Motorists urged to remember road safety this Bank Holiday Weekend

Drivers are being cautioned to take extra care on the roads this weekend as figures show fatalities are up on this time last year. Motorcyclists are in particular being urged to exercise caution as the number of motorcycle fatalities has doubled from 3 to 6 in the past four weeks alone.

An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority are appealing to all road users to exert maximum care on the roads over the Bank Holiday Weekend and in particular, to the large numbers who will be travelling to various parts of the country.

Reducing your speed, wearing your seatbelt, not drinking and driving, being alert and concentrating fully on the task of driving, are all proven lifesavers.

64 people have lost their lives on Irish roads to date this year, this is 13 more than this date last year.

Vehicle users are reminded there will be significant enforcement activity over the coming days, targeting all road traffic breaches and in particular the key lifesaver offences.

The milder weather has brought about an increase in motorcycle traffic in recent weeks, and sadly this has been reflected in the number of fatal road traffic collisions involving motorcycles. With this in mind this Bank Holiday will focus in particular on motorcyclists and all motorcyclists are asked to make sure they are visible and always ride responsibly. Drivers are being asked also to specifically look out for them.

Motorcyclists are reminded to wear appropriate protective clothing and ensure your helmet is correctly secured. Trainers and jeans offer little protection in the event of a collision or contact with the road.

Motorcyclists are also urged to make themselves as visible as possible with the aid of a high visibility vest or bib and ride with dipped headlights on. This ensures you are doing everything you can to be seen by others.  More than half of motorcycle fatal collisions since 2011 have happened on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, typically between 12pm and 6pm.