this maneuver. Make a special left-hand turn when driving off a minor road.
Motor vehicle drivers
· When riding in front of the car, the rider must see the driver in the mirrors. It is an indicator that the driver of the car also sees the driver of the motorcycle.
· Choose a safe speed on road sections where there are several approaching streets, as there is a high possibility that a car that does not see oncoming motorcycles can leave.
· When passing parked vehicles, keep a safe distance from the motorcycle when the vehicle is parked.
· Maintain a safe speed in order to be able to stop the motorcycle in time if necessary.
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