Motorcycle Safety

Spring is in the air and with the warm weather many motorcycles are coming out of the garage for the first time after a long winter break.  The Medicine Hat Police Service is asking drivers to take extra caution and watch for motorcycles, especially when making turns. 

In Alberta, between 2003 and 2007, 3,658 motorcycles were involved in casualty collisions.  These collisions resulted in 123 deaths and 3,815 injuries.  Research shows that crashes involving motorcycles tend to fall into two categories.  In urban areas, crashes most often occur at intersections involving an oncoming vehicle, typically turning left in front of a motorcycle.  In rural areas, single vehicle crashes where the motorcyclists loses control and runs off the road are more common – and these tend to occur at higher speeds and on curves.

Drivers play a large role in motorcycle safety.  On a motorcycle, a rider is vulnerable.  Be aware of motorcyclists on the road and give them the space they need.  Motorcycle riders need to concentrate on the road and make sure that the other drivers see them.  Between 2003 and 2007, almost half (45%) of the motorcyclist involved in casualty collisions committed an improper action. 

Safety tips for motorists:

• Share the road – look twice for motorcyclists at intersections or when changing lanes.
• Never underestimate the speed of a motorcycle. Their size makes their speed deceptive.

Safety tips for motorcyclists:

• Stay out of blind spots!  Make sure other drivers see you.
• Be alert at intersections.  Make eye contact with other drivers / riders before making your move.
• Protect yourself with the right gear and an approved motorcycle helmet.
• When it comes to other drivers, your speed can be easily misjudged.
• Ride defensively and make every effort to enhance your visibility.
• Be aware of what is going on behind you to avoid deadly rear end collisions.
• Showing off and speeding do not pay off.

For more information about motorcycle safety in Alberta visit the Saferoads website at www.saferoads.com/vehicles/motorcycle.html