A motorcycle safety project, which trialled new road markings to help riders make better decisions when approaching bends, has been awarded a prestigious road safety award.
Project PRIME has been given a Prince Michael International Road Safety Award, which is presented to organisations in recognition of their outstanding contribution to improving road safety.
Transport Scotland worked with The Road Safety Trust, BEAR Scotland and globally recognised expert Professor Alex Stedmon to create 22 trial sites across Scotland where new road markings were installed to improve the riding behaviour of motorcyclists taking left hand bends.
Video footage of over 32,000 motorcycles using the markings was manually assessed and led to:
- A significant reduction in speed.
- A significant improvement in road position both on the approach and apex of the bend.
- A significant improvement in braking behaviour.
- No motorcycle injury collisions at any of the previously identified accident cluster sites where PRIME markings have been deployed.
Project PRIME was also awarded both the Road Safety Scheme of the Year Award and the Judges Special Merit Award at the UK Transport Awards in October.
Fiona Hyslop, Scotland’s Minister for Transport, said: “I am delighted to see Project PRIME recognised with a prestigious Prince Michael International Road Safety Award.
“Project PRIME has been a real triumph for road safety, demonstrating what happens when latest academic theory is supported by real world application – all made possible thanks to Scottish engineering and a strong partnership approach.
“This award not only underlines the success of the project, but also gives international recognition to the hard work of all the partners involved.”
Professor Alex Stedmon said: “It is an incredible honour to receive this award for Project PRIME, especially with its focus on motorcyclists who are one of the most vulnerable types of road user.
“Throughout Project PRIME we have involved motorcyclists in the development of this casualty reduction initiative, so that the road markings are something they will accept and use. It has been developed for motorcyclists by motorcyclists.”
Ruth Purdie OBE, chief executive of The Road Safety Trust, said: “The PRIME project represents a new and innovative approach to motorcycle casualty reduction. With data from tens of thousands of motorcyclists, the results show that PRIMEs have a significant positive effect on rider behaviour.
“The Road Safety Trust is absolutely delighted that this project has been presented with a prestigious Prince Michael International Road Safety Award, recognition for its potential to help keep riders safe – and reduce collisions and casualties – across the globe.”
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