Inappropriate Strategy

Essentially, front numberplates appears to be an inapproriate strategy for motorcycle safety, in that it is unlikely to actually reduce the crashes which are currently occurring and indexed as speed related.

If we look at "cost-benefit" ratios for expenditure versus the likely reduction in crashes, then we must consider alternative strategies to reduce crashes and look at costs and likely outcomes for those. The "speeding motorcycle" data comes from the RTA database which, as we point out in "Positioned For Safety" includes all motorcycles which skidded and fell over. We also know that the majority of these ocurred below the posted speed limit on local roads, so the base data creates a problem, in that it cannot distinguish between "speed that was inappropriate for the conditions" (i.e. gravel or other slidey road surface) and "speeding in excess of the posted speed limit".

Inappropiate strategies simply demonstrate to riders that the road authority does not understand the problem, or has chosen to ignore issues in favour of blame or simple revenue. By disregarding road condition caused crashes or low rider skill related crashes, and accepting them all as speeders, we miss the point. Lack of crash investigation data means the causes are being guessed at. Using the RTA data alone is known to be an inaccurate method for determining real speeding.

The problem becomes one of being able to conclusively say that front plates will reduce crashes. Front plates require a front-facing camera to have any effect. This means a large expenditure and a proliferation of cameras. In some specific instances it may be true, that front plates will reduce crashes, but it appears that generally this is unlikely and that other strategies may be more appropriate, such as training, through communication and awareness of the dangers of fatigue. For roads like the Nasho or the Old Road, riders and drivers alike will know exactly where the cameras are and simply ride around them, as virtually all drivers currently do anyway. This defeats the purpose and maintains the disrespect when it is perceived as revenue based, rather than safety based.

It is more likely that better communications and co-operation with motorcyclists will bring about a bigger reduction than simply running oppression and alienating motorcyclists. If the messages are seen as credible and useful, the level of judgement will go up and risk management improves. Simple high-profile policing of day-ride regions such as National Park and Old Road is usually far more effective in curbing the excesses of speed. Simply knowing that a hair dryer is on display somewhere up ahead is enough to make a big difference in the behaviour of riders on these roads and this does not require front plates. I am sure that all have observed this difference.

However, a number of single vehicle fatals actually were speeding, like seriously hot. So how can we address this issue and provide an effective alternative? If you believe there are better alternatives, then lets work towards them. We presently don't believe the issue has been delved into deeply enough and that front plates is a lazy quick fix. There is more to be gained from improving the conversation between riders and safety authorities, so that good, credible information enables riders to improve their own judgement. Of course, this takes more than one weekend to implement and it requires earned trust.

It appears that motorcycle specific issues are not understood. Worse than this, it appears they are misunderstood, but believed to be understood and this forms a barrier to healthy constructive communication and co-operation.

Front plates is a little like being forced to wear the yellow star, appointing blame first. This does not deliver an effective message other than "f you", actually inducing rebellion and its associated behaviour.

As with other areas, the high-profile actions of a few must not be used as an excuse to oppress the majority of lawful individuals.

Road Safety 2010 for NSW sets out the objective of reducing fatalities by half. Front numberplates appears appears to be a costly proposition that will not achieve this objective.