Road Safety
What's Around The Corner?
By Noel Gibbons
7, Jun 2010 - 10:58

As predictably as blooming tulips and daffodils, the arrival of warm weather signals another phenomenon: collisions involving motorcycles.

Motorcyclists will be given high-visibility vests this Bank Holiday weekend as part of a campaign: "What's Around The Corner?"

Bank Holiday weekends are a popular time for motorcyclists to take to the roads. High-visibility yellow vests will be handed out to bikers to make sure they can be clearly seen by other motorists they will be distributed through motorcycle clubs in Co.Mayo.
"This is one part of our ongoing efforts with partners to improve safety for motorcyclists and other road users. We are also encouraging local riders to under go Motorcycle training.Motorcyclists continue to be over-represented in the fatalities and since the middle of April, four riders have lost their lives. As the weather improves, more and more motorcyclists will take to the roads. Research indicates that the majority of motorcycle fatalities occur over the weekends and during daylight hours.Many riders are injured at junctions when vehicles pull out, others crash as a result of entering a bend too fast" said Noel Gibbons Road Safety Officer Mayo County Council.

"Anything that improves the safety of motorcyclists, including this campaign, on Irish roads has to be welcomed and I would encourage everyone to take this opportunity to help themselves." said Mr Michael Flynn Rospa gold/ ADI motorcycle instructor.

Motorcycles are often hidden in a motorist's blind spot or masked by backgrounds. For that reason, motorists should double-check blind spots and rearview and side mirrors before changing lanes or making turns.They don't benefit from a protective metal environment or the stability of four wheels. But as a driver you can help keep bikers safe by remembering a few basic rules.

To ensure you don't have an injury to another road user on your conscience KEEP A LOOK OUT FOR MOTORCYCLISTS.

Safety Tips for Motorcyclists

• Don't assume you are visible to drivers of other vehicles
• Avoid the driver's blind spots
• Always signal clearly
• Watch out for pedestrians
• Don't weave in and out of traffic
• When filtering in traffic be aware of cars changing lane, doors opening, passengers alighting and the possibility that some vehicles will turn across your path
• Use your headlights day and night
• Never ever drink and ride
• Always wear a helmet to approved specifications
• Make sure your bike is road worthy and know its capabilities
• Invest in good personal protection equipment and wear brightly coloured reflective clothing
• Expect the unexpected

Safety Tips for Motorists

• Keep your distance
• Look twice for motorcyclists
• Share the road

Motorcycles represent fewer than 1 in 50 of all licensed vehicles in Ireland, but motorcyclists account for 1 in 8 road deaths.

Road Deaths 2010
Pedestrians: 24
Drivers: 43
Passengers: 16
Motorcyclists: 6
Pillion Passengers/Other: 1
Pedal Cyclists: 0
Total Year to Date: 90