North Wales Police renew summer road safety appeal following fatal motorcycle collision
North Wales Police have renewed their summer road safety appeal after 13 fatal collisions on the region’s roads so far this year, seven of them involving motorcycles.
The force is urging all road users to take extra care as the summer holidays get underway, through Operation Apex, its campaign to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads.
The renewed appeal comes two days after a man died in a collision involving a motorbike on the A548 in Bagillt.
Emergency services attended the westbound carriageway at around 4.40pm on Tuesday 21 July, and a 56-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigations into that collision are ongoing and the coroner has been informed.
Natalie Edwards, of the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “I share my deepest condolences with the man’s family at this incredibly difficult time.
“I would urge anybody who witnessed the incident, or who may have relevant dash-cam footage prior to the collision, to come forward as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information about the Bagillt collision is asked to contact North Wales Police on 101, or via the force website, quoting reference number O177790.
The force says all 13 fatal collisions this year remain under investigation by its Serious Collision Investigation Unit and Roads Crime Unit.
Serious collisions involving motorcyclists across North Wales have risen by 29.3% so far this year, from 41 to 53, according to the force.
Sergeant Leigh McCann, operation lead for Op Apex on behalf of North Wales Police, said: “Every fatal collision is a tragedy that leaves a lasting impact on families, friends, emergency responders and the wider communities. Our thoughts remain with everyone who has lost a loved one or been affected by these devastating incidents.
“While these investigations continue, we are asking all road users not to lose sight of the human cost behind these figures. Thirteen people have lost their lives in collisions this year and that is thirteen too many.
“The summer months see more people travelling and more motorcycles enjoying the roads. We know that riders are among the most vulnerable people using our roads because, unlike those in enclosed vehicles, they have very little protection if a collision occurs. That’s why we are asking everyone, not just motorcyclists, to take extra care, stay focused and make safe decisions every time they travel.
“Whether you are riding a motorcycle, driving a vehicle, cycling or walking, please take the time to look properly, stay focused, obey speed limits, avoid distractions and never take unnecessary risks. A moment’s lapse in concentration can have life-changing consequences.”
The force is asking motorcyclists to check their bike is roadworthy before every journey, ride within the speed limit and to the conditions and their own experience, take regular breaks on longer rides, and wear proper protective clothing and a correctly fitted helmet.
Drivers are asked to look twice for motorcycles, particularly at junctions and roundabouts, leave plenty of space when following or overtaking, and stay free of distractions.
Officers from the Roads Crime Unit will patrol key routes throughout the summer, engaging with road users and taking action where dangerous driving or riding puts lives at risk.
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