RSA is urging drivers to be vigilant for motorcyclists ahead of the summer high-risk period

Motorists have been urged to be aware ahead of the summer “high-risk period” and always be alert to motorcyclists.

The traffic safety authority (RSA) appealed to motorists not only to look out for motorcyclists on the upcoming holiday weekend in May, but at any time.

The call comes because a total of eleven motorcyclists have died in 2022, five in March alone. The RSA said that was a “worryingly high number” of motorcyclist deaths.

Motorists should expect to encounter motorcyclists on the road more often now and in the summer.

The RSA said riders also need to understand that in the event of an accident, motorcyclists have less protection and are therefore many times more vulnerable.

One factor in collisions between a motorcyclist and a rider is when a car or van makes a turn or crosses an intersection or enters a main road from a minor road, ignores it and eventually collides with the motorcyclist.

Therefore, it is important for motorists to pay particular attention to motorcyclists at intersections, at intersections, when turning onto a main road and when changing lanes.

The RSA regional director said visibility is often a factor in motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles

Stefan Auler: “As a motorcycle tester and enthusiastic motorcyclist, I know first-hand the challenges that motorcyclists have to face every day on the road. Visibility is often a factor in motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles.”

“Because of its narrow profile, a motorcycle can easily be hidden in a car’s blind spots like door and roof pillars, or obscured by objects or background outside of a car like bushes, fences and bridges.”

Mr Auler said drivers should always assume motorcyclists are closer than they appear.

“Your speed and distance are difficult to judge, especially at intersections. Look twice before turning right or left, crossing intersections and changing lanes,” he said.

“Any motorcyclist will tell you about a near miss or collision with a car or van where the driver said the immortal words, ‘Sorry, I just didn’t see you’. So, riders, expect to meet motorcyclists on your ride, focus on observing the road and don’t get distracted.”

Garda Adrian Corcoran, of the DMR Roads Policing Unit, said motorcycling is challenging and requires a very high level of knowledge, skill and understanding

“As a Garda motorcyclist and motorcycle enthusiast, I know how much fun motorcycling can be. I also know how vulnerable we are on the road,” he said.

“Motorcycling is a challenge and requires a very high level of knowledge, skill and understanding. A good motorcyclist must have a healthy respect for the bike they ride and a socially responsible attitude when dealing with the roads.”

Mr Corcoran said motorcyclists should also ensure they are fitted with the correct PPE and ride with their dipped headlights on to improve visibility.

“Unfortunately, motorcyclists are overrepresented in the traffic fatality statistics. In addition, our detection numbers show that half of the speed limits detected are motorcyclists, many of whom are traveling faster than 160 km/h,” he said.

“It’s also extremely important to show restraint by slowing down and never ride a motorcycle while under the influence of intoxicants.”

In June 2021, An Garda Síochána and the RSA launched the BikeSafe pilot safety initiative.

The pilot program offered a workshop on topics such as hazard awareness and a road assessment ride accompanied by an advanced Garda motorcyclist.

The workshops are open to all motorcyclists with a full motorcycle license and are free of charge.