Doctor warns speeding motorcyclists during lockdown
- Published
A doctor has seen a recent rise in serious injuries involving motorbikes
A trauma consultant has urged motorcyclists not to "take advantage" of quiet roads in lockdown after seeing a rise in serious crash casualties.
Prof Ian Pallister of Swansea's Morriston Hospital said one person had died and others had suffered life-changing injuries in the past week.
He said that followed eight weeks without a single case.
"Just because the roads are quiet does not mean they are any less dangerous," he said.
Police have also accused some drivers of using roads that are much quieter than usual as "racing tracks".
Prof Ian Pallister warned that hospitals cannot deal with as many emergencies as before the coronavirus pandemic
Prof Pallister speculated that could be why his hospital had seen a recent rise in motorcyclists with serious injuries.
"It could be that they [motorcyclists] are now starting to take advantage of the quieter roads and going out and about more," he said.
"However, just because the roads are quiet does not mean they are any less dangerous."
Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.
He said motorcyclists should, whenever possible, heed the message of stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives, to ease pressure on the NHS.
"Our theatre capacity is nothing like what it usually is," he said.
"We have to prioritise serious injuries and emergencies above everything.
"Unfortunately, that does mean someone else will not get the treatment they have been waiting for."
Police have said they are taking active measures to catch speeding motorists
Dyfed Powys Police is among forces to have raised concerns that speeding motorists have been travelling at more than double the limit during lockdown.
Only essential travel is permitted in Wales under lockdown rules, unlike in England.
A SIMPLE GUIDE: How do I protect myself?
AVOIDING CONTACT: The rules on self-isolation and exercise
HOPE AND LOSS: Your coronavirus stories
- Published25 January 2022
- Published18 May 2020
- Published26 April 2020
- Published24 April 2020
- Published23 April 2020
- Published22 April 2020
