12. Daytime Riding Lights and Conspicuous Clothing

Some road safety bodies have been recommending motorcyclists to use their headlights in daytime and wear brightly coloured or reflective clothing. Firstly, the worrying implication of such advice is that it betrays a deep seated conviction that motorcyclists are in part to blame for accidents through not being sufficiently visible to other road users. This notion is doubtless fostered by the common excuse advanced by careless motorists - ' sorry I didn't see you.' One would hardly expect a guilty party to say- 'yes I saw you but I thought I'd just chance it.' Incredibly, gullible safety campaigners and some politicians are deceived by this simplistic explanation and respond by promoting precautions that burden the motorcyclist with pointless and ineffective obligations.

MAG recognise that as riders, we have our part to play through exercising caution, particularly when approaching junctions, filtering through traffic and overtaking. The possibility of a motorcyclist appearing, as if by magic, from behind other traffic, is real, and the solution to that aspect of the problem lies in caution and anticipation on the part of both the rider and the motorist.

One of the dangers associated with wearing 'conspicuous' clothing and using headlights lies in the false sense of security it may impart to the rider. The assumption that others can see you, is perhaps the most dangerous delusion from which a motorcyclist can suffer.

In many circumstances bright lights can actually disguise an object. This phenomenon has frequently been used in combat by deploying lights to hide or disguise the outline of aircraft and other vehicles of warfare. Bright lights can also distort an observer's perception of how fast a vehicle is approaching.

Many studies have been undertaken in order to determine the effect of daytime headlight laws on accident occurrence. While some have indicated a reduction in accidents for the period immediately
following the introduction of such laws, long term surveys have identified a return to the prevailing accident rate once the novelty effect of lights in daytime has worn off. An additional danger stems from the blinding effect of headlights which can leave unlit objects such as bicycles, dogs, and pedestrians comparatively invisible.

MAG is not enthusiastic about the adoption of gimmicks which distract attention from the real paths to road safety which lie with proper training, mutual care and consideration.

If compulsory daytime lights are introduced they should be for motorcycles only and not cars.

13. Behaviour of Other Road Users

Of all accidents between motorcycles and cars, two thirds are found to be primarily the fault of the car driver.

There are several interpretations of the explanation offered by motorists who commit this offence;

1. Their eyesight is defective, with limited peripheral vision being the most probable defect. 
2. The motorcycle was not in the motorist's field of vision when the latter began the manoeuvre, possibly because of obstructions. 
3. The motorist didn't bother to look. 
4. The motorist saw the motorcyclist but thought there was enough time to make the manoeuvre and used the common excuse as it doesn't sound as bad as admitting that a chance was taken. 
5. The motorist looked, the bike was within his field of vision but he failed to register its presence.

Those who urge motorcyclists to dress conspicuously or burn their headlights in daytime, tend to think that interpretation '5' is the commonest and that a motorcycle and rider provide too inconspicuous a target for the average motorist to recognise without embellishment by conspicuity aids.

MAG reject any attempt to transfer blame to the rider for a lack of
conspicuity . Motorists who are genuinely incapable of identifying normally dressed riders, should not be driving on the public roads. If motorists cannot see quarter ton motorcycles, then what chance have pedestrians, children, cyclists and domestic animals. The excuse - 'sorry mate I didn't see you,' is, in MAG's view, really a euphemism for: "Sorry mate, I didn't look"

MAG believe that in the majority of intersection accidents, the real
explanation lies between '1' and '4.' MAG recognises that the responsibility for preventing accidents must be shared and motorcyclists must ride in a way that reflects an awareness of the situation described in '2' above. It is not reasonable however, to expect that motorcyclists should travel in a manner that motorists can pull out from side turnings directly into their path, in the confidence that the bike will always stop.

It is important to the essential respect for the law on which our society depends, that justice be done and be seen to be done. There is an outrageous inconsistency in law that 'crucifies' high speed motorcyclists on empty motorways while letting off those who kill them with minor charges. When courts pursue only those convictions which are simple to achieve then they abandon their commitment to justice and undermine their credibility.

If those who draft and administer road safety law are to enjoy the respect of Irish motorcyclists they must deal in an even-handed manner, apportioning blame fairly rather than burdening the victims of offences with unreasonable requirements. They must also ensure that those whose carelessness devastates the lives of others are treated with a severity which reflects the gravity of their actions.