The sister of a motorcyclist killed in a north-east crash has urged people to back a new safety campaign and reduce the number of roads deaths.
David Thomson was driving home from Aberdeen when he died in a collision at the A90 Balhill junction, between Ellon and Peterhead, in October 2003.
The 27-year-old was taking his motorbike out for one last hurrah before selling it but, while he was overtaking several cars, a driver failed to see him and turned right.
>> Keep up to date with the latest news with The P&J newsletter
Mr Thomson hit the car and the force killed him instantly.
His sister, Maria Buchan, is now encouraging all drivers to be vigilant on the roads as safety charity Brake launches its Bike Smart campaign today to coincide with Road Safety Week.
Those on two wheels – including motorbikes and bicycles – made up more than one-quarter of the deaths and serious injuries on Scotland’s roads last year.
Mrs Buchan said: “It’s extremely important, especially in the north-east where some of the roads can be atrocious, that everyone should be looking after one another.
“None of us are faultless and we all make mistakes, but I’ve noticed more and more people not using their mirrors and indicators and they’re there for a reason.
“Up here it feels like every month we hear of some sort of accident involving a motorbike and you think: ‘Not again’.
“You know exactly what that family is going through and it’s something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.”
Mr Thomson was born and grew up in Inverness and described himself as a “proud Highlander”.
He worked at Rolls Wood group in Dyce but in 2002 he decided to go back to college and get the necessary qualifications to join the RAF.
Mrs Buchan said: “Around a month after his accident he was meant to have his interview with them.
“You hear of people starting a new chapter in their life and he didn’t get to have that.”
The Brake campaign is encouraging motorists to slow down, take care to look properly at junctions and use the so-called Dutch reach – using the opposite hand to open the car door when at the roadside – to avoid hitting passing cyclists.
Joshua Harris, director of campaigns at the charity, said: “Cyclists and motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable road users in Scotland – making up more than a quarter of deaths and serious injuries on the roads.
“Raising awareness about the safety of those on two wheels is absolutely vital.
“Rural roads, with their high speeds, blind bends and few cycle routes, pose particular danger, with the risk of a fatal rural road bike crash now at its highest since 2010.”
