The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has published a sobering new report highlighting the significant risks facing motorcyclists on Irish roads. The Motorcyclist Spotlight Report: Fatalities and Serious Injuries, 2020 to 2024 reveals that 105 motorcyclists lost their lives and 884 were seriously injured during the five-year period, accounting for 14% of all road fatalities and 12% of serious injuries.
Based on Irish collision data, the report shows that young to middle-aged men remain the most vulnerable, with 65% of motorcyclist fatalities aged 16–45 and 100% of fatalities being male. The majority of serious injuries were male (93%) and 82% were aged 16–55.
Sarah O’Connor, Director of Partnerships & External Affairs with the RSA said: “This report is a stark reminder of the human cost of road trauma and the acute risks motorcyclists face. These findings highlight the need for drivers and motorcyclists alike to share the road with heightened awareness and responsibility. Behind each statistic is a life lost or forever changed, and families left grieving.”
Key findings from the report indicate that between 2020 and 2024:
- An average of 21 motorcyclist fatalities and 177 serious injuries per year.
- 40% of fatalities occurred between 1pm and 5pm, with another 10% between 8pm and 9pm.
- Half of all motorcyclist fatalities took place at the weekend (Saturday–Sunday).
- 74% of motorcyclist deaths occurred on rural roads, with Dublin and Cork accounting for the highest numbers of both fatalities and serious injuries.
- 27% of deaths happened at junctions and 63% involved collisions with other vehicles – the other vehicles most commonly being cars (59%) and light goods vehicles (13%).
- Serious injuries peaked between May and September, particularly in June (13%).
- Two thirds of serious injuries occurred between 12pm and 8pm, with Sunday the most dangerous day (22%).
- Failure to observe was identified as the most common contributory action in multi-vehicle collisions resulting in serious injuries.
The RSA is calling on all road users to increase vigilance, particularly during the summer months when serious motorcyclist injuries typically rise.
Ms. O’Connor added: “We must act now to reverse these figures. We all have a part to play in protecting the most vulnerable on our roads. We’re urging drivers to take a second look before pulling out or turning – this is a life-saver look and we all need to build it into our every trip. We also need for motorcyclists to prioritise safe riding at all times.”
To view the full report, visit http://bit.ly/451Ii5G
