The Road Safety Authority is asking drivers to keep an eye out for motor bikes.
The Communications Manager of the Road Safety Authority, Brian Farrell says that many fair-weather motorcyclists take to the roads in the summer.
The RSA is appealing to motorists to take care this August Bank Holiday weekend as more people than usual will be getting behind the wheel.
They say it is important to 'expect the unexpected', slow down, and remember that local roads are the most leathal.
Speaking to RedFM News, the RSA's Brian Farrell says five more motorcyclists have died so far this year than by the same time last year:
"To date this year, we have lost 18 motorcyclists on our roads - five more motorcyclists killed this year compared to last year. For bikers themselves to remember that you are more vulnerable on a bike, you don't have as much protection of course as you would have if you were in a car, to wear personal protection equipment. The message then for drivers is to look out for motorcyclists, especially at junctions and at intersections, and check your blind spots before you move off - motorcyclists have a low profile. It's easy to miss them".
