Motorcyclist deaths 14% above EU rates

IRISH roads have emerged as among some of the most dangerous in Europe for motorcyclists, with fatality rates 14% above the EU average.

A report by the European Transport Safety Council shows motorcyclists in Ireland are about 25 times more likely to be killed in an accident than a car driver. It also shows little improvement has been made in reducing the risk for Irish motorcyclists over the past decade.

The council’s report shows that 13 out of 19 countries have had better success in improving safety levels for motorcyclists between 1997 and 2006. Ireland has only achieved a 2% reduction in the risk during that period.