A road policing inspector who tragically lost his father in a motorbike collision has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of riding while tired.
Inspector Dave Mangan from Lancashire Constabulary has created a short film about his father Mike’s last ride which is being shown to bikers across the county as well as in Cumbria, North Yorkshire, Avon, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.
72-year-old Mike Mangan, from Bolton, died in September 2013 at Wheddon Cross, Somerset, when he was involved in a collision with an oncoming vehicle while overtaking. Mike, a retired electrical engineer, was on the last 10 miles of a 320-mile journey and his family believes that tiredness was a contributory factor in his death.
‘Mike’s last ride’ tells the story of the day of the fatal collision and offers advice on how riders can stay safe on the roads.
Inspector Mangan, who was with his father at the time of the fatal collision, said: “My Dad was a keen and experienced biker. He was a trained advanced motorcycle observer and used to teach other motorcyclists how they could stay safe on the roads.
“We have decided to use this tragic incident to help educate other riders. If it reminds just one biker of the dangers faced by riding whilst tired, then it will be a success.
“When bikers are making a long journey, towards the end they may start to feel tired and lose concentration. It is really important that riders recognise this and adjust their riding to the conditions.
“Even experienced riders can make errors of judgment which can result in serious consequences.”
Officers from Lancashire Constabulary are attending bike meets across the county to let bikers know about the campaign. The video is also being shown to bikers at these meets.
A series of messages are being published on Lancashire Constabulary’s Facebook and Twitter accounts with the hashtag #mikeslastride. Adverts are also appearing on Facebook and leaflets distributed to raise awareness of the campaign.
Click here for more information about the campaign.
Its a salutary lesson that no matter how experienced one is fatigue can kill.
Some motorcyclists just take on too much without knowing it and have no concept of their own frailty. Many will continue without complaint or even without the knowledge that they have exceeded their mental or physical abilities and that leads to mistakes that they would not otherwise have made.
I applaud this endeavour and hope that it will be understood by many not to exceed one’s capacity. Unfortunately its like hypothermia – by the time it shows itself and becomes apparent to others it could be to late for oneself. Something I used to teach as a First Aid and RLSS lifesaving instructor and examiner.
bob craven Lancs
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I am lucky enough to have met this nice chap. This campaign is an essential part of the continuous awareness we all need to remind us that we are mere mortals and it highlights that even advanced drivers and riders can make mistakes and poor decisions with unfortunately life changeling consequences for many. A very positive way to continue his work as an advanced rider.
Tracy Farrell – Bolton
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After such a family tragedy, Inspector Dave Mangan’s initiative is both brave and selfless as he must still be grieving. It should remind all us motorcyclists how vulnerable we are no matter what our experience.
Mark – Wiltshire
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As a motorcyclist, I am very much aware both of the statistics for motorcyclist accidents and the major factors that contribute to them, but we all need to be reminded on a regular basis. This will help in doing that, especially now at the start of summer as the motorbikes are brought out again. It was a tragic event and hopefully the video will help to prevent more of the same.
Dave Finney, Slough
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