Queensland motorcyclists get SMART
State's safety scheme in the mix for international gongGold Coast's motorcycle fatalities are trending downward, a positive statistic no matter which way you look it, and the Gold Coast City Council reckons it's had a large part to play.
The SMART scheme, which stands for 'Safer Motorcycle Advanced Rider Training', costs $45 for a single day course and is being credited with bringing the fatality rate of motorcyclists down.
In 2007 there were 19 motorcycle deaths, but by 2008 that number had more than halved to seven fatalities, and there were seven again 2009. Thus far in 2010 there have been zero fatal motorcycle accidents.
Five-time 500cc champion Mick Doohan is a patron of the SMART scheme and told the Gold Coast Sun: "Understanding all facets of riding, including local road conditions, helps prepare riders for unexpected situations."
The Gold Coast City Council's SMART scheme has been nominated for the 2010 Prince Michael International Road Safety Award, an internationally recognised accolade that would lend the scheme even more weight.
The program has already been awarded a prize during the Queensland Road Safety Awards and is currently taking bookings for March courses. You can email kburton@goldcoast.qld.gov.au or call the Gold Coast City Council's Road Safety Unit on (07) 5667 3624.
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