Extra safety measures should be taken by motorcyclists and other road users when sharing the road with motorcyclists.
Following a motorcycle too closely can distract the rider from the road leading to an accident. The 3-second following distance given to other vehicles should also be given to motorcycles because:
- Motorcycles are more agile than cars, making their movements more difficult to predict.
- They are smaller and sometimes hard to see.
- Motorcycles need a full lane width like all other vehicles.
- A good rider is constantly changing positions within a lane to increase visibility for himself and others around him and to avoid objects on the road.
Weather
Bad weather and slippery surfaces can cause greater problems for motorcycles than cars. It's recommended that you allow more following distance for motorcycles when the road surface is wet and slippery.
Proper gear
Wearing the correct gear when riding not only keeps you safe, but wearing a helmet is also the law. Check out our new radio ad - Ride to Live - about how to save your skin.
Motorcycle training
Motorcycle riding has been identified and targeted as a high-risk activity in Canada and around the world, especially among inexperienced riders. The risk of motorcycle riders sustaining injuries in a crash is almost 5 times greater than if they had been driving a passenger vehicle.
Because motorcycles offer riders little in the way of occupant protection, we encourage all motorcyclists to take a motorcycle training course. Students learn defensive riding strategies and risk awareness skills they can use in conjunction with their on-bike skills. The main benefit of practical training is that it gives motorcycle drivers a chance to gain confidence and practice riding skills in a safe, controlled environment.
Training courses
The Saskatchewan Safety Council has instructors all over the province. For more information, call the council at 306-757-3197.
Other SGI certified motorcycle training courses are available:
Maximum Training
400 Cory Road
Saskatoon, SK S7K 3J7
306-931-7638
Maximum Training website
Southeast Regional College
PO Box 5000 - 130
Estevan, SK S4A 2V6
306-634-4795
306-634-8060 (fax)
Southeast Regional College website
Trans Industrial Safety Training
339 Edson Street
Saskatoon, SK S7J 4C8
306-934-5935
306-934-5936 (fax)
transindustrial@sasktel.net
Trans Industrial Safety Training website
306-775-6042
1-800-667-8015 ext. 6042
