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Ireland's biker fatalities - highest in Europe

Motorcyclists are six times more likely to be killed on Ireland's roads than other drivers - that was the message from the National Safety Council (NSC) at the launch of its latest motorcycle safety campaign, Bike Safely.

The NSC says motorbikes represent less than 2% of licensed vehicles but motorcyclists account for 12% of road deaths.

The new TV ad aims to get motorcyclists to recognise the responsibilities they have to themselves and others. The ad portrays a motorcycle being ridden at speed on the open road - with tragic consequences for the rider and his family.

The message behind the advert is: It's not just you who crashes - the way you bike affects you and those close to you.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign NSC chairman, Eddie Shaw, said: "Between 1996 and 2003 almost 2,000 motorcycle users have been killed or seriously injured. "This equates to a motorcycle fatality rate of 1.5 per 1,000 licensed motorcycles - the highest in Europe.

"Seven out of 10 bikers have never received basic riding lessons. The need for initial practical training before being permitted to drive on a public road was identified in the government's first strategy for road safety in 1998. Eight years later we are still waiting for this life saving initiative to be introduced while an average of 20 bikers continue to be killed or injured each week."

To read the full article visit: http://www.nsc.ie/News/Title,5164,en.html