As the warming trend continues across Alberta, more motorcyclists are hitting the road.
According to the province, more than two-thirds of collisions involving a motorcycle result in death or injury, compared with approximately one in 10 for all collisions.
Officials want everyone, whether in a car or on a bike, to be vigilant and work together to be safe this spring and summer.
“Motorcycles are smaller and sometimes less stable than other vehicles, despite their high-performance capabilities, which means they can appear where drivers do not expect them,” Minister of Transportation, Brian Mason, said. “Drivers need to be cautious when travelling near motorcycles, while motorcyclists should ride defensively and be aware of other road users nearby.”
“Ride to be seen,” Traffic Safety, Alberta Safety Council program director Mark Dobbelsteyn explained. “Don’t dart in and out of traffic as drivers may lose sight of you in their mirrors.”
Motorcycle safety facts:
– Between 2010 and 2014, 3,323 motorcycles were involved in casualty collisions. These collisions resulted in 153 deaths and 3,440 injuries.
– When motorcycles crash, their riders lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, so they are more likely to be injured or killed.
– In Alberta, motorcyclists are legally required to wear a helmet. Head injury is a leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes. A rider with a helmet is 37 per cent less likely to incur a fatal injury in a crash than a rider without a helmet.
– Replace a helmet that has been damaged and avoid buying a used one. A used helmet may have been involved in a crash and could be damaged in ways that are not obvious.
– Wearing comfortable and weather-appropriate gear provides the best comfort and allows riders to stay alert and maintain their ability to react.
– Motorcycles equipped with an Antilock Braking System (ABS) help reduce fatalities and reduce stopping distances on wet and dry surfaces.
– Motorcycles demand a high degree of skill. Proper training and preparation are essential to a safe trip.
– Riding a motorcycle requires balance, vision, reflexes and judgment – all of which are adversely affected by alcohol and drugs.
Visit Saferoads.com for more information.
