FATALITIES among motorcyclists in Hampshire have spiked this year, Hampshire Constabulary has warned.

In the space of just four days this month, four motorcyclists lost their lives in road traffic incidents in Hampshire.

On October 6, two motorcyclists were killed on Marchwood Bypass in Totton.

A blue Mercedes Sprinter van was in a collision with a black Honda motorcycle and a white Yamaha motorcycle on the A326 bypass.

The driver of the Yamaha has now been named as Craig Smart, 38, from Mantle Close in Gosport. Simon Ashworth, 49, of Howerts Close, Warsash, was riding the Honda.

By comparison, in October last year there were no fatal collisions in which motorcyclists lost their lives.

Now Hampshire Constabulary is working with BikeSafe in a bid to help raise awareness and urge motorists to check twice for motorbikes.

The force shared a photo of the aftermath of one crash.

A 40-year-old from Fareham was involved in a single vehicle collision on the A272, on January 14, 2018. He was riding a green Kawasaki motorcycle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Between April 1 and October 13 this year, there have been 13 motorcyclist deaths in Hampshire. This is a rise from the same period last year where there were eight deaths in the county.

Data from BikeSafe shows us that 65 per cent of all motorcycle collisions happen at or near a junction in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Sgt Scott Kerr, Road Safety Sergeant, said: “If you ride a motorcycle, it’s proven you are far more likely to be seriously injured if you are involved in a collision.

“But it is still everyone’s responsibility to keep our roads safe so we are urging motorists to drive responsibly.

“Did you know 65 per cent of all motorcycle collisions happen at or near a junction?

“One common cause is that other road users do not see a motorcycle or misjudge its speed or path, and carry out a manoeuvre in front of them – which underlines the fact that everyone is responsible for road safety.

“Motorcyclists can take extra steps to stay safe, such as wearing a helmet, protective and high visibility clothing, keeping within the speed limits, weather and road conditions and riding sensibly.

“As the nights draw in during autumn and winter the sun can be particularly dazzling, so please take this into consideration.”