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Every motorbike death could be prevented – harrowing stats paint clear picture but safer roads are not beyond our reach
A HARROWING new report has laid bare the major safety risks facing motorcyclists in Ireland every year.
The study from the
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RSA's Sarah O'Connor writes that every motorcyclist death is preventable
Credit: RSA
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Shocking stats show motorcyclists are disproportionately injured or killed
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
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And these figures tend to peak during summer
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Grim stats show that a further 884 motorcyclists were seriously injured between 2020 and 2024, with an average of 21 deaths annually.
Despite making up only a small percentage of road users, motorcyclists continue to account for a disproportionately high number of serious injuries and
The disturbing data gives a breakdown of trends identifying the most dangerous times on the roads for users.
Serious injuries peaked between May and September, particularly in June, and the majority of serious injuries were male.
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Two-thirds of serious injuries occurred between 12pm and 8pm, with Sunday the most dangerous day.
Here Sarah O'Connor, Director of Partnerships and External Affairs at the RSA, outlines how more needs to be done.
Each summer, Ireland's roads welcome a familiar seasonal sight: more motorcyclists taking advantage of longer days and improved
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But this annual increase in two-wheeled traffic comes with a troubling trend.
Recent research shows summer as the most dangerous time of year for motorcyclists in Ireland, marked by a consistent rise in serious injuries and fatalities.
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The Road Safety Authority's Motorcyclist Spotlight Report: Fatalities and Serious Injuries 2020–2024 presents a clear and sobering picture.
Over five years, 105 motorcyclists lost their lives and 884 were seriously injured.
That is an average of 21 deaths and 177 serious injuries each year.
These figures are not abstract.
They represent human lives,
SERIOUS INJURIES DURING SUMMER
Motorcyclists accounted for 14 per cent of all road fatalities in Ireland (during the period of the research) and 12 per cent of serious injuries, despite making up a small proportion of overall road users.
All recorded fatalities were male, and 65 per cent were aged between 16 and 45.
The concentration of risk is consistent - both in demographics and the season - with serious injuries peaking during the
In terms of time of day and days of the week - two-thirds of serious injuries occurred between 12pm and 8pm, and half of fatalities occurring at weekends, with Sunday identified as the most dangerous day for serious injuries.
Nationwide, rural roads were the location for 74 per cent of motorcyclist deaths.
Most serious injuries involved multiple vehicles, most commonly cars or light goods
In these collisions, the most frequently recorded driver action was a failure to observe - either by the motorcyclist or the other driver.
This underlines the ongoing importance of driver awareness, especially in relation to visibility and the need to check blind spots at junctions or when turning.
HARROWING STATS
In single-vehicle collisions, loss of control is the most common factor, often on bends or rural roads.
These trends are not unique to Ireland.
The
In 2022, powered twowheeler users (motorcycles and mopeds combined) accounted for approximately 19 per cent of all road fatalities across the European Union, despite being a minority of road users.
While total road deaths in the EU have declined by around 20 per cent over the past decade, reductions among motorcyclists have been slower, leading to an increase in their overall share of fatalities.
Motorcyclists are disproportionately represented in fatal and
Their exposure and vulnerability require a proactive response.
For motorcyclists, safe and considered riding remains essential.
That includes wearing high-visibility gear and protective clothing, maintaining appropriate speeds, never riding while
We are renewing our call for shared responsibility among all road users - particularly at junctions, in slower-moving traffic and when overtaking.
The 'life-saver look' - a deliberate check before turning or pulling out - can and does save lives.
DEATHS ARE PREVENTABLE
Each of the 105 motorcyclist deaths recorded in Ireland between 2020 and 2024 represents a preventable tragedy.
Behind every statistic is a person is a friend, a family member, a colleague, whose life was cut short.
Serious injuries also leave lasting impacts, often resulting in long-term physical, psychological, and
While the patterns we're seeing in Ireland are mirrored across Europe, that doesn't mean they're inevitable.
These trends reflect choices and behaviours that can be changed.
Safer
As the season continues, we urge all road users to stay alert, take your time, and pay close attention - particularly around vulnerable road users like motorcyclists.
Whether you're behind the wheel, on two wheels, or crossing the street, your actions matter.
A moment of carelessness can cost a life.
Let's all do our part to ensure every journey ends safely.
