This Bank Holiday weekend a strong campaign is being launched appealing directly for motorcyclists not to take 'unnecessary risks'.
In the run up to the August Bank Holiday Weekend, An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are urging motorcyclists to ‘Bike Safe’ during this high risk time for riders. They are also appealing to drivers to watch out for motorcyclists by looking once and looking again to make sure there are not motorcyclists in their blind spots.
In 2017, 70% (14) of the 20 motorcyclists killed died in the second half of the year. Five motorbike riders alone were killed in the last week of July 2017. These figures serve as a stark reminder of the added dangers facing motorcyclists throughout the summer months and the need for all motorists, not just motorcyclists, to exercise caution.
To date in 2018 seven motorcyclists have been killed on the roads. Sunday is the most dangerous day for motorcyclist fatalities with 70% (5) of the deaths occurring on this day of the week.
Assistant Commissioner David Sheahan, An Garda Síochána, National Roads Policing Unit said: "Motorcyclists are among our most vulnerable of road users because they have very little protection in the event of a collision. Bikers can, however, help reduce their vulnerability by taking some very simple steps such as wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and riding with your bike’s dipped headlight on. Always wearing high visibility clothing to make yourself more visible to other road-users is also advisable. An Garda Síochána will continue to engage with motorcyclists throughout the summer with both educational and enforcement measures to reduce motorcycling casualties.”
Road users are also being urged to take extra care over the August Bank Holiday Weekend, a traditionally busy time on Irish roads. Drivers are reminded that the RSA and Applegreen have teamed up again to help drivers tackle tiredness behind the wheel over the August Bank Holiday Weekend by providing free cups of coffee to drivers between 2pm and 8pm on Friday 3 August and Monday 6 August. Simply say ‘RSA’ to the till operator to avail of a free coffee.
A total of 87 people have died in fatal crashes to date in 2018. This is down six compared to the same period last year.
Minister Shane Ross, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport said:"Motorcyclists often refer to the thrill of riding, but it is important to remember that biking is an activity that requires a high level of skill, knowledge and concentration. I would urge all motorcyclists to exercise caution at this dangerous time on our roads. This is not only a safety message for motorcyclists. It’s also a call.
to drivers to be on the lookout for motorcyclists, especially when turning, overtaking and at junctions.”
Ms Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive, RSA, said: "The majority of bikers on Irish roads behave responsibly, and I would like to commend them on that. However, there is a group who are riding motorbikes with complete disregard for their personal safety and the safety of others, and this is shown clearly following our examination of forensic investigation files of fatal collisions. Bikers who put on their helmet and think they are on a race track. I would urge these motorcyclists to ease off the throttle, and never ever ride a motorbike after drinking alcohol.”
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