Helmet cam

KEYHOLE-CAMERA technology used in a popular television programme has been adapted by North Yorkshire Police in a bid to make the county’s roads safer.

The tiny cameras attached to a motorcyclist’s helmet produced some exhilarating shots for the TV shows “Long Way Down” and “Long Way Round” featuring Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman.

Police are now using the same cutting edge technology to investigate accidents and assess the safety of roads in the county where 17 motorcyclists were killed last year and 127 seriously injured.

The camera is one of a number of initiatives to form part of Operation Anvil - a concerted campaign over the coming Spring and Summer to reduce deaths and injuries on the county’s roads.

Sgt Pete Mason, Bikesafe co-ordinator for North Yorkshire Police, said: “the cameras provide a motorcyclist’s view of the road and footage can be studied to establish what may have caused an accident or how road safety could be improved.”

Footage taken by Sgt Mason and his colleagues is sent to North Yorkshire County council highways engineers for analysis.

Last year 81 people were killed on the roads of North Yorkshire and although this is 12 more deaths than in 2006, it is below the average for recent years.

Easter Sunday, the traditional start of the motorcycling season throughout the Yorkshire Dales and wider county, will see the launch of ’95 Alive’s’ 2008 motorcycle strategy, and the Partnership will be meeting bikers at Helmsley Market Square and at Squires Café, Sherburn-in-Elmet. The focus is on rider development and encouraging improvement of riding skills.

Alongside leading helmet manufacturers, the Air Ambulance, and others, ’95 Alive‘ representatives will be on hand to give away goodie bags and to explain the skills development workshops that will be on offer, and in which bikers will be encouraged to take part.

Over the spring and summer months Operation Anvil will see road safety checks carried out by police night and day across North Yorkshire.

“Last year three people were murdered in the county. That is three too many but is a tiny figure compared with the 81 who died on the roads” said North Yorkshire Chief Constable Grahame Maxwell.

“We should never forget that each of these road deaths has devastating consequences for the family and friends left behind and the most worrying aspect is that so many could have easily been avoided.

“We know that the three principal causes of death on the roads remain inappropriate or excessive speed, drink driving and the failure to wear seatbelts or restraints. But we will be vigilant to other dangers such as drivers under the influence of drugs, suffering fatigue or using mobile phones at the wheel.

Mr Maxwell said he hoped the safety message would reach visitors to North Yorkshire as well as residents.

“We have some wonderful countryside and coast as well as many tourist attractions within the county and my message is that North Yorkshire welcomes careful drivers and riders.

“But those who abuse the roads put themselves, their passengers, pedestrians and other road users at risk and will not be tolerated.”