Appeal for safe driving after 70% hike in motorcyclist deaths

There has been a 70% jump in motorcyclists dying on our roads — in most cases driving in areas they know and in good weather and driving conditions.

With the May bank holiday weekend approaching, Garda chiefs said the number of such fatalities rose from 16 in 2012 to 27 in 2013, with two motorcyclist deaths so far this year.

And after a two-day clampdown last week, gardaí detected almost 1,200 motorists driving while using a mobile phone — some six times more than is normally found.

At a press conference yesterday, Transport Minister Leo Varadkar and Assistant Commissioner John Twomey of the Garda National Traffic Bureau appealed to motorcyclists to drive responsibly and to take precautions.

They said they were “extremely concerned” that last year’s pattern could repeat this summer.

An analysis of motorcycle deaths last year by the Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority identified four main factors behind the deaths:

- A motorcyclist overtaking a vehicle turning right, resulting in the motorcyclist colliding with the side of the turning vehicle;

- A motorcyclist, in the act of overtaking, colliding head-on with an oncoming vehicle;

- A motorcyclist losing control while cornering and crossing into the path of an oncoming vehicle or colliding with a pole or wall on the other side of the road;

- A driver failing to see a motorcyclist when turning, driving through a junction, or joining a main road from a minor road and colliding with the motorcyclist.

The analysis said that, in 16 of the 22 deaths in 2013 where the addresses were recorded, the motorcyclist was familiar with the local area.

“Also, in the majority of cases the weather was dry; the road surface was also dry; and the conditions were daylight with good visibility,” read the statement.

Mr Varadkar said: “Riding a motorbike can be an incredible experience and it gives a great sense of freedom. But motorcyclists are also among the most vulnerable road users. Going full throttle represents a danger to others, and above all, to yourself.”

Garda John Twomey had this advice to motorcyclists: “There are a couple of things to get right from the start, to ensure your safety on two wheels. Firstly make yourself as visible as possible by always wearing high-viz clothing and ride with your dipped headlight on.

“Secondly, always wear appropriate personal protection equipment; and thirdly always ride with restraint — motorcycles are powerful machines capable of accelerating very quickly.”

Commenting on last week’s mobile phone operation, the assistant commissioner said: “Disappointingly over the two days, 1,191 drivers were found holding a mobile phone whilst driving, effectively causing a risk for you and I on the road. This is approximately six times more than is normally detected.”