A GROUNDBREAKING initiative in the west of Scotland has been "successful" in employing psychology principles to enhance the safety of motorcyclists, potentially saving lives on the roads.
Transport Scotland, with funding from the Road Safety Trust, developed road markings known as Perceptual Rider Information for Maximising Expertise and Enjoyment (PRIMEs), utilising principles from nudge psychology and described as "for motorcyclists, by motorcyclists".
Under the guidance of rider behaviour and psychology expert Professor Alex Stedmon and BEAR Scotland, comprehensive trials were conducted to assess the effectiveness of PRIMEs.
Professor Stedmon, a keen motorcyclist himself, said: “Project PRIME is the first time this kind of research has been done to look at dedicated road markings for motorcyclists.
“It’s been a great opportunity to use applied psychology principles in the real world to support behaviour change for a specific group of vulnerable road users.”
Spanning an extensive area of 750 square miles within the Highlands, specially engineered markings and signage were deployed and monitored over a period of three years.
The results of the study were “tremendous”, as PRIMEs showcased a notable improvement in road safety for motorcyclists.
Previous accident sites recorded zero motorcycle injury collisions – the study also showed an improvement in road bend approach, braking behaviour and speed.
MSP Fiona Hyslop, the minister for transport, said: “Scotland is working with partners to have the best road safety performance in the world by 2030 and an ambitious long-term goal where no one is seriously injured or killed on our roads by 2050.
“The evidence on the impact of Project PRIME is astounding – and has proven that this is an approach that could be used globally under similar road conditions.”
With the study's outcomes and its cost-effective nature, Scotland could see trials expanding in the next few years.
Alex Stedmon said: “I know how important it is to approach demanding bends safely and PRIMEs help riders adjust their speed, position and braking.
“We have taken a user-centred approach to develop a safety solution that riders will accept and use – it’s very much for motorcyclists and by motorcyclists!”
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