Sir, - The litany of advice from Brian Murphy appealing for greater care to be exercised by motorists is a brilliant piece of blaming motorists for accidents which happen to motorcyclists. Too bad then he never thought to suggest to motorcyclists, whom he states are so vulnerable, that they should:
1. Use dipped headlights during daylight to make them more visible.
2. Wear a "Sam Brown" belt even on summer days to increase their visibility.
3. Know that the Rules of the Road applies also to motor cyclists.
4. Only overtake on the right.
5. Not cross continuous white lines just to get to the front at red traffic lights.
6. Wear a crash helmet at all times when riding, a practice which should be copied by their pillion.
7. Avoid changing lanes when it involves swerving in and out through traffic.
8. Obey speed limits, particularly in built up areas, as he warns their speed is hard to judge.
There were 37 fatalities and 865 injuries to motorcyclists in two vehicle collisions in 1994. However, 44% of motor cyclists were killed in cases where the motorcycle was the only vehicle involved, accounting for 24 motor cyclists killed plus 198 injured with no other motorist's hindrance.
Sylvan Avenue,
Newcastle, Galway.