An Garda Síochána and The Road Safety Authority (RSA) are appealing to motorcycle riders to slow down, ‘ease off the throttle’ and keep within speed limits.
The appeal is being made in response to the high number of motorcycle fatalities seen this year – to date in 2021, six motorcyclists have been killed on Irish roads.
Previous RSA research has shown that bikers speeding is a factor in over a third (34.6%) of motorcyclist fatal collisions.
The message from Gardaí and the RSA is to ease off the throttle and keep within the speed limits and to always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Drivers are also being urged to watch out for motorcyclists especially at junctions and to check their blind spots.
Garda Adrian Corcoran, DMR Roads Policing, An Garda Síochána, said: “As a Garda motorcyclist and a motorcycle enthusiast I know how enjoyable motorcycle riding can be. However, motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable groups of road users on our roads. If you are returning to motorcycling after the winter months, please ensure that your motorcycle is in a roadworthy condition. Carry out a walk around check prior to each journey.”
He continued: “Always wear appropriate PPE, and Hi-Viz clothing will make you more visible to other road users. Take time to reacquaint yourself with driving your motorcycle and always ride within the speed limits. I would also appeal to motorists to watch out for motorcyclists, especially at junctions and when turning right. The number of motorcycle casualties on our roads so far this year is worryingly high, and we don’t want to see this continue over the summer months. It’s up to everyone to keep the roads safe for all its users.”
Crash research shows that the four main causal factors that contribute to fatal motorcycle crashes are:
- A motorcyclist overtaking another vehicle turning right, resulting in the motorcyclist colliding head on into the side of the turning vehicle.
- A motorcyclist colliding head on with an oncoming vehicle while the motorcycle was overtaking a vehicle.
- A motorcyclist losing control while taking a corner / bend and crossing into the path of an oncoming vehicle resulting in a head on collision.
- Another vehicle (car, van, truck) turning or driving through a junction / joining a main road from a minor road and colliding with a motorcyclist.
The RSA’s motorcycle safety advertising campaign ‘Signs’ highlighting the dangers of speeding and encouraging riders to be aware of their vulnerability on the road is currently on air during April. It is being supported by a series of information videos advising motorcyclists on the four known dangerous manoeuvres for motorcyclists.
To watch the videos, log on to the RSA YouTube page.
Tags:
