POLICE are out in force this week attempting to cut the number of motorcyclists killed in crashes.

Despite making up one per cent of the total traffic on the roads, motorbikers account for 21 per cent of all road deaths.

In Hampshire last year, nine motorcyclists died in a total of 737 collisions which saw 768 riders also injured.

The message from officers is that saving a life could be as simple as taking one extra look at a junction.

This week, starting today, officers will be supporting the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s national campaign to improve motorcycle safety in a bid to reduce those numbers.

Stepping up patrols and speaking to drivers as well as riders are just some of the steps police will take this week.

Road safety sergeant Rob Heard said: “Motorists just need to give themselves a little extra time to look out for motorcycles, while riders need to make sure they ride safely and not take unnecessary risks.

“This is not about us targeting one group of road users.

“We are simply reminding people of the potential dangers and hope that both riders and motorists will look out for each other.”

Officers across the county will also be targeting hotspots on major Hampshire roads.

The M3 between junctions 11 and ten, and seven and four will be just some of the sections of road officers aim to tackle.

Others include the M27 between junctions 12 and ten, and the A31 between the M3 and Ropley Dean.

Police officers in the Thames Valley will also be aiming to fight the issue head-on, with officers saying that many collisions happen at junctions.

Sergeant Heard added: “We have created some short films for safe riding from a police officer’s view, which highlight what hazards riders need to be aware of and how to reduce the risks of riding in different situations.

“Many collisions with motorcycles occur at junctions and we all need to make sure we look out for approaching motorcycles, which may merge into the background as they approach.”