TRAFFIC police in North Yorkshire have released a realistic computer game in a bid to cut the number of deaths on the county's roads caused by speeding motorcyclists.

Officers from North Yorkshire Police have issued the game in an attempt to educate bikers about the risks of speeding on the region's roads, and they are hoping the number of casualties caused will fall significantly following its release. The game provides motorcyclists with a virtual tour of the worst accident blackspots in the county, and as part of the game any player who makes a mistake will "die" if they speed or ride in a reckless manner.

The game, in CD format, is free. It cost the authority £200,000 to produce, and is mainly aimed at so-called born-again bikers - older riders who are returning to biking on high-powered sports models.

Police have carried out extensive surveys on the cause of accidents and have discovered that the vast majority occur while riders are taking corners. Traffic Sergeant Nigel Atkinson said: "It goes without saying that careful driving and, moreover, sensible driving is imperative.

"Anything that will help to reduce the number of deaths on our roads will receive my support.

"This CD has my fullest support."