Despite a decrease in the number of road traffic accidents (hereinafter – RTAs) caused by motorcyclists (from 17 to 11), as well as the severity of their consequences in the region, high-profile RTAs involving motorcyclists still occur.
Furthermore, 45.5% of RTAs of this type were committed by drivers under the influence of alcohol, and 64.0% were caused by individuals without a driving license.
In order to prevent RTAs involving motor vehicles and other mechanical two-wheeled vehicles, as well as to stop them from violating the Traffic Rules (hereinafter – TR), the State Automobile Inspectorate is conducting a preventive campaign "Motorcycle, Scooter and Moped – Prevent Road Disasters!" from August 20 to 29 of the current year.
Dear motorcyclists!
When you take to the road, you become a participant in traffic with certain rights and responsibilities.
Today, motor vehicles are indispensable due to their economy, ease of maintenance, and maneuverability. However, like cars and tractors, these vehicles are a source of increased danger. They can be operated by individuals who have reached the age of 16.
For driving without a license to operate a vehicle, the driver faces a fine of 5 to 20 basic units; for a repeated offense within a year, a fine of 20 to 50 basic units or administrative arrest is provided. For operating a motorcycle and carrying passengers on it without or with unfastened motorcycle helmets, administrative penalties in the form of a warning or a fine of up to one basic unit are provided. A repeated offense within a year will entail increased liability – from 2 to 5 basic units.
Dear motorcycle drivers, remember!
In unskilled hands, a motorcycle or moped (scooter) is one of the most dangerous types of vehicles. Therefore, by becoming a motorcycle owner, you voluntarily undertake the obligation to impeccably comply with the Traffic Regulations.
Dear cyclists!
Cycling shall be carried out on a cycle path, and in its absence - on the shoulder, pavement or pedestrian path, without creating obstacles to the safe movement of pedestrians. In the absence of the specified road elements or the impossibility of moving along them, cyclists are allowed to move along the roadway in a single line no further than 1 meter from its right edge. In this case:
When crossing the roadway on a pedestrian crossing, the cyclist must walk the bicycle next to them and be guided by the requirements provided for pedestrian traffic.
Moped traffic shall be carried out on the shoulder or roadway no further than 1 meter from the right edge of the roadway. In this case, moving more than 1 meter from its right edge is allowed only for bypassing an obstacle and in permitted cases for turning left or making a U-turn.
Cyclists and moped riders are prohibited from:
- using technically faulty bicycles and mopeds, as well as those equipped in violation of the requirements of technical normative legal acts;
- moving without holding the handlebars and (or) without keeping their feet on the pedals (footrests);
- moving on the road in conditions of snowfall and (or) icy conditions;
- carrying passengers, except for cases of carrying children under the age of seven on a bicycle on an additional specially equipped seat or when passenger transportation is provided for by the moped design;
- carrying cargo that protrudes more than 0.5 meters in length or width beyond the dimensions of the vehicle, as well as cargo that interferes with the control of this vehicle.
It is prohibited to operate on the road without the accompaniment of an adult person for persons under:
- fourteen years of age - a bicycle (except for pedestrian and residential areas, pavements, cycle paths and pedestrian paths);
Moped riders are prohibited from riding on pavements, cycle paths and pedestrian paths, and bridle paths.
Towing a bicycle by a bicycle is prohibited, except for a commercially manufactured bicycle trailer.
To avoid road incidents, it is primarily necessary to master driving skills in various situations and road conditions, observe speed limits, and be extremely attentive and cautious. Practice shows that even a momentary loss of vigilance on the road can lead to a road traffic accident with severe consequences.
State Automobile Inspectorate of Lepel District Department of Internal Affairs.