The Irish Motorcyclist Association has said that car drivers are the main reason for the dangerous state of Ireland’s roads. 

So far this year, 113 people have lost their lives in road traffic crashes this year - 12 more than during the same period in 2025. 

16 of the victims were motorcyclists and the Road Safety Authority has launched a new campaign, urging drivers to look out for motorbikes when emerging from junctions. 

According to the RSA, between 2021 and 2025, 954 motorcyclists were injured and failure to observe was the primary cause of most crashes. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Irish Motorcyclist Association PRO Michael Noonan said he has had “some very good discussions” about road safety with the RSA. 

“Their latest campaign, what they've done was they actually engaged with us and took on board the points that we raised and asked to be part of their campaign,” he explained. 

“So really, for the first time, the motorcycle world actually has a bit of an impact moving forward now on the campaign that they're looking at.” 

Motorcylists in Kerry. Picture by: Alamy.com.

Mr Noonan added that the reason why motorcyclists are at such risk on the roads is because of the actions of car drivers, many of whom fail to obey the law. 

“The problem is driver behaviour,” he argued. 

“I mean, I was out on a bike yesterday, and to be honest with you, I was amazed pulling up at a junction and a guy was on a Zoom call on his car and on a laptop. 

“You see them every day, people in vehicles, shaving, driving, eating their breakfast, doing their hair, makeup, the works.

“The problem is when people get into a car, they just close off to reality.”

Mr Noonan continued that he has driven motorcycles for over half a century and that he is always “extremely careful” because he fears that “somebody's going to wipe me over”. 

“So, therefore, I'm very, very focused all the time,” he said. 

“I don't wear ear pods, I don't listen to my phone on the bike. 

“I've no distractions in any shape, form, and that's half the problem. 

“There's a huge amount of distractions in vehicles and the EU are bringing in legislation now to actually cut down on the amount of distractions in cars.”

Main image: A motorcyclist in Donegal. Picture by: Alamy.com.