04 March 2011
Motorcycle Deaths Cause for Concern, says RSA
RSA gears up for Motorbike & Scooter Show
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has, today Friday 4th March 2011, appealed to motorcyclists to take extra care on the roads as casualty figures show that six motorcyclists have died on the nation’s roads to date in 2011. There were no motorcycle deaths up to this date last year.
To promote motorcycle safety the RSA is bringing its mobile Road Safety Interactive Shuttle to the Irish Motorbike and Scooter Show which is taking place at the RDS this weekend. The show will run from Friday 4 March to Sunday 6 March and is expected to attract thousands of motorbike and scooter enthusiasts.
Mr Noel Brett, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority said: “We are very concerned at the number of motorcycle deaths so far this year, particularly when compared to the same period last year. Motorcyclists are relatively few in number when compared to other road-users but are over represented in terms of road fatalities. Motorcyclists also have less protection than car drivers so are more vulnerable on the roads. Because of this they need to take greater steps to ensure their safety.”
“One important step is to ensure you wear protective equipment every time you get on a bike. Coming off a motorcycle at 50kph is similar to throwing yourself off the second storey of a building onto a cheese-grater. So the price of good motorcycle gear may well be the price of living. Motorcyclists are also far more likely to have a serious head injury than car occupants. So a properly fitting helmet is a 'no-brainer'”.
The RSA is asking motorcyclists visiting the Irish Motorbike and Scooter Show this weekend to come to the RSA’s Shuttle where experts will be available to answer queries about motorcycle safety and Initial Basic Training (IBT) for motorcyclists.
Since 6th December 2010 all first time applicants for a Learner Permit to ride a motorcycle must complete a new 16 hour course of Initial Basic Training (IBT) before they can ride unsupervised on a public road. IBT can only be provided by driving instructors who have been approved by the Road Safety Authority for this purpose. A list of these instructors as well as further information on IBT is available at www.rsa.ie/IBT
Visitors to the Shuttle, which will be located at stand number Q1 in the Shelbourne Hall of the RDS, will also have the opportunity to try out the motorbike, car and bicycle simulators. In addition, the RSA will be handing out free high visibility material such as high viz vests, armbands and bags.
The RSA has the following safety tips for motorcyclists:
- Wear proper motorcycle gear, even when the weather is warm. Remember, it’s easier to have a shower than a skin graft!
- Buy your helmet from a reputable dealer, make sure it fits properly and ensure it meets EU standards.
- Try several sizes and makes before purchasing and make sure the dealer knows how to assess the proper fit.
- Never buy or use a second-hand helmet. If your helmet is damaged, replace it.
- An unsecured helmet is not only useless in a crash but illegal. Helmets must be worn at all times and must be securely fastened.
- Did you know that oil on a wet road is almost impossible to spot through a dark visor?
- Get a good jacket that provides proper back protection and also protects the joints.
- Use a reflective jacket which will make you more visible on the road
- Always wear protective gloves and footwear that at least come over the ankles.
For further information, please contact:
RSA Communications Office: 096 25008