Speed was a contributory factor in almost half of all fatal collisions involving motorcyclists between 2008 and 2012, a new report has shown.

Furthermore, almost one-third of motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents during this time had consumed alcohol.

The fourth Pre-Crash Report from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) was presented at the RSA Annual Academic Lecture to mark the beginning of Irish Road Safety Week (October 3-9).

It revealed that between 2008 and 2012, 983 fatal collisions took place, claiming the lives of 1,077 people. Over 860 of these collisions were assessed by the RSA in order to determine what caused or contributed to them.

Of these collisions, 93 involved motorcyclists, with 96 lives lost and seven people seriously injured as a result.

Speed was a contributory factor in 49% of these 93 fatal collisions and 29% of motorcyclists had consumed alcohol prior to their collision. Among these, almost half were four times or more over the legal limit. The presence of alcohol was most commonly found in motorcyclists aged between 25 and 34.

Almost 60% of motorcyclists who had consumed alcohol prior to a fatal accident, crashed on a Sunday. The most likely time for this was between 5pm and 6pm.

Commenting on the report, RSA chief executive, Moyagh Murdock, said that while this report covers a period that saw the biggest reduction in road deaths since records began in 1959, it does highlight 'worrying behaviour' among motorcyclists.

"It's critical that those who are seasoned bikers, as well as those who are new to this mode of transport, recognise their vulnerability on the roads and take appropriate measures, such as initial and advanced training, to ensure their safety. Other road users also need to be aware of their responsibilities when sharing the roads with motorcyclists, particularly when exiting or entering a side road or turning right," she said.

Almost commenting on this issue, Garda Chief Superintendent, Aidan Reid, emphasised that motorcyclists are 'already among the most vulnerable of our road users'.

"If you're a motorcyclist, reduce your speed, wear the appropriate personal protective equipment and high visibility gear, make yourself visible to other road users and never ever drink and drive," he said.

Meanwhile, the report also revealed that just six counties - Dublin, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Galway - accounted for almost half of all fatal collisions involving motorcyclists. Furthermore, April and July were found to be the most dangerous months.

Of the 93 fatal collisions involving motorcyclists, the motorcyclist was deemed culpable in 72 collisions and part culpable in a further eight. Almost one-third of those deemed culpable had no insurance and 15% did not hold a current motorcycle licence at the time of the collision.

To see what events are planned around the country during Irish Road Safety Week, click here