Stay Alert, Stay Alive – that’s the message for local and visiting bikers during the Manx Grand Prix Festival. The Isle of Man Constabulary and the Department of Infrastructure have launched a road safety campaign ahead of the festival which starts on Saturday.
The campaign, which features the Stay Alert, Stay Alive strapline from last year’s TT campaign, will see hard hitting images of real crash scenes from police archives being displayed around the Island.
Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: “The key message from the Road Safety Team to local and visiting motorcycle enthusiasts is to enjoy the grand prix but make sure that you stay safe on the Island’s roads and ride according to the conditions – and don’t drink and ride.”
Inspector Terry Stephen of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “We are expecting an increased attendance at this year’s Manx Grand Prix. With the increase in visitors on our roads comes an increased risk. Our aim is to keep the roads safe throughout the festival and we will be working closely with the Department of Infrastructure to do this.
“I would, as always, remind everyone that the Snaefell Mountain Road remains two-way throughout the fortnight and advise people not to travel over the mountain against the course unless they absolutely have to.
“The Roads Policing Unit will be working with increased numbers of officers in order to keep driving/riding standards high and road users safe. We will be strictly enforcing speed limits and looking to identify anti-social driving/riding at the earliest opportunity.”
Two large billboards have been placed at Ramsey Hairpin to remind motorists that the Mountain Road is two-way. Spectators are also reminded that some parts of the course are prohibited or restricted and as such these must be kept clear.
The Road Safety Team will be organising static displays at various locations around the Island during the Manx Grand Prix Festival where people can discuss any road safety issues they may have. These are:
Sunday, August 28 – Jurby – VMCC meeting
Monday, August 29 – Grandstand – Race day
Wednesday, August 31– Creg-ny-Baa – Race day
Thursday, September 1 – Ramsey – Classic Sprint
Friday, September 2 – Grandstand – Race day
YOURS strongly advocated this stance on high level motorvehicle events and the promotion of road safety. In events where speeding and fast car driving is the sport, it is always important to reiterate that this driving is for the track only and in real life scenarios, driving safely is paramount. Additionally, it should be stressed that these drivers are sporting highly protective clothing and vehicles tested for these speeds. Visitors should never try to recreate the Grand Prix on the road and keep the sport to the race track.
Isle of Man.com