IAM RoadSmart has launched a new campaign to reduce motorcycle accidents just after announcing a new partnership with the Rhos-on-Sea foundation Dr. Steven Lee Foundation.
IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s leading road safety charity, is launching a new motorcycle safety campaign, aiming to bring down the number of motorcycle deaths on British roads.
Recent statistics by the Department of Transport show a 13 per cent hike in motorcyclist deaths in 2022.
The drive, named 'You Never Know What’s Next', is designed to help motorcyclists apply the 'Observe, Anticipate, Plan (OAP) framework' to improve riding skills.
The programme comprises an animated video showing a motorcyclist navigating challenges on a rural road, and showing the need to Observe, Anticipate, and Plan for a safe journey.
The demographic most likely to be hurt or killed on UKthe ’s rural routes are men aged 30-39.
The initiative seeks to slash the number of killed or seriously injured cyclists on rural roads.
The launch closely follows an announcement of a collaboration between IAM RoadSmart and the Dr. Steven Lee Foundation.
The charity was created in honour of Dr. Steven Lee, a 26-year-old from Rhos-on-Sea.
Tragically, Dr Lee lost his life in a motorcycle crash on the A40 in Herefordshire in 2022.
The foundation's goal is to support young riders who may otherwise not be able to afford advanced riding courses.
This, they believe, could be a critical tool towards safer roads. Danny, brother to the late Dr Lee said: "We passionately believe that it should be more than just an option, it should be an encouraging step for all new riders.
"While making it mandatory might not be immediately possible, subsidising it for those in need could save countless lives.
"Someone once told me not to waste money buying an exhaust to make you go faster; invest the money in training to ride more safely."
Born on October 20, 1995, Dr Lee loved learning and sharing his talents, progressing quickly through piano grades and going on to teach others.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr Lee enjoyed adrenaline and racing, making his passion for motorcycles easy to understand.
He also wanted to extend his footprint on the sky, enrolling in the Air Training Corps at just 13 and going on to gain the Queen’s Commission as a pilot officer.
Dr Lee grew up to have a successful academic career, earning a Biology degree from John Moores University followed by a Masters in Human Immunology from Liverpool University.
He went on to enrol in Swansea for his Medical degree, indicating a clear path towards a career in medicine.
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When Dr Lee was in Swansea he created a choir comprised of trainee doctors and other medical professionals, cultivating a community spirit even during the lockdown.
His contribution to his medical training and placements included delivering close to 30 babies and performing complex operations under the guidance of qualified staff.
The life of Dr Lee was lived to the absolute fullest, and is remembered by his family and all his friends.
His memory is perpetuated by the Dr Steven Lee Foundation's partnership with IAM RoadSmart, striving to reduce motorcycle accidents on UK roads and save countless lives.
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