Road Safety Authority joins forces with Motorcycle Show to help cut roads deaths

Feb 08, 2015

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• RSA encourages people to ‘bike safely’ at the Carole Nash Irish Motorbike and Scooter Show (Feb 27 – March 1)
  Organisation to offer advice and training to all motorists at RDS event

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has joined forces with the organisers of the Carole Nash Irish Motorbike and Scooter Show to call on motorcycle and scooter users to help cut the death toll on our roads this year.

One out of every 12 people who died on Irish roads last year was a motorcyclist. In 2014 there was 24 deaths which was 3 fewer from 2013.

The RSA said that more than half of motorcycle fatal collisions since 2011 have happened on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, typically between 12pm and 6pm. The organisation advises motorcyclists to make themselves as visible as possible to other road users, with the aid of a high-visibility vest or bib and ride with their dipped headlights on.

Announcing its attendance at the Carole Nash Irish Motorbike and Scooter Show, the RSA said its stand will offer advice for motorcyclists and other motorists on how to be best prepared when taking to the roads.

Moyagh Murdock, CEO of the Road Safety Authority, said: “Safety must be the priority for everyone on the roads and we welcome the chance to meet so many motorcyclists and scooter users under one roof at the Carole Nash Irish Motorbike and Scooter Show. Having the chance to help such a large group of road users is a fantastic opportunity. We understand the benefits and enjoyment people experience from riding on two wheels and want to encourage them to exercise caution and ‘bike safely’ when they are on the roads.”

The RSA advises that whether you are an all-year-round motorcyclist, or are taking your motorcycle out after being in storage for the winter, the basics remain the same: riders must ensure that their machines are up to standard, that they are wearing appropriate protective clothing and that their helmet is correctly secured. Trainers and jeans offer little protection in the event of a collision or contact with the road.

Ruth Lemass, event organiser of Ireland’s largest gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts, said: “As so many lovers of two wheels will gather at the RDS, we feel it is important to get the message out that safety should be first and foremost on our minds as motorcycle riders.

“It is great that the RSA will be at the show to advise all visitors on the best and safest practices when using our roads. Thousands of people across Ireland love the exhilaration and sense of freedom that comes from riding a motorbike or a scooter. However, we must all be aware of and respect other road users.”

RSA said that statistics show that most collisions involving a motorcycle follow one of several patterns. One is a motorcyclist overtaking a right turning vehicle, resulting in the motorcyclist colliding head on into the side of the same turning vehicle. Another common error occurs when a motorcyclist overtakes a vehicle travelling in the same direction and collides head on with an oncoming vehicle.

Several motorcyclists have lost control while taking a corner and crossed into the path of an oncoming vehicle which has resulted in a head-on collision. The final common incident occurs when an oncoming vehicle turns or drives through a junction or joins a main road from a minor road and collides with a motorcyclist. The RSA stresses that these are preventable collisions.

Ms Murdock added: “Training also plays a key role in increasing safety by improving the competence levels of motorcyclists on the roads. So if you have never received any formal training or are returning to motorcycling after a long break, there are courses available to suit all. The RSA’s Approved Driver Instructor programme allows motorcyclists of all levels to avail of expert tuition from RSA-approved instructors all around the country. The list of instructors can be found on www.rsa.ie .”

Ruth Lemass said: “ We want to encourage all visitors to the show, motorcyclists and car drivers alike, to take some time and visit the RSA stand so that they may get that little bit of extra knowledge. This information could, one day, save a life.”
MSA Rider Training and the Irish School of Motoring will also be at the show to offer visitors additional information and advice.

Visitors to the Carole Nash Irish Motorbike and Scooter Show will experience a spectacular stunt competition, live action arena displays, new bike launches, motorcycle lifestyle fashion shows, interviews with top motorbike racers, as well as the prestigious AMD World custom bike-building competition qualifier for Ireland and much, much more.

The Carole Nash Irish Motorbike & Scooter Show runs at the RDS Dublin from 27 Feb – 1 March 2015. Visit http://www.irishmotorbikeshow.com/ for more details.

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