Motorcyclists ‘six times more likely to be killed in crashes’

MOTORCYCLISTS are six times more likely to be killed in crashes than other road users, it was revealed yesterday.

Despite motorcycles representing less than 2% of licensed vehicles, bikers account for at least 12% of road deaths, the highest rate in Europe.

Almost 2,000 bikers have been killed or seriously injured between 1996 and2003, costing the economy an estimated e1 billion.

Now motorcyclists of all ages and abilities are being urged to complete a professional rider-training course.

The hard-hitting message, from the National Safety Council (NSC), was delivered on the eve of the Motorbike and Scooter Show, which is expected to attract thousands of experienced and novice bikers to the RDS this weekend.

“Motorcyclists really are vulnerable road users and the best way to address this vulnerability is to get professional training,” said an NSC spokesperson.

“From research carried out at previous motorbike and scooter shows, the NSC estimates that as many as seven out of 10 bikers have never received basic riding lessons. Acquiring the right skills through proper training will equip a motorcyclist with the knowledge and expertise to ride a motorbike safely.”

It is estimated that in over 70% of crashes involving a motorcycle and a car, the car driver is at fault.

Meanwhile, a regional radio station is launching a six-week campaign to tackle the growing number of fatal accidents.

From Monday, Midlands 103 will broadcast a series of road safety messages in English, Polish, Latvian, Russian, Nigerian and Lithuanian in a bid to warn foreign nationals about the danger associated with speed, drink driving and other motoring hazards.

Safety tips for motorcyclists include:

* Avoid drivers’ blind spots, use headlights day and night and always signal clearly.

* Wear a helmet, good personal protection equipment and brightly-coloured reflective clothing.

* Never ever drink and ride and always expect the unexpected.

For details on motorcycle training contact the Irish Motorcyclists Action Group: 01 4530797 or the Irish Rider Training Association: 086 389 5763.