press | logos & guidelines

DSA Launch Official Motorcycle Hazard Awareness Video

DSA 01/02

January 2002

DSA LAUNCHES HAZARD VIDEO FOR MOTORCYCLISTS

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) - the government body responsible for carrying out theory and practical driving tests in Great Britain - is launching a second hazard awareness video - this time aimed at motorcyclists.
Following the success of its 'What If' video for the car drivers, the new video looks at the dangers that may arise on the roads for motorcyclists.

Sponsored by Bennetts, who specialise in motorbike insurance, 'What If' for motorcyclists is being launched today (4 January) at the National Motorcycle Show at G-Mex, Manchester.

Suzi Perry, who fronts the World Superbike Championships, presents the road safety video, which has been filmed using special cameras mounted on motorbikes. The film shows different types of hazards and assists the rider to recognise clues and signs which will help them see not only the obvious, but also the less obvious.
A booklet is also included in the package, and the combined video and workbook are designed to make riders more conscious of the dangers they may encounter on the roads.

The sponsorship of the motorcycle version of 'What If' is the latest in a series of rider safety initiatives undertaken by Bennetts, which has consistently shown that it is on the rider's side, by getting involved in matters that concern every motorcyclist.

Surveys carried out by Bennetts in the past have highlighted the fact that around 40 per cent of riders feel that the roads are unsafe for motorcyclists. Fifteen per cent of riders have also admitted that they have come off their bike at some time, which highlights the importance of enhancing anticipation skills, which is what 'What If' is all about.
Bennetts will now be putting its full weight behind the 'What If' video, highlighting its availability and purpose to as many motorcyclists as possible, be they customers or other bikers.

Bennetts senior marketing executive, Claire McVeigh, says: "We are delighted to be supporting the 'What If' video, recognising it as an excellent safety initiative which will hopefully reduce the thousands of serious accidents that involved motorcyclists.

"The video is a major breakthrough in terms of educating bikers and increasing their awareness of the dangerous hazards they can experience when riding. Saving lives is the key objective of this video and Bennetts feel that it is important for motor insurers and insurance providers to actively promote road safety."
Free copies of the video will be distributed to DSA's Approved Training Bodies (ATBs) and motorcycle instructors and additional copies will be discounted.

Members of the public may order the video at a cost of £12.99 plus postage and packaging by telephoning 0870 241 4523 or faxing 01709 881673 or visiting www.ask-what-if.com. Please make sure you distinguish which 'What If' video you require (car or motorcycle).

Views on hazard awareness are also being sought in a survey which features on the Bennetts website: www.bennetts.co.uk

Riders completing the survey will each receive a high quality Bennetts mouse mat.

For more information, contact Chris Lee at the DSA Press Office on 0115 901 2852/3, or for Bennetts contact Chris Hughes/Jane Hunt, Catapult PR, 01253 851188. DSA has an ISDN line available for radio broadcasting.

Notes to Editors
1. The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is an executive agency for the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR) and is part of the Driver, Vehicle and Operator (DVO) group of organisations within DTLR.
2. The Agency's aim is to promote road safety through improving driving standards, testing drivers and riders fairly and efficiently, maintaining the registers of Approved Driving Instructors and Large Goods Vehicle Instructors and supervising basic training for learner motorcyclists.
3. The DSA is a trading fund with an annual turnover of around £80.3 million, fully funded by fee income and revenue from non-statutory activities.
4. The DSA HQ is at Stanley House, 56 Talbot Street, Nottingham, NG1 5GU, and there are five area offices, which manage 431 practical test centres across Britain.
5. The DSA employs 2,000 staff, of which some 1,300 are driving examiners. In 2000/01 the Agency conducted 1.2 million tests for car drivers, 62,000 vocational tests and 110,000 motorcycle rider tests. 1.1 million theory tests were carried out at 158 centres. At the end of the year there were 29,626 people on the Register of Approved Driving Instructors.
6. In July 2001, DSA successfully retained the Charter Mark, awarded for excellence in public service. DSA was one of the first recipients of this award for 1992-5 and regained it in 1997.
7. The DSA achieved formal accreditation as an Investor in People in July 2000.
8. DSA news: http://www.driving-tests.co.uk
End of Notes.