A road safety charity has urged motorists to take care after a spate of road accidents in Powys this summer.
According to the charity GoSafe, this year has seen a 2.3% increase in collisions in which people were killed or seriously injured, compared to the same period in 2021 in the Dyfed Powys region.
This is in part due to the fact that in early 2021 there was less traffic on the road due to lockdown, but August saw a succession of serious crashes in Powys.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “As a rural county with several well-maintained A &B class roads spread across it, Powys attracts a larger number of road users from outside the county, including motorcyclists.
"This can result in collisions being disproportionately represented for the county.”
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GoSafe is now issuing a range of advice including: travelling below the speed limit, taking regular breaks, staying hydrated in hot conditions and taking extra caution when travelling on unfamiliar routes.
Sgt Ian Price, regional co-ordinator for GoSafe, said that motorcyclists may need to take special care: “The roads in Powys are no more dangerous than any other in the UK, providing road users respect them.
"I would encourage riders to maintain their bikes regularly and to ride to the conditions and capabilities of their own skill level.
“Taking the proper breaks is also crucial. It’s common for riders to travel to Powys to take advantage of the scenic routes across the county, but this can mean a high number of miles and long hours on the bike. These roads can be a pleasure to ride on and taking regular breaks ensures that it is done safely.
“I would also encourage motorists who own dash cams, or helmet cams, to report incidents of careless and dangerous driving to Operation Snap at https://gosafesnap.wales/. This allows us to take action against those who pose a risk of harm to others, when they take unnecessary risks on the road.”
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