South Meath Driving School

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána are urging motorcyclists, scooter and moped users to bike safely on the roads this summer following an almost 70% rise in motorcycle rider fatalities (up from 16 to 27) in 2013.To date, 2 motorcyclists have died on Irish roads in 2014.

The appeal is being made ahead of the May Bank Holiday Weekend as both the RSA, and An Garda Síochána are extremely concerned that the high casualty rate among motorcyclists could be repeated this summer. There were almost as many motorcyclists as pedestrians killed in 2013, a trend not previously observed, as pedestrian fatalities have typically been significantly higher than motorcyclist fatalities to date. The RSA and An Garda Síochána are asking motorcycle riders to be aware of their vulnerability on the roads as research shows that motorcyclists are three times more likely to be killed on Irish roads than in any other EU country.

A provisional analysis of motorcycle deaths last year by the RSA & An Garda Síochána shows that there were four main factors behind these deaths:

1. A motorcyclist overtaking a vehicle turning right, resulting in the motorcyclist colliding with the side of the turning vehicle
2. A motorcyclist, while overtaking, colliding head on with an oncoming vehicle
3. A motorcyclist losing control while cornering and crossing into the path of an oncoming vehicle or colliding with a pole, or wall on the other side of the road
4. A driver failing to see a motorcyclist when turning, driving through a junction or joining a main road from a minor road and colliding with the motorcyclist.

A collision with a car ahead turning right was a particular problem resulting in nine fatalities alone last year. The vast majority of motorcycle fatalities last year took place in the Dublin and greater Dublin area (Counties Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow).

In 16 of 22 fatalities, the motorcyclist was familiar with the local area. Also, in the majority of cases the weather was dry, the road surface was also dry, and the conditions were daylight with good visibility.

Advising road users ahead of the bank holiday Mr Leo Varadkar T.D., Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport said, “Riding a motorbike can be an incredible experience and it gives a great sense of freedom. But motorcyclists are also among the most vulnerable road users. Going full throttle represents a danger to others, and above all to yourself. Your attitude is absolutely critical in determining the likelihood of having a crash, so be bike safe this summer. Drivers also have a responsibility to always look out for motorcycles, and all motorists should look once for cars and twice for bikes.”

Advising motorists and motorcyclists Mr. Michael Rowland, Director, Road Safety Authority said, “As drivers we need to pay more attention and be constantly on the lookout for motorcyclists, in our blind spots at junctions and especially when turning right. Motorcyclists should be extremely careful when overtaking and when taking bends. While mandatory lessons are now required for anyone learning to ride a bike nowadays, there are many who have never received any training. They’ve learned to ride from the ‘fall off your horse, just get back up on it again’ school of learning. Regardless of your experience, or how long you have been biking, I would urge anyone who has never received any formal motorcycle training to do so with one of the many Approved Motorcycle Riding Instructors around the country. A list can be found on rsa.ie.”

Some handy safety tips for motorcyclists, scooter and moped users include:

• Motorcyclists, moped and scooter-users are among the most vulnerable of our road-users. You don’t have the protection of a car so investing in proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is a must.
• Helmets must be worn at all times and must be securely fastened. Clean your visor gently with warm soapy water. Replace it if it is scratched.
• Jackets and trousers should offer adequate protection against impact and abrasion.
• Body armour on exposed areas such as the back, knees, elbows, shoulders, hips and shins should be adjustable so it fits snugly and does not move in a crash.
• A good reflective jacket should be worn and will make you more visible on the road, increasing your profile.
• Always wear protective gloves and footwear that at least comes over the ankle. Use ear protection on long journeys.
• Always service your bike regularly and maintain it in good condition especially tyres, brakes, etc.