Road safety
A wave of accidents relaunches the debate on motorcycles for 16 -year -old teens
The number of serious accidents involving adolescents over 125 cc has almost tripled since 2021. The Confederation now plans to review the conditions of access to the driving of two-wheelers.
The Confederation plans to introduce compulsory practical courses for novice bikers, before they are allowed to drive alone.
Photo: Iris Andermatt
Saturday evening, a 17 -year -old biker lost his life in a road accident on the Hulfteggstrasse, in the canton of Saint-Gall. The adolescent descended the valley towards Mosnang when he lost control of his motorcycle in a turn and fell.
He died of his injuries on the scene of the accident, said the Cantonal Police in Saint-Gall. The road was closed to traffic for several hours.
It was in this turn of the canton of Saint-Gall that the young 17-year-old biker died.
Photo: Cantonal De Saint-Gall Police
Accidents of this type are multiplying. More and more young are victims of 125 cm motorcycle accidents3mainly outside of localities and often without other vehicles being involved. It is not uncommon for the consequences to be serious.
The age limit for motorcycles 125 cm3 Is it too low?
Many young people lead a 125 cc from the age of 16. It has been possible since 2021, the date on which the law has been modified to align with European legislation. It is now enough to obtain a driver’s student license and successful the theoretical exam to take the road.
Since then, the number of serious accidents affecting young people aged 15 to 17 has almost tripled, from around 50 to more than 150 per year. Particularly alarming fact: more than one young people in five is seriously injured or died in an accident involving a 125 cm3.
As the “NZZ AM SONNTAG” reports, the Federal Road Office (OFROU) now plans to return to the lowering of the minimum age, despite the desired harmonization with European regulations.
A working group bringing together representatives of driving monitors, motorcycle branch, road safety associations and the police must review the rules applicable to young motorcycle drivers.
One solution envisaged would be to introduce compulsory practical courses for novice bikers, before they are allowed to drive alone. Currently, this course is only compulsory within four months of obtaining the driver’s student license.
This decision is motivated by the high number of accidents recorded precisely during this transition phase. The proposal receives the support of Swiss Moto, the association of the motorcycle branch. Its president, Walter Wobmann, spoke in the “NZZ AM SONNTAG” in favor of a solid basic training, regardless of the age of the new drivers.
Motorcycle accidents alert policies
In Parliament, support from all parties is taking shape in favor of a return to the minimum age of 18 years to drive a 125 cm3. Representatives of the Center, the Socialist Party, the Vert’liberals, the PLR and the UDC have submitted proposals to this effect, or plan to do so. L-Drive Switzerland, the umbrella organization of monitors, as well as the accident prevention office (BPA), also argue for a tightening of the regulations.
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