A plea for drivers in Ireland to look out for motorcyclists has been issued following the deaths of 11 riders this year.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) said “a worryingly high” number of motorcyclists had been killed on the roads, including five in March alone and along with An Garda Síochána is appealing to motorists to be aware.

“As someone who tests motorcyclists and is a keen motorcyclist, I have first-hand experience of the challenges that motorcyclists face daily on the road,” said Stefan Auler, Regional Manager, Driver Testing, RSA.

“Visibility is often a factor in motorcycle crashes involving other vehicles. Because of its narrow profile, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots such as the door and roof pillars or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car like bushes, fences, and bridges.

“Drivers should always assume motorcyclists are closer than they appear. Their speed and distance are difficult to judge, especially at intersections. Look twice before turning right or left, crossing junctions and when changing lanes.”

According to provisional figures from the RSA, there were 22 motorcyclist deaths on Irish roads in 2021, representing 16% of total fatalities.  In 2021, motorcyclists represented 13% of serious injuries.

To date in 2022, there have been 11 motorcyclist fatalities – one more than the same time last year and accounting for 20% of total fatalities to date.