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 a rise in motorcycle casualties in 2013.
To date, 13 motorcyclists have died on Irish roads compared to 8 motorcyclists and 2 pillion passengers up to the same date last year. Motorcyclists account for almost 14% of road deaths so far this year, despite making up less than 2% of the total vehicle fleet.
The RSA and An Garda Síochána are asking 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 and pillion passenger deaths by An Garda Síochána shows that almost 4 out of 5 fatal motorcycle collisions since 2011 involved another vehicle. 50 riders and pillion passengers have lost their lives since 1st January 2011 on Irish roads.
The four most common types of collision involving motorcyclists and other vehicles were
1. A motorcyclist overtaking another vehicle turning right, resulting in the motorcyclist colliding head on into the side of the turning vehicle. 6 out of 13 motorcycle fatalities were involved in this type of collision this year.
2. A motorcyclist colliding head on with an oncoming vehicle while the motorcycle was overtaking a vehicle
3. A motorcyclist losing control while taking a corner and crossing into the path of an oncoming vehicle resulting in a head on collision.
4. Another vehicle turning or driving through a junction / joining a main road from a minor road and colliding with a motorcyclist.
The Garda analysis also indicates that:-
• The majority of motorcycles involved in a fatal collision were larger CC bikes, with over three quarters (79%) involving a bike over 599cc.
• Nearly all the motorcyclists killed were males – 44 of the 46 (96%).
• Two age groups in particular feature in motorcycle fatalities, 26 to 30 (32%) and 40-50 (18%).
• More than half (52%) of the fatal collisions involving a motorcyclist occurred on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, typically from midday to 6pm.
Noel Brett, Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority said:”Riding a motorbike can be an incredible experience because of the great sense of freedom it gives, but as a motorcyclist you are more vulnerable. You need to recognise this and understand that with power comes responsibility. Attempting to use the full potential of a powerful machine on today’s busy roads is stupid, selfish, and dangerous. Your attitude towards riding your motorcycle is absolutely critical in determining the likelihood of you having a crash. 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 of trainers can be found on www.rsa.ie. ”
Assistant Commissioner Gerard Philips asked other road-users to be aware of motorcyclists when out on the roads: "4 out of 5 of all fatal motorcycle crashes over the last two and a half years involved other drivers so we’re urging all drivers to check their mirrors carefully and watch out for bikers, particularly at junctions and when making right turns. During the summer, there are more bikers, scooter and moped users on the roads so please be extra cautious when using the roads. For riders though, please ensure that you ride your bike with the same caution and restraint as you may drive any other vehicle. For some the thrill of getting that overtake in, or negotiating that bend makes them throw all caution to the wind and puts themselves and others at great risk”
Commissioner Phillips continued: "We wish to remind all road users that Operation Focus, which took place in all Garda Regions last month, is continuing with targeted, high visibility enforcement in the Northern Region for the month of July. June 2013 resulted tragically in 14 road deaths, 6 of those were motorcyclists, so no one can ever afford to be complacent and say it will NEVER happen to them”
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 is a must 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.
Visit www.rsa.ie for more information on motorcycle training and for more tips on staying safe while biking.
NOTES-
Motorcyclist / Pillion Passenger Fatalities – 1st January 2011 to 2nd July 2013
• 2011: A total of 17 motorcyclists and 1 pillion passenger were killed
• 2012: A total of 16 motorcyclist and 3 pillion passengers were killed
• 2013: A total of 13 motorcyclists have been killed year to date – an increase compared to the corresponding period last year with 8 motorcyclists and 2 pillion passengers killed.
Date/Time
• More than half - (52%) – of the fatal collision involving a motorcyclist occurred on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, typically from midday to 6pm.
• July was the worst month for motorcyclist fatalities in both 2011 and 2012. Three motorcyclists and one pillion passenger were killed in July 2012.
